Tegan Hanlon, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage
Leaders of Alaska’s largest hospitals issue stark warning as COVID-19 surge continues
One Anchorage hospital has postponed non-emergency surgeries, and health care executives around the state pleaded with Alaskans to get vaccinated during an unusual news conference Tuesday.
Wave of coronavirus infections in Cordova shuts down seafood processor
The COVID spike in Cordova comes as much of Alaska experiences a sharp rise in coronavirus cases. Health officials say the latest wave of infections is mostly driven by the highly-contagious delta variant infecting unvaccinated people.
Alaska leads nation with steepest climb in coronavirus hospitalizations
According to The New York Times on Thursday evening, Alaska had the country’s fourth-highest increase in coronavirus cases over the past two weeks, and it was also the state with the steepest rise in coronavirus-related hospitalizations.
Alaska returns to high alert as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations climb
“This pandemic is clearly not over, and it is being driven primarily by people who are unvaccinated,” said Dr. Joe McLaughlin, Alaska’s state epidemiologist.
Big Anchorage restaurants say business is booming, but hiring struggle lingers
Anchorage restaurant owners say the crowds are a welcomed change after a slow start to the year and an even slower 2020. But a stubborn staffing shortage is making it difficult to keep up.
Alaska’s child care sector, essential to economic recovery, is struggling to find workers
Workforce shortages are plaguing industries across Alaska. And, some say, one of the reasons is a lack of child care. But those child care centers are struggling to hire too.
Black bear enters camper near Seward, scratches sleeping man’s leg
The bear had entered the man’s camper through an open door, said Alaska State Troopers.
After her daughter’s death by suicide at JBER, a mother presses military for reform
Carey Harris Stickford is telling the story of her daughter’s death to highlight what she sees as major lapses in the military’s response. And she wants changes to how the military handles sexual assault investigations, mental health and harassment of LGBTQ troops.
Katmai visitor has minor injuries after ‘swatted’ by bear
It’s the first time a bear has made physical contact with one of the park’s visitors since 2018.
More than 1,300 vaccine doses given at Alaska airports; half of eligible residents fully vaccinated
So far, many of the people opting to get a shot at one of the airports are Alaskans.
LISTEN: Supply shortages are rippling across Alaska. Here’s why.
Alaska's economy is crawling out of the coronavirus pandemic. And it looks a lot different now than it did 16 months ago. There are thousands of vacant jobs. Home prices are surging. And, there are some serious supply shortages.
‘Stop running!’: How this black bear diverted an Anchorage marathon
UAA's assistant athletics director ended up hopping on his bike and leading marathon runners around the black bear sow.
Summer camp is back in session in Alaska, and demand is high
But holding summer camp this year isn’t without challenges: Many programs spent months writing and rewriting protocols to keep up with the evolving pandemic. And some, like Camp Fire Alaska, the state’s largest child care provider, are struggling with staffing.
UAA gymnastics meets fundraising goal, OK’d to compete next season
But the work isn’t over. The gymnastics team will have to raise another $444,000 by next June to be reinstated for good.
Climber in critical condition after falling almost 1,000 feet on Denali
Climbers at the 17,200-foot high camp on Denali’s West Buttress route witnessed the “un-roped mountaineer take an almost 1,000-foot tumbling fall” from Denali Pass around 6 p.m. Monday.
Coronavirus pandemic leads to boom in Alaska backyard poultry sales
A growing number of Alaskans are raising their own backyard flocks. It’s a trend that gained big momentum over the past year as people spent more time at home during the pandemic.
Alaskans ages 12 to 15 could get COVID-19 vaccine as early as Wednesday
The federal Food and Drug Administration on Monday authorized use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for the age group. Now, the state is waiting for approval from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before it starts vaccinating children ages 12 to 15.
Survey: Here’s why some Alaskans are hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine
Some said they don’t think COVID-19 is that serious, while others had concerns about vaccine safety and side effects.
Eagle River man, charged in woman’s disappearance, was filmed carrying a body to his car
A surveillance camera captured Eddie Thomas Jr. carrying a body to his car in Eagle River days before his ex-girlfriend was found dead at the base of a cliff near Eklutna Lake Road, according to a newly-filed charging document.
State reports small number of ‘breakthrough’ COVID-19 cases in fully-vaccinated Alaskans
State health officials reported that one-tenth of 1% of vaccinated Alaskans tested positive for COVID-19 in February and March, and most did not have symptoms.