The state Section of Epidemiology published preliminary data this week showing that Alaska’s suicide rate hasn’t gone up in the first three quarters of 2020, though unintentional drug overdoses are continuing an upward trend from previous years.
Kavitha George, KTOO
Seasonal cannery worker tests positive for COVID-19 in Cordova
The city of Cordova announced its first positive case of COVID-19 on Wednesday. The infected individual is an Ocean Beauty cannery worker who had recently traveled through Seattle and Anchorage, according to Mayor Clay Koplin.
Alaska Municipal League predicts up to $250M hit to local government revenues
The Alaska Municipal League predicts the COVID-19 pandemic will cost municipalities $200 million to $250 million in revenues, with the loss of tourism and other impacted industries.
Kodiak Island has its first confirmed case of coronavirus
Kodiak Public Health Nurse Elsa DeHart confirmed the case appeared in town, not in one of Kodiak’s six outlying villages. The state COVID-19 database shows the patient is male, between the ages of 20 and 29.
Legal advocates warn about uptick in domestic violence during pandemic
The confined living situations introduced by the pandemic — while necessary for slowing the spread of COVID-19 — can increase the likelihood of domestic violence for some Alaskans.
Endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales continue to decline, and scientists aren’t sure why
In 2008, Cook Inlet beluga whales were listed as endangered. Their numbers still continue to drop: There are fewer than 300 today, and they’re steadily declining.
Kodiak Island spaceport preparing to launch satellite for DARPA challenge
Project managers say the challenge encourages rocket designs that are flexible, upgradeable and ready to go in a short period of time.
A second ‘Blob’ marine heat wave has disappeared, but the warming trend will continue, scientists say
The first “Blob” decimated fisheries, caused a mass seabird die-off and spurred toxic algal blooms up and down the coast. As Alaska braced for the second heat wave, it disappeared — at least for now.
Gulf of Alaska cod appears likely to lose key sustainability label
Climate change is threatening Alaska’s longstanding reputation for sustainable fisheries. In just a few months, Gulf of Alaska cod may be losing its blue sticker.
Extremely low cod numbers lead feds to close the Gulf of Alaska fishery for the first time
In an unprecedented response to historically low numbers of Pacific cod, the federal cod fishery in the Gulf of Alaska is closing for the 2020 season.