US House passes domestic violence bill with program expanding tribal powers in 5 Alaska villages
The Violence Against Women Act bill goes next to the Senate, where Democratic leaders say they’re eager to pass it.
‘Don’t let it fester’: Health officials encourage vaccination, vigilance as Petersburg outbreak wanes
Health officials say the virus was brought into Petersburg by travelers and spread through close contact at bars, restaurants, day cares and schools.
Gillnetters will get first shot at record-forecast of Togiak herring
The Alaska Department of Fish & Game projects a biomass of 236,700 tons — the highest forecast since 1993, when the state started to use its current forecasting method.
Gas shortage on St. Paul Island causing days-long detours for crab boats
The remote island of 375 residents has been expecting its fuel barge for more than two months, but it hasn’t arrived.
Kiana’s boys basketball team needed one more for a full squad. An 8th grade girl volunteered.
Eighth grader Fannie Williams played all of both regional tournament games for Kiana’s boys high school team.
House finance committee considers extension of COVID-19 disaster declaration
Supporters say the bill would allow health care providers to continue to offer alternate sites for screening and testing and continue to use telemedicine during the pandemic.
First talks between Biden administration and Chinese diplomats begin in Anchorage
The meeting quickly turned frosty as the two global powers sparred over human rights.
In state budget testimony, more Alaskans favor spending on state programs over cutting
Most offered support for specific state programs like the Alaska Marine Highway System and the community assistance program.
Federal COVID-19 relief dollars are coming to Alaska’s economy. Here’s where the money is going.
Money from the American Rescue Plan will come to Alaskans directly and indirectly.
COVID-19 testing will continue at Alaska Capitol; contract extended through June
Some Republican members repeatedly attempted to open a discussion of whether the council should change the COVID-19 safety policies.
Watch: Sitka Coast Guard crew rescues injured hiker on Admiralty Island
The patient was a 69-year-old man who fell while hiking near his home.
As Mat-Su vaccine appointments go unfilled, fears grow about misinformation and hesitancy
Providers say they’re increasingly worried about vaccine hesitancy in more politically conservative, road-system communities like the Mat-Su
Thieves target catalytic converters
Catalytic converters contain precious metals that have spiked in value, and the units can be sold legally and illegally for as much as a thousand dollars.
Ketchikan City Council to consider layoffs as officials reckon with cruise ship-sized hole in city budget
City officials are asking Ketchikan’s city council to consider layoffs to help close a nearly $9 million hole in the city budget.
Interest in kelp farming is on the rise in Alaska, but the infrastructure is still catching up
The interest in kelp farming is there. Lease applications nearly doubled last year, and a recent training attracted hundreds of participants.
Alaska House staff member with positive COVID-19 test is third case at state Capitol this week
House Speaker Louise Stutes wrote to House members and staff members: “Stay safe everyone and please make good decisions.”
Natural but deadly: Huge gaps in US rules for wood stove smoke exposed
The government spent millions subsidizing new wood heaters supposed to burn more cleanly. But an investigation has discovered critical flaws.
Pen pal program encourages Alaska Native youth and elders to share stories between generations
The project is meant to create a space — amidst the coronavirus pandemic — where different generations of Alaska Natives can safely connect, according to APIA Youth Services coordinator Jenna Larson.
Update: Thane Road in Juneau closed for avalanche control
Thane Road will be closed Wednesday afternoon from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. because of high natural avalanche danger.
Alaska Senate Finance Committee starts to hear public testimony on proposed state budget
While all Alaska residents can call in to any of the meetings, the committee prefers that residents from different parts of the state call in at specific times.