Alaska now has one of the nation’s highest rates for recent COVID-19 fatalities

The state reported 21 COVID-19 deaths over the weekend. Plus: As COVID cases surge in Alaska, political strife escalates between Gov. Mike Dunleavy and his challengers. Email not displaying correctly? [View the web version]( [Anchorage Daily News]( Today's sponsor: [Today's sponsor: Northrim Bank]( Support independent reporting on what Alaskans care about most. [Subscribe today.]( Good afternoon. It’s Monday, September 27. In today's newsletter: - Alaska reports 21 COVID-19 deaths, and now has among the nation’s highest rates for recent fatalities. - Touted by some as a cure, monoclonal antibody demand is high in Alaska’s least-vaccinated places, but it’s no replacement for a vaccine. - As COVID cases surge in Alaska, political strife escalates between Gov. Mike Dunleavy and his challengers. [The head-turning Mountain Men of Alaska calendar is back for its seventh year.]( The calendar features an array of scantily-clad (or unclad) men in front of scenic Alaska backdrops doing everything from skijoring to juggling flamethrowers. ADN visual journalist Emily Mesner reports that this year’s calendar provides cutout paper clothing to make the calendar office-appropriate. ☀️ Anchorage weather Sunny with a high near 47 this afternoon. Expect mostly sunny skies for the next couple of days, along with high temperatures in the upper 40s. Here’s what else is making headlines in Alaska today. — Ryan Cunningham, rcunningham@adn.com [Alaska reports 21 COVID-19 deaths, and now has among the nation’s highest rates for recent fatalities ]( [Alaska reports 21 COVID-19 deaths, and now has among the nation’s highest rates for recent fatalities]( Health officials also reported a total of 3,878 new infections in residents between Friday and Sunday, including a near-record of 1,575 resident cases reported for Sunday. The worsening situation around the state has pushed some understaffed hospitals into crisis, as a near-record 215 people were hospitalized with the virus on Sunday. [Read More]( [Touted by some as a cure, monoclonal antibody demand is high in Alaska’s least-vaccinated places, but it’s no replacement for a vaccine]( [Touted by some as a cure, monoclonal antibody demand is high in Alaska’s least-vaccinated places, but it’s no replacement for a vaccine]( [Monoclonal antibody infusions]( have gained notice recently as they’ve been pushed by local health officials for their benefits, but some providers reported hearing from people who were seeking the treatment instead of the vaccine. Health officials say it’s no replacement for inoculation against the virus. [Read More]( [As COVID cases surge in Alaska, political strife escalates between Gov. Mike Dunleavy and his challengers]( [As COVID cases surge in Alaska, political strife escalates between Gov. Mike Dunleavy and his challengers]( While the governor has endorsed COVID-19 vaccination, he more frequently talks about it in conditional terms, saying Alaskans should consider it or talk to their doctors about it. His political opponents and independent observers see a straightforward motive: Dunleavy is running for reelection, and his supporters are more likely to be skeptical of the vaccine and public health efforts. [Read More]( [As Alaska hospitals report severe strain, Anchorage Mayor Bronson blasts their COVID-19 vaccine requirements ]( [As Alaska hospitals report severe strain, Anchorage Mayor Bronson blasts their COVID-19 vaccine requirements]( Mayor Dave Bronson claims that vaccine requirements for workers are contributing to staffing shortages at hospitals. But hospitals have said the vaccine requirements aren't causing staffing issues; the requirements are not yet in effect at Providence and Alaska Native Medical Center. [Read More]( [Why these workers from a popular Anchorage restaurant left a job they loved]( [Why these workers from a popular Anchorage restaurant left a job they loved]( The pandemic brought instability that was hard to manage for many service industry workers, and some took it as an opportunity to reassess their chosen career. That was true at Anchorage’s Bear Tooth Theatrepub and Cafe, where a core group of longtime staff left last year, despite what they described as great tips and benefits they say are rare in the industry. [Read More]( More from the ADN [Search continues Sunday for missing Crow Pass hiker]( [Search continues Sunday for missing Crow Pass hiker]( [Read More]( [After river otter attacks in Anchorage, Fish and Game is hunting for culprits]( [After river otter attacks in Anchorage, Fish and Game is hunting for culprits]( [Read More]( [Smart buoys offer hope for reducing environmental and economic damage caused by lost fishing gear]( [Smart buoys offer hope for reducing environmental and economic damage caused by lost fishing gear]( [Read More]( [World champ brutalizes Alaska fighter Lauren Murphy in UFC title bout]( [World champ brutalizes Alaska fighter Lauren Murphy in UFC title bout]( [Read More]( [Kraken released: Seattle’s new NHL team opens the preseason with a win - and the possibility of games as far afield as Alaska]( [Kraken released: Seattle’s new NHL team opens the preseason with a win — and the possibility of games as far afield as Alaska]( [Read More]( The ADN relies on readers like you. 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