Mayowa Aina

Health officials continue to sound the alarm about the surge in COVID-19 cases across the country and in Alaska.

Five passengers and a pilot have died in a flight-seeing plane crash near Ketchikan. And, a Juneau illustrator turns virtual success into a sold out in-person show. Plus, former Alaska Zoo resident Maggie the Elephant has died.

The rapid spike in COVID cases in Alaska has prompted the state health department to recommend that ALL Alaskans, vaccinated or not, should again consider wearing a mask indoors to reduce transmission of the virus. But elected leaders have been hesitant to reinstate lapsed pandemic protocols. What do health officials think the next several weeks will look like and what should Alaskans do to prepare?

Loud opposition to the Anchorage School District's mask policy does not sway the school board. And, new signs are going up around Anchorage featuring Dena'ina place names. Plus, criticism over cuts to free legal help for low-income Alaskans.

Hours of public testimony from Anchorage parents against a mask mandate for the fall did not move the school board away from the superintendent’s universal masking recommendation.

President Biden's Interior Department says it's reviewing the Trump Administration's ANWR leases. And, tough questions for the new Anchorage mayor's health director appointee. Plus, a trial voyage brings to Ketchikan, the largest cruise ship to visit Alaska.

What's new about this phase of the pandemic and how are Alaskans adapting? And, millions of postage stamps featuring an Alaska Native raven design enter circulation. Plus, researchers hope an orca that was stranded on Prince of Wales will rejoin its pod.

The superintendent will present the recommendation to the school board and the board will vote on whether to implement the policy.

He once called COVID-19 the 'beer virus,' but now Congressman Don Young encourages vaccination. And, researchers look for lessons in Sitka's pandemic response. Plus, the University of Alaska Fairbanks geophysical institute celebrates 75 years.

Why a major earthquake off the coast of Alaska triggered tsunami warnings but no reports of major damage. And, how a labyrinth is helping a Fairbanks man cope with chronic pain. Plus, river erosion threatens the school building in Napakiak.