Federal vaccine mandate could have a far-reaching impact in Alaska. Plus, a 'turning point' in COVID-19 hospitalizations.

Also: The Anchorage Assembly postponed a vote to confirm the mayor's appointed Health Department director after accusations about his behavior in workplaces. 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, November 10. In today's newsletter: - The federal government has a large presence in Alaska, and that means the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate could have far-reaching impact. - A continued decline in Alaska COVID-19 hospitalizations is prompting optimism from the head of Alaska’s hospital association after months of high stress on health care facilities. - The Anchorage Assembly has postponed its vote to confirm Mayor Dave Bronson’s appointed Health Department director so members can discuss recent accusations about his behavior in workplaces. It's Veterans Day tomorrow, so in addition to postponing any visits to the post office or bank — and perhaps enjoying a day off — it's a day to reach out to any veterans in your life. And there are probably more than a few: Alaska is [one of four states]( where the percentage of veterans exceeds 10%. If your plans for the day include attending a ceremony or other gathering in honor of those who have served, we have [a list of events]( happening in Anchorage and Mat-Su on Thursday and into the weekend. 🌨️ Anchorage weather Anchorage has more snow to look forward to: It's likely to pick up after 9 p.m., with 1-3 inches of accumulation possible. Tonight's forecast calls for a low around 22 degrees. There’s more snow expected tomorrow, mainly before noon, with a high near 31. Here’s what else is making headlines in Alaska today. — Victoria Barber, vbarber@adn.com [From oil companies to Native corporations, vaccine mandate for federal contractors could have far-reaching impact in Alaska]( [From oil companies to Native corporations, vaccine mandate for federal contractors could have far-reaching impact in Alaska]( The mandate for federal contractors gives them no option for a testing alternative and puts federal contracts at risk if employees aren’t vaccinated. Contractors have until Jan. 4 to comply. [Read More]( [As Alaska COVID hospitalizations decline, association president says, ‘It feels like we’re at a turning point’]( [As Alaska COVID hospitalizations decline, association president says, ‘It feels like we’re at a turning point’]( “We’re feeling like the situation (in hospitals) is becoming manageable in a way that it hasn’t been in a long time,” said Jared Kosin, president and CEO of the Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association, referencing a decline in COVID-19 hospitalizations over the last week and a half. [Read More]( [Anchorage Assembly postpones confirmation vote on mayor’s Health Department director amid accusations about workplace behavior]( [Anchorage Assembly postpones confirmation vote on mayor’s Health Department director amid accusations about workplace behavior]( Emails sent to the Assembly accused Joe Gerace of retaliatory behavior, sexism and creating a demoralizing working environment, among other concerns. A Bronson administration official called the accusations false and a “character assassination.” [Read More]( [10 states including Alaska sue feds over COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers]( [10 states including Alaska sue feds over COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers]( The lawsuit filed in a federal court in Missouri contends that the vaccine requirement threatens the jobs of millions of health care workers and could “exacerbate an alarming shortage” in health care fields, particularly in rural areas where some health workers have been hesitant to get the shots. [Read More]( [Image]( [Alaska wildlife trooper to resign in plea deal for providing false information about plane purchase to Federal Aviation Administration]( When Timothy Abbott, a wildlife trooper from North Pole, removed the plane from its location at Clear Airport Alaska, the plane’s true owner reported it as stolen to troopers, the statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. [Read more]( More from the ADN [Significant snowfall forecast for Southcentral Alaska overnight Wednesday]( [Significant snowfall forecast for Southcentral Alaska overnight Wednesday]( [Read More]( [Tensions rise in GOP over infrastructure bill and whether any agreement with Biden should be tolerated]( [Tensions rise in GOP over infrastructure bill and whether any agreement with Biden should be tolerated]( [Read More]( [Loss of glaciers to warming will take a toll on world tourism, power supplies and more]( [Loss of glaciers to warming will take a toll on world tourism, power supplies and more]( [Read More]( [Prices climbed 6.2% in October over last year, the largest increase in 30 years, as inflation strains economy]( [Prices climbed 6.2% in October over last year, the largest increase in 30 years, as inflation strains economy]( [Read More]( [Anchorage Assembly certifies vote in Meg Zaletel’s defeat of recall effort]( [Anchorage Assembly certifies vote in Meg Zaletel’s defeat of recall effort]( [Read More]( The ADN relies on readers like you. 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