Claire Stremple, KTOO - Juneau
Deadly fungus threatens Alaska amphibians
It’s not always lethal, but the fungus has decimated frog populations around the world and is thought to be responsible for up to 90 extinctions. Researchers aren’t sure how it got to Alaska, but it has been observed here since the year 2000.
50 years of data show cancer still leading cause of death for Alaska Natives
A new study from Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium shows that cancer rates among Alaska Native people have gone up over the last half-century. Researchers say the data points to opportunities for prevention.
Federal health officials recommend pregnant women get COVID-19 vaccine
Pregnant women and children are considered vulnerable populations and were not included in vaccine trials. But early data from the CDC’s Vaccine Pregnancy Registry shows that there is no evidence that the vaccine cause any problems for the mother or the baby.
Alaska joins Florida in federal lawsuit over pandemic cruise ship rules
The lawsuit says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is overstepping its authority with the Conditional Sailing Order, which imposes strict COVID-19 safety precautions on the cruise industry.
New construction at Gustavus airport digs up old concerns about toxic chemicals
Contractors plan to break ground on a multimillion dollar airport project in Gustavus this month. But newly discovered toxic chemicals at the site make the state-run project more complicated, and some residents don’t think the environmental oversight goes far enough to keep them safe.
Alaska House passes resolution over Canada’s cruise ship ban
The Alaska House of Representatives passed a resolution on Wednesday that urges Congress to allow an exemption for cruise ships to bypass Canada and sail in Alaska this year.
Alaska’s billion-dollar cruise season in the balance as CDC resists industry pressure to lift restrictions
The federal government held its ground on Wednesday against calls to roll back restrictions on cruise ship sailings. In Alaska, the rapidly approaching cruise season — and its billion-dollar industry — is still at stake.
Juneau cruise line’s vaccine requirement could bring slice of normalcy for coastal communities
After the proliferation of COVID-19 vaccines in Alaska, the owners of UnCruise will require them of all passengers, which means they'll be able to safely disembark at coastal communities along the route.
More babies are being born too early in Alaska, health department says
In 2019, almost 1 in 10 births in Alaska was preterm. That’s as high as it’s been in the last two decades. Preterm birth and low birth weight can cause infant death or developmental problems.
Federal COVID-19 relief dollars are coming to Alaska’s economy. Here’s where the money’s going.
Aside from $1,400 direct payments, unemployed Alaskans, and Alaskans with children could also get a big cash boost. That could bring 12,000 Alaskan children out of poverty.
‘It’s a risk either way’: Pregnant women in Alaska grapple with vaccine decisions
Pregnant women face a dilemma: they are considered at high risk for serious medical complications from COVID-19, but the vaccines haven’t been tested on pregnant women because they’re a vulnerable population.
Lost kitten tours Juneau before good Samaritans fly her home to Haines
The owners of the cat never discovered who was the Good Samaritan who found Spot.
Haines residents are still recovering from last year’s landslides
https://youtu.be/dz5KxQ9hflc
The human toll from climate change effects in Alaska are real. The small community of Haines in Southeast Alaska experienced a deadly landslide late last year and is still coming to terms with the...
Murkowski pays virtual visit to Haines as Biden approves major disaster declaration after landslides
The senator’s visit coincided with President Joe Biden’s approval of the major disaster declaration in Southeast Alaska.
To protect her community, St. Paul mom isolated for 10 weeks before having twins in Anchorage
Alaska women who live in rural and remote communities usually travel to city centers to give birth against incredible geographical odds.
‘Most mothers don’t have to deal with this’: COVID-19 makes medical travel for pregnant women even harder
Alaska women who live in rural and remote communities usually travel to city centers to give birth — against incredible geographical odds. And now, COVID-19 has made a hard trip even more daunting.
Princess and Holland America cancel Alaska cruises through mid-May
The Centers for Disease Control still warns against sailing on cruise ships. But this season it will give local ports the authority to approve COVID-19 mitigation plans drawn up by individual cruise lines before they unload passengers.
No COVID-19 outbreak in Haines after disaster, despite evacuations and less social distancing
Relief workers poured in from around the state to assist with the Dec. 2 landslide disaster, which led to fears of an outbreak of COVID-19 at the same time.
Dunleavy budget proposes shutting down six DMV offices across Alaska
Gov. Dunleavy’s budget rolled out earlier this month proposes saving money but eliminating state jobs and lease expenses by shuttering six DMVs: Haines, Tok, Valdez, Eagle River, Homer and Delta Junction.
Dogs in hotel and goats in the aviary: Haines’ pets get care during disaster
After record-breaking storms, flooding, and landslides, human residents weren't the only ones facing emergencies and evacuations in Haines this week.