Jeremy Hsieh, KTOO - Juneau

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Jeremy Hsieh is the deputy managing editor of the KTOO newsroom in Juneau. He’s a podcast fiend who’s worked in journalism since high school as a reporter, editor and television producer. He ran Gavel Alaska for 360 North from 2011 to 2016, and is big on experimenting with novel tools and mediums (including the occasional animated gif) to tell stories and demystify the news. Jeremy’s an East Coast transplant who moved to Juneau in 2008.
A person's bear arms with an IV drip coming from the window

Omicron wave prompts rationing of COVID medications in Alaska

With fewer monoclonal antibody treatments available that work with the omicron variant, it's tough for Alaskans to find treatment if they find themselves sick with COVID-19.
A collapsed building.

No injuries after two buildings’ roofs collapse in Juneau

The roofs of at least two buildings in Juneau have failed, apparently due to heavy snow loads. Emergency responders confirmed both buildings were vacant.
Packages of disposable face masks for sale at a grocery store.

Juneau’s indoor mask mandate is back amid latest COVID-19 surge

People in Juneau must mask up in indoor public spaces again. Masks must also be worn in outdoor public spaces when it’s crowded. 
Sign that reads "COVID-19 Test Kits"

What Alaska’s move to more at-home COVID tests and fewer lab tests means for managing the pandemic

Home test kit results aren’t necessarily captured in state pandemic data, which impacts other public health systems officials have been using to manage the pandemic.
People stand in line outside at a ski area.

Juneau’s Eaglecrest Ski Area is having a really tough time with staffing this year

Labor shortages, especially for low-paying jobs, have been common this past year across many industries. On the mountain in Juneau, starting pay for lift operators, food service workers and others is below the state minimum wage.

COVID testing at Alaska airports to end after Jan. 31

The service is currently available at airports across the state. Earlier on in the pandemic, the state mandated testing for people coming to Alaska from out of state. At the end of April, testing became optional.
A street-level view of a road with some square five-story buildings and woman standing in a doorway on her phone

The Alaska Legislature’s Capitol complex in Juneau has grown to a fifth city block

The Juneau Community Foundation recently gifted a 24,000 square-foot building that sits kitty-corner from the Capitol to the legislature. Not everyone is happy.
W white man with a t shirt and mask and baseball cap hugs a girl wearing a red face mask with blond hair

Hundreds of Juneau kids are getting COVID shots this week. Here’s how a few of them are handling it.

“I don’t know why, but COVID reminds me of Voldemort,” said one child at a vaccine clinic in Juneau recently.
A downtown building that's under construction.

What happened to the $2M a cruise ship company offered to Juneau?

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings sent the money to a bunch of nonprofits in the communities.
Two men stand in front of a map of Alaska

Redistricting board met with skepticism during first public hearing in Juneau

Members of the state board in charge of redrawing Alaska’s legislative districts got an earful from Juneau residents Monday. It was the first in a series of public hearings around the state.
An aerial view of a town bordered by mountains and water.

Alaska Redistricting Board’s series of road shows begins this week

The state board in charge of redrawing Alaska’s legislative districts is kicking off a series of open house-style public hearings on proposed maps on Monday in Juneau.
A store window with a sign requiring masking

Juneau requires masks again as COVID-19 cases rise

Juneau emergency officials are raising the city’s COVID-19 risk level from moderate to high and mandating partial restrictions to limit the disease’s spread, effective at 12:01 a.m. Friday.
A mcDonlads building seen from the parking lot

From burgers to buildings, supply chain woes are hitting Alaska

Some Juneau food retailers say the price of some products has doubled, forcing them to pass costs on to consumers.
a bay with granite mountains in the background

Magnitude 4.4 earthquake strikes remote part of Glacier Bay National Park

A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck a remote part of Glacier Bay National Park at 12:40 p.m. Thursday. Anecdotal reports indicate no damage or injuries.

Pandemic rent relief program received applications for about 1 in every 10 Alaskans

The first phase of the federally funded program is expected to send almost a quarter of a billion dollars to landlords and utilities.
A board walk with some empty stalls nearby

Cruise company offers $10 million in ‘humanitarian relief’ to Alaska port towns

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced Tuesday that it’s donating $10 million across six Alaska port towns: Ketchikan, Juneau, Hoonah, Sitka, Skagway and Seward. They say there are 'no strings attached' to the donations.
a scientist as seen through lab shelves

Officials confirm Juneau’s first more contagious COVID variant case

Genomic sequencing has confirmed the first positive case of COVID-19 in Juneau that was caused by a variant that originated in the United Kingdom and is known to be more contagious.
a person stands in front of a giant cruise ship

Activists want voters to consider limiting cruise ship access to Juneau

Some activists in Juneau filed paperwork on Monday that could lead to local ballot questions in the fall asking voters to limit cruise ships’ access to the capital city.
Capital City Fire/Rescue career staff assemble for a pop-up clinic for COVID-19 vaccinations at the downtown fire station in Juneau on Dec. 17, 2020.

Juneau doctors’ group offers chance at cash prize with vaccination

Certain vaccine recipients getting their first dose will be entered into a drawing to win either $500 or $250.
Crowds of people at the dock next to a Holland American ship

Cruise ship emissions have short-term effect on downtown Juneau air quality, Alaska DEC says

Juneau generally has good air quality, and cruise ship emissions didn’t threaten the city’s good standing with the Environmental Protection Agency.