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This illustration provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in January 2020 shows the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. (CDC)

Health official: Alaska facing sharp surge in COVID-19 cases

Alaska has one of the highest case rates in the nation right now.

This illustration provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in January 2020 shows the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. (CDC)
In this March 12, 2020 file photo, Dr. Anne Zink, Alaska’s chief medical officer, addresses reporters at a news conference in Anchorage, Alaska. Alaska on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021, reported its highest number of new COVID-19 cases, a day after the state’s largest hospital announced it had entered crisis protocol and began rationing care. When many people become ill at the same time, it overwhelms the state’s health care system. “And then we start to see excess mortality where more people dying from other things such as heart attacks and strokes and car accidents and bear maulings or whatever else happens,” Zink said. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen, File)

Alaska records most daily COVID cases amid health care strain

By Mark Thiessen Associated Press ANCHORAGE — Alaska on Wednesday reported its highest number of new COVID-19 cases, a day after the state’s largest hospital… Continue reading

In this March 12, 2020 file photo, Dr. Anne Zink, Alaska’s chief medical officer, addresses reporters at a news conference in Anchorage, Alaska. Alaska on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021, reported its highest number of new COVID-19 cases, a day after the state’s largest hospital announced it had entered crisis protocol and began rationing care. When many people become ill at the same time, it overwhelms the state’s health care system. “And then we start to see excess mortality where more people dying from other things such as heart attacks and strokes and car accidents and bear maulings or whatever else happens,” Zink said. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen, File)
In this Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, file photo, a syringe containing a dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine sits in a container during a vaccine clinic at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska. Overwhelmed by a surge in COVID-19 patients, Providence Alaska Medical Center, Alaska’s largest hospital, on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021, implemented crisis standards of care, prioritizing resources and treatments to those patients who have the potential to benefit the most.(Loren Holmes/Anchorage Daily News via AP, Pool, File)

Alaska’s largest hospital implements crisis care standards

The emergency room is overflowing at Providence, with patients wait for hours in their cars to see a doctor for emergency care.

In this Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, file photo, a syringe containing a dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine sits in a container during a vaccine clinic at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska. Overwhelmed by a surge in COVID-19 patients, Providence Alaska Medical Center, Alaska’s largest hospital, on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021, implemented crisis standards of care, prioritizing resources and treatments to those patients who have the potential to benefit the most.(Loren Holmes/Anchorage Daily News via AP, Pool, File)
Rep. Sara Hannan, D-Juneau, speaks in her office at the Alaska State Capitol on Wednesday, March 13, 2019. Hannan apologized Sunday for saying Nazi experimentation on prisoners “produced results.” (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Alaska Democratic lawmaker apologizes after Nazi comment

JUNEAU — A member of the Alaska Legislature has apologized for saying Nazi experimentation on prisoners “produced results.” State Rep. Sara Hannan, a Democrat from… Continue reading

Rep. Sara Hannan, D-Juneau, speaks in her office at the Alaska State Capitol on Wednesday, March 13, 2019. Hannan apologized Sunday for saying Nazi experimentation on prisoners “produced results.” (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Alaska state Sens. Bert Stedman, left, and Natasha von Imhof listen during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Juneau, Alaska. Legislators are meeting in a special session, which is expected to end Tuesday. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)

PFD unsettled as special session nears end

Legislators have spent most of this year in regular or special legislative sessions, with this year’s payout unresolved.

Alaska state Sens. Bert Stedman, left, and Natasha von Imhof listen during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Juneau, Alaska. Legislators are meeting in a special session, which is expected to end Tuesday. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)
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Best Delta-8-THC Gummies To Try in 2021: 3 Brands You Can Trust

Cannabis edibles are at their peak right now. With the legalization of marijuana and more awareness of its benefits, more and more people are interested… Continue reading

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)Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Hospital vaccine mandates make sense

lLt’s run through why some people are opposed to getting vaccinated…

)Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
In this March 15, 2021, file photo, Alaska state Sen. Lora Reinbold, an Eagle River Republican, speaks to reporters in Juneau, Alaska. The Alaska state lawmaker has requested an excusal from the state Senate until mid-January, citing the challenges of traveling to Juneau after she was suspended from flying on Alaska Airlines earlier this year. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, Pool, File)

State lawmaker suspended by airline seeks Senate excusal

Republican Sen. Lora Reinbold on Thursday requested the excusal from Saturday through Jan. 15.

In this March 15, 2021, file photo, Alaska state Sen. Lora Reinbold, an Eagle River Republican, speaks to reporters in Juneau, Alaska. The Alaska state lawmaker has requested an excusal from the state Senate until mid-January, citing the challenges of traveling to Juneau after she was suspended from flying on Alaska Airlines earlier this year. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, Pool, File)
A sign at Main Street Tap and Grill on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021 alerts customers of a temporary closure due to a staff shortage and COVID-19 cases. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)

Opinion: What the pandemic taught us about crisis preparedness

History has shown that up to 25 percent of businesses that close because of disaster never reopen.

A sign at Main Street Tap and Grill on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021 alerts customers of a temporary closure due to a staff shortage and COVID-19 cases. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy, seen here at an Aug. 16, news conference, announced Thursday the state was taking steps to help Alaska’s hospitals deal with the strain of a spike in COVID-19 cases. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)

Opinion: The COVID leadership Alaska needs right now

Followers are anything but leaders.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy, seen here at an Aug. 16, news conference, announced Thursday the state was taking steps to help Alaska’s hospitals deal with the strain of a spike in COVID-19 cases. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)
Ryan Smith, South Peninsula Hospital CEO. (Photo courtesy of South Peninsula Hospital)
Ryan Smith, South Peninsula Hospital CEO. (Photo courtesy of South Peninsula Hospital)
This photo shows Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaking at a July 2020 news conference. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: More budget dishonesty

Governor’s words and actions are at odds.

This photo shows Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaking at a July 2020 news conference. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
Alaska State Troopers investigate a shooting scene on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021, at the Anchor Point Warehouse in Anchor Point, Alaska at the store on the Sterling Highway in which an Alaska State Trooper was shot. Troopers were searching for the alleged shooter, Bret Herrick, 60. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

Trooper’s gun malfunctioned in Anchor Point shooting

The shooting happened when trooper Bruce Brueggeman attempted to serve an arrest warrant.

Alaska State Troopers investigate a shooting scene on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021, at the Anchor Point Warehouse in Anchor Point, Alaska at the store on the Sterling Highway in which an Alaska State Trooper was shot. Troopers were searching for the alleged shooter, Bret Herrick, 60. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
In this Sept. 5, 2019, file photo, Meda DeWitt, left, Vic Fischer, middle, and Aaron Welterlen, leaders of an effort to recall Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy, lead about 50 volunteers in a march to the Alaska Division of Elections office in Anchorage, Alaska. The campaign aimed at recalling Alaska Gov. Dunleavy says it is ceasing that effort, with a gubernatorial election looming next year. The Recall Dunleavy group says as of Saturday, Aug. 21, it had gathered 62,373 signatures, shy of the 71,252 needed for a recall election. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen, File)

Effort to recall Alaska governor dropped after 2-year push

The group’s chair called on Alaskans to “rededicate their efforts to denying” Dunleavy another term.

In this Sept. 5, 2019, file photo, Meda DeWitt, left, Vic Fischer, middle, and Aaron Welterlen, leaders of an effort to recall Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy, lead about 50 volunteers in a march to the Alaska Division of Elections office in Anchorage, Alaska. The campaign aimed at recalling Alaska Gov. Dunleavy says it is ceasing that effort, with a gubernatorial election looming next year. The Recall Dunleavy group says as of Saturday, Aug. 21, it had gathered 62,373 signatures, shy of the 71,252 needed for a recall election. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen, File)
Alaska State Troopers logo.
Alaska State Troopers logo.
File

Letters to the Editor: Community responds to mayor’s comments

“It was deeply disappointing to hear Mayor Charlie Pierce’s comments at the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly meeting … “

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Kenai Courthouse is photographed on February 26, 2019 in Kenai, Alaska. (Clarion file)
Kenai Courthouse is photographed on February 26, 2019 in Kenai, Alaska. (Clarion file)
Alaska state Rep. Kevin McCabe, center, speaks to Reps. Laddie Shaw, left, and Ben Carpenter, right, during a break in the House floor session on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, in Juneau, Alaska. Lawmakers are meeting in special session, with the annual dividend paid to residents a key topic. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)

PFD size up for debate in legislative session

Dunleavy, in a bill outlined Thursday, proposed a payout of about $2,350.

Alaska state Rep. Kevin McCabe, center, speaks to Reps. Laddie Shaw, left, and Ben Carpenter, right, during a break in the House floor session on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, in Juneau, Alaska. Lawmakers are meeting in special session, with the annual dividend paid to residents a key topic. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)
Kelly Tshibaka addresses members of the community at Nikiski Hardware & Supply on Friday, April 9, 2021 in Nikiski, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Prosecutors vet Tshibaka fishing license case

Kelly Tshibaka received the license during an event on the Kenai River in 2019.

Kelly Tshibaka addresses members of the community at Nikiski Hardware & Supply on Friday, April 9, 2021 in Nikiski, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
In this June 1, 2001 file photo Caribou graze in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. U.S. District Judge Sharon Gleason, on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021, has thrown out the Trump administration’s approval for a massive oil project on Alaska’s North Slope, saying the federal review was flawed and didn’t include mitigation measures for polar bears. (AP Photo/File)

Trump-era oil project approvals tossed

An Anchorage judge vacated permits for ConocoPhillips’ Willow Project in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.

In this June 1, 2001 file photo Caribou graze in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. U.S. District Judge Sharon Gleason, on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021, has thrown out the Trump administration’s approval for a massive oil project on Alaska’s North Slope, saying the federal review was flawed and didn’t include mitigation measures for polar bears. (AP Photo/File)