The latest Mount Marathon results, and what the delta variant means for Alaskans

Plus: Alaska's long struggle with a shortage of nurses was made worse by the pandemic. Email not displaying correctly? [View the web version]( [Anchorage Daily News]( Support independent reporting on what Alaskans care about most. [Subscribe today.]( Good afternoon. It’s Wednesday, July 7. In today's newsletter: - Seward local Hannah Lafleur repeats as champion in the Mount Marathon women's race; the men's race begins at 3 p.m. - Health officials say the COVID-19 delta variant could be cause for concern in Alaska. - The Bronson administration says it’s unlikely to finalize a deal to buy a former Alaska Club for homeless services, as the deadline to purchase it approaches. Independence Day celebrations in Alaska felt closer to normal this year, as the typical gatherings and large crowds returned. From parades to fireworks to baseball doubleheaders, there was a lot to take in this past weekend. [The Daily News has a collection of photos from Fourth of July scenes around Anchorage and Juneau]( — including a giant wooden coronavirus set ablaze. ☁️ Anchorage weather Mostly cloudy this afternoon, with a high near 61. There's a 50% chance for rain showers later today and tomorrow, with the possibility of some rain looming throughout the rest of the week. Here’s what else is making headlines in Alaska today. — Ryan Cunningham, rcunningham@adn.com [Seward celebrates a 1-2 finish by locals in women’s Mount Marathon race]( [Seward celebrates a 1-2 finish by locals in women’s Mount Marathon race]( Mount Marathon, one of the highest-profile and most popular races in Alaska, [made its return]( Wednesday after last year's pandemic-related cancellation. Seward locals topped the women's field: [Hannah Lafleur]( repeated as champion and Ruby Lindquist grabbed second place. Lafleur finished in 51 minutes, 24 seconds. Ali Papillon, a 16-year-old from Talkeetna, earned his first [Mount Marathon junior victory]( in 28:16. Seventeen-year-old Lucy Young of Anchorage won the junior girls title in her race debut in 36:29. The men's race was set to begin at 3 p.m. [Read More]( [ The COVID-19 delta variant is causing worry worldwide. Here’s the latest on Alaska’s outlook.]( [The COVID-19 delta variant is causing worry worldwide. Here’s the latest on Alaska’s outlook.]( The highly transmissible delta variant arrived in the U.S. in March and is now one of the most common strains in the country. It has been detected in more than 80 countries, and in all 50 states. Alaska health officials say they’re starting to see an uptick of delta variant cases in the state. Although vaccination continues to be a highly effective defense, the state epidemiologist says some Alaskans — including those who are higher risk or live in congregate settings — may want to consider extra precautions. [Read More]( [ Bronson administration says it’s unlikely to finalize deal to buy former Alaska Club for homeless services]( [Bronson administration says it’s unlikely to finalize deal to buy former Alaska Club for homeless services as deadline approaches]( Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson has until Friday to follow through with a $5.436 million deal to purchase the Midtown building. Bronson says that even if his administration does go through with the purchase, he is not considering it as an option for a shelter — but he is open to creating more homeless and treatment services in Midtown. The deal was set up by former Acting Mayor Austin Quinn-Davidson to create more homeless shelter beds before winter. Bronson administration officials say they will request about $15.3 million for [their own shelter proposal]( in East Anchorage. [Read More]( [Alaska has long struggled with a shortage of nurses. The pandemic made it worse.]( [Alaska has long struggled with a shortage of nurses. The pandemic made it worse.]( When the coronavirus arrived in Alaska, many nurses who were older and more susceptible to severe illness from COVID-19 opted to retire early. Some out-of-state nurses left in pursuit of higher pay or to assist in places with greater need, while others returned home to be closer to family and loved ones. Some left the profession altogether. The state's nursing shortage is predicted to worsen over time, but local health experts are hopeful about a [recent expansion of in-state education options]( for Alaskans considering a career in nursing. If you're a nurse in Alaska, we'd love to hear how the pandemic has affected you and what your biggest concerns are; you can reach reporter Annie Berman at aberman@adn.com. [Read More]( [ Curious Alaska: What happened to the man who went missing in the Mount Marathon race?]( [Curious Alaska: What happened to the man who went missing in the 2012 Mount Marathon race?]( On July 4, 2012, an Anchorage man named Michael LeMaitre was running the grueling Mount Marathon race for the first time, on a day that was especially rainy, foggy and slick. The 66-year-old was last seen about three hours into the race, climbing just shy of the turnaround point at an elevation of about 3,000 feet. He was never seen again. Nine years on, what happened to LeMaitre is still a mystery, but his disappearance prompted lasting safety changes to the way the race is run. [Read More]( More from the ADN [Captain rescued after fishing boat capsizes in Whittier]( [Captain rescued after fishing boat capsizes in Whittier]( [Read More]( [Troopers suspend search for Anchorage man who fell off boat into Big Lake]( [Troopers suspend search for Anchorage man who fell off boat into Big Lake]( [Read More]( [Rain and decreased wind help moderate wildfire threat at Chena Hot Springs]( [Rain and decreased wind help moderate wildfire threat at Chena Hot Springs]( [Read More]( [British telecom OneWeb launches final satellites needed to bring broadband network to the Arctic ]( [British telecom OneWeb launches final satellites needed to bring broadband network to the Arctic]( [Read More]( [Their neighbors called COVID-19 a hoax. Can these ICU nurses forgive them?]( [Their neighbors called COVID-19 a hoax. Can these ICU nurses forgive them?]( [Read More]( The ADN relies on readers like you. 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