Tag: coronavirus
More cash aid from the state makes sense, economists say, but it may not be as simple as another PFD
Some lawmakers, led by Gov. Mike Dunleavy, say the dire, once-in-generations nature of the coronavirus pandemic requires drastic measures in response. And a number of of Alaska economists agree -- though they stress that extra spending from the Permanent Fund should done carefully, and that it comes with trade-offs.
Alaska is reopening the economy, but Anchorage protesters took to the streets anyway
City and state officials announced they were relaxing regulations on businesses, but hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Anchorage in their vehicles on Wednesday anyway for an event meant push lawmakers to speed up the reopening of the economy.
Dunleavy says Alaska is in a better position than other states to reopen some businesses
Gov. Mike Dunleavy said on Wednesday that Alaska is in a better position than other states to reopen hair salons, nail shops and tattoo parlors.
Tweak to SBA loan program could boost money flow to Alaska, congressional delegation says
Congress is about to spend bilions to replenish loan and grant programs for small businesses. This time, Abby Laing of Anchorage hopes there’s something in it for her.
CARES Act money will go to local governments, and may not make up for budget vetoes
While many communities will receive money directly from the CARES Act, budget vetoes might cost other communities more than what they receive.
Bethel prepares for flood evacuations amid COVID-19 pandemic
River forecasters say it's likely that flooding will be worse than usual this spring, and officials are scrambling to find adequate evacuation shelters.
Small cruise lines are still planning a 2020 season in Southeast Alaska, but protocols are unclear
Despite a 'no sail order' on larger cruise ship, smaller, boutique cruise lines say they are still taking bookings for the 2020 season.
Amid some confusion, Anchorage is putting protocols in place that will allow businesses to open
A discrepancy between the state and local timelines for allowing previously shuttered businesses to begin opening up is creating some confusion.
Dunleavy details plan to spend $1.25 billion in federal aid
The plan includes $300 million of relief for small businesses, through existing state loan programs.
In Alaska, the SBA gave away $7.4 million but so far just one Alaska firm has won a COVID-19 Disaster Loan
Only one Alaska business has been approved for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, and it's a big one.
Dunleavy says restaurants and other retail businesses can reopen Friday
Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced on Tuesday restaurants and other retail businesses can begin offering more services on Friday, if they follow certain health guidelines.
Ketchikan city officials want quarantine information, but the state won’t release it
Local leaders say that the state is collecting personal information on travelers entering the community, but isn't sharing it with local officials who need it in order to enforce quarantine.
New mobile prototype kills virus with heat to extend the life of critical gear
A medical group in Anchorage wants to make sure it has surge capacity if there are shortages in essential equipment like masks. So they built a large, anti-viral sauna in a trailer.
‘A lot of strange haircuts’: Alaskans are getting shaggy, creative and desperate
Many Alaskans have lowered their standards for their haircuts or gotten creative during the state-mandated closure of hair salons.
‘Putting the company almost on life support’: Cruise ship cuts devastate Alaska tourism
Alaska had planned for a record-number of cruise ship passengers this year. Then came the pandemic. Now, across cruise lines, at least 360 sailings to Alaska have been called off so far.
Sullivan defends inclusion of Alaska Native Corporations in CARES Act funding
Tribal governments, including some in Alaska, say that CARES Act funding should not be going to for-profit Alaska Native Corporations.
Bristol Bay groups want state to get tough on incoming fishery workers, including testing for coronavirus before they arrive
“If the fishery is allowed to go forward without these measures ... the consequences will be devastating and generational,” the group's letter says.
Oil prices fell to a historic low Monday. Here’s what that means for Alaska.
While crude prices have continued to plummet in recent weeks, and oil companies have announced spending cuts, Monday’s price meltdown was particularly staggering.
Alaska marijuana shops can now apply to provide curbside pickup
Alaska's Marijuana Control Board passed the regulations Friday. Lt. Gov. Keven Meyer’s office signed off on them later that evening.
Anchorage releases gradual roadmap for reopening of the economy
The document is not a timetable, but a series of public health conditions officials say they need to see in order to ease current restrictions.