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Articles by Matt Leseman
Video: Alaska Potbelly Pig Rescue threw their piggies a birthday party
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - More than one-hundred people in Wasilla attended the birthday party celebrating around a dozen potbelly pigs. Click here to learn more about the Alaska Potbelly Pig Rescue Inc. or to adopt a pig. Copyright 2020 KTUU. All rights reserved. Latest News Updated: 5 hours ago | Hundreds gather for March on Alaska event in support of "Black Lives Matter" in downtown Anchorage Updated: Sep.
Brother Francis outbreak highlights need for rapid rehousing, providers say
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - The coronavirus pandemic has forced homeless service providers around the country to reexamine how they do their jobs, and Anchorage is no different. As Catholic Social Services continues to try and contain the outbreak at Brother Francis Shelter, they’re considering in the short term how to use CARES funds directed to them by the governor, and in the long term how to avoid a similar outbreak.
‘We’re just trying to finish out our season’ : Anchorage Racing Lions riding safety mandates to the finish line
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - The Anchorage Racing Lions motocross club has just two more races until they successfully complete their season in the midst of the pandemic. Many racers were there for trophies and victory, but all of them were grateful they could be there to compete in their sport. According to ARL President, Jason Nunn, their presence at the Kincaid Motocross Park comes with extra work and a lot of new rules.
Aspen Creek Senior Living antique car parade
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Everyone was smiling during this year’s Aspen Creek Senior Living antique car parade. The senior living center held the parade to celebrate their one year anniversary in the middle of a pandemic. But they did not let that stop them from putting on a great event for their residents followed by a performance by youth orchestra. Copyright 2020 KTUU. All rights reserved.
Scores of online music teachers emerge from the pandemic
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Times have been tough in the pandemic for both kids without going to school and musicians not going to gigs. In an age of adaptability, those musicians are figuring out a way to make some money while giving kids an extracurricular experience that virtual school might not give them through online lessons. Angela Oudean in Anchorage is one such musician. Oudean has been a professional since she was a teenager.
Bingo halls reopen, some owners question initial closure
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - It was a busy day at Tudor Bingo Friday, the first day open since the four-week reset ended, but while the tables weren’t empty, the owner, John Powers, said it’s a ways off from where it used to be. “It’s very limited,” he said. “The headcounts are at least 50% of what they would normally be.” But the lower numbers do make it a bit easier to keep a distance, as does the size of the building, 20,000 square feet.
Dine outside in a personal igloo
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Looking to dine out in a casual atmosphere? The Inlet PubHouse near downtown Anchorage has created a mini community of igloos for private dining on their lawn. Since COVID-19 was reported in Alaska, mandates have changed many times on whether patrons can sit inside or outside, and with the spread of COVID-19, some people are cautious about going out.
Proposed ordinance seeks to protect hotel worker jobs during pandemic
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - The tourism industry in Anchorage has been hit hard by the pandemic. From local tour companies to the massive hotels around the city, the sharp drop in visitors has hurt businesses and their employees. As part of an effort to relieve some of the pressure on the industry, the Anchorage Assembly has allocated $14.1 million of the Municipality’s CARES funds to go towards relief grants for businesses in the hospitality and tourism industries.
Shuttered businesses becoming more common in Anchorage
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Business owners can apply for grants by clicking here to visit the recently-launched AK Cares Program website. As many Anchorage businesses attempt to stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic, others have stopped serving customers altogether. Of the latter group, some have closed their doors only to hopefully reopen in the future. “We originally opened, I’m going to say, in April of 2016,” said Mark Harlan, owner of Marco T’s Pizzeria.
Assembly passes controversial building purchase ordinance
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - The Anchorage Assembly voted Tuesday night to pass the controversial AO 2020-66, which authorizes the municipality to move forward with the purchase of four buildings around Anchorage to be converted into homeless and addiction treatment services. The decision came after hours of debate inside the chambers, and protests outside.
DHSS report 50 new COVID-19 cases for the state
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Department of Health and Social Services reported 45 new cases of COVID-19 in Alaska residents. The new cases bring the COVID-19 total among Alaska residents to 3,821 and 768 total nonresident cases. Currently, there are 1,344 total recovered cases for both residents and non-residents and 3,219 active cases. Since March there have been 26 total deaths due to COVID-19. So far there have been 290,744 COVID-19 tests done in the state.
US Department of Treasury asks to meet with Municipality over proposed use of CARES Funds
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - The U.S. Department of Treasury Office of the Inspector General has requested a meeting with Anchorage officials regarding the Municipality’s proposed use of CARES Act funds. According to an email obtained by KTUU, which was sent to all Assembly members, Municipal Manager Bill Falsey, and Chief of Staff Jason Bockenstedt, the department received “several complaints” in regards to the proposed plan and first gathered information by speaking with the State of Alaska.
Public can weigh in on Anchorage CARES Act funding appropriations
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - The Anchorage Assembly is accepting public comment on how to appropriate CARES Act funds until 2 p.m. Tuesday. The assembly plans to vote Tuesday on how the remaining funds will be allocated, though they have six priorities including economic stimulus, family support, housing and homelessness, public health and safety, community investments, and municipal response.
Body of missing woman found in New Stuyahok
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - A body of a woman was found after she was reported missing to Alaska State Troopers over the weekend. AST says on Saturday around 10 p.m., they received a report from the village of New Stuyahok that an adult female had been missing for approximately one day. The following day troopers were notified the female was found dead in the village. AST responded and requested assistance from ABI personnel. She was identified as 25-year-old Angelina Chunak of New Stuyahok.
Restaurants resisting mayor’s order appear in court this week
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - As Anchorage enters week two of its “Four Week Reset” local restaurants that chose not to comply with the mayor’s order to close indoor dining are defending their actions in court. On Monday, Little Dipper Diner was ordered by a judge to close its indoor dining. The restaurant on Dimond Boulevard chose to open last week after Kriner’s Diner refused to close its indoor dining.
Man dies in workplace accident in Delta Junction
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Alaska State Troopers say a 36-year-old man has died following a workplace accident Saturday in Delta Junction. According to an online dispatch from AST, Trooper and EMS from Delta Junction and Fort Greely responded around 3:33 p.m. towards Hanson Road in Delta Junction for a report of a worksite heavy equipment accident.
APD searching for sexual assault suspect
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Anchorage Police are searching for a man they say is a person of interest in more than one sexual assault case where the victim was unknown to him. Police say the suspect has forced his way into several homes, and that his last known location was in the area of Peterkin Avenue and Price Street in Mountain View. The suspect is being described as a bald black man in his 20s or 30s. Police say he's approximately 6'00" tall with a medium build.
Biden vows to block Alaska mine project if elected
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said on Sunday that if he’s elected, his administration would stop a proposed copper and gold mine in Alaska’s Bristol Bay region. Deputy National Press Secretary for Joe Biden’s campaign, Matt Hill, confirmed the Democratic presidential hopeful’s comments.
Crew member of AMHS M/V LeConte tests positive for COVID-19
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - A crew member aboard the M/V LeConte has tested positive for COVID-19. Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities announced the news Monday morning. The Alaska Marine Highway System crew member recently returned home after working a two-week rotation on the M/V LeConte when the result came back.
Some coastal Alaska communities expected to see long winter ferry service gaps
JUNEAU, Alaska (KTUU) - Some coastal Alaska communities will see long gaps in ferry service this winter, according to a draft operating plan released by the Department of Transportation. The department says that Alaska Marine Highway System revenues have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. “As a result, it has become necessary to build the operating plan with minimal essential service to most communities,” a press release from DOT reads.
UPDATE: SWAT situation over at Black Angus Inn, suspect arrested
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - UPDATE: Anchorage police say 15th Avenue is open after officers were able to arrest the suspect. Police add Fairbanks Street will be re-opened once SWAT has cleared the scene. Original Story: Anchorage police say there is currently a SWAT response at Black Angus Inn. APD says at 10:26 a.m. police responded to the area in reference to a disturbance with a knife.
DHSS report 69 new COVID-19 cases among residents and one nonresident
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Department of Health and Social Services reported 69 new cases of COVID-19 in Alaska residents. The new cases bring the COVID-19 total among Alaska residents to 3,775 and 764 total nonresident cases. Currently, there are 1,332 total recovered cases for both residents and non-residents and 3,181 active cases. Since March there have been 26 total deaths due to COVID-19. So far there have been 280,343 COVID-19 tests done in the state.
‘Fill the Boot’ goes virtual for AFD this year
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - From now until the end of September, you can take part in the Anchorage Fire Department’s ‘Fill the Boot’ program. “This year is different because of COVID-19 and concerns about cross-contamination and public health, we are doing it a little differently,” said Dein Bruce, Fill the Boot Coordinator. So far, AFD has raised over $7,000 with a goal this year of $125,000.
Assembly to vote on framework for $156 million in CARES funds
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - On August 11, the Anchorage Assembly is set to vote on a proposed plan allocating the $156 million in CARES Act funds the Municipality of Anchorage received from the state. So far, roughly $30 million of those funds have already been allocated. This plan lays out what the Assembly would like to do with the rest.
Murkowski responds to failed congressional relief deal
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) says she’s disappointed that Congress could not reach an agreement to provide COVID-19 relief to Americans. President Trump took executive action this weekend to extend federal unemployment benefits, defer payroll taxes, extend moratoriums on evictions, and defer student loan payments after negotiations with Congress on a new coronavirus rescue package collapsed.
Municipality files for hearing to hold Kriner’s Diner in contempt of court
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Despite a court order to cease dine-in service, Kriner’s Diner stayed open Saturday, serving another flood of customers before closing early. The diner’s owner, Andy Kriner, declined an interview on-camera Saturday, but said that the day had gone by smoothly. He added he was considering closing the restaurant on Sunday to give his employees a break before reopening Monday.
Paying tribute to George the magpie from the Alaska zoo
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - The magpie who landed at the Alaska Zoo all those years ago passed away last month. George flew onto one of the zookeepers’ shoulders and never left. She also knew how to talk which made her so special. Copyright 2020 KTUU. All rights reserved. Latest News Channel 2 News 5:00 Report Updated: Aug. 6, 2020 at 7:36 PM AKDT | Some people won't be able to hire a babysitter or take time off of work in the fall. Updated: Aug.
Program allows some Alaska Native Vietnam vets to get land
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - A new push from the federal government will allow Alaska Natives who are veterans of the Vietnam War to apply for 160 acres of federal land in Alaska. Veterans or their survivors could be eligible if the veteran hadn't previously received the land under the 1906 Alaska Native Allotment Act. The Dingell Act from last year is allowing a five-year window for veterans or survivors to apply for land. That window should open this fall.
DHSS reports one new death and 78 new cases of COVID-19 among Alaska residents
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Department of Health and Social Services is reporting one new death and 78 new cases of COVID-19 in Alaska residents. The new cases bring the COVID-19 total among Alaska residents to 3,613 and 760 total nonresident cases. Currently, there are 1,254 total recovered cases for both residents and non-residents and 3,093 active cases.
Pizza delivery car destroyed by black bear in Juneau
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - A pizza delivery driver woke up to loud noises that he thought were from his neighbors. Instead, it was a black bear looking for a free meal. The Juneau Empire reported that Andrew Fairchild, who works for Juneau Pizza, heard the bear around 3 a.m. on Friday. That’s when he saw the black bear in his vehicle. Fairchild said there was no pizza in the car, but the bear could still smell the scent. The inside of Fairchild’s vehicle was completely destroyed.
‘I lost all trust in restrooms:’ Calif. family finds 6-foot-long snake in toilet
ELK GROVE, Calif. (KOVR/CNN) -- A California couple found a slippery surprise Friday morning when they found a six-foot-long snake in their toilet. “I lost all trust in restrooms,” Irma Zambrano said. Zambrano says her husband went to use the restroom before work when he found the six-foot-long boa constrictor. “That’s like the worst nightmare, is something coming out of the toilet,” Zambrano said.
At least 8 soldiers dead in blast outside Somali army base
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — A car bomb exploded at the gates of a military base in Somalia's capital Saturday, killing at least eight soldiers and wounding 14 others, with the toll expected to rise, police said. The al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab extremist group quickly claimed responsibility via its radio arm, Andalus. The group often targets military sites in Mogadishu and controls large parts of southern and central Somalia, with little sign of being hampered by the coronavirus pandemic. Police Capt.
KPBSD says students grades 3-12 and staff are required to wear masks or cloth face coverings
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is now requiring cloth face coverings in all Kenai Peninsula schools when 6 feet of physical distancing is not possible. Parents, visitors, and volunteers will also be required to wear cloth face coverings or masks. The announcement came from KPBSD Superintendent John O’Brien during a video posted on the school district’s Facebook.
Sidestepping Congress, Trump says he will act to deliver Americans another stimulus
THE WHITE HOUSE (Gray DC) - In a broadcast exclusive, President Donald Trump tells Gray Television Washington Bureau Chief Jacqueline Policastro he’s ready to step in to provide another stimulus to Americans struggling during the coronavirus pandemic. “The plague came in, and it’s not the people’s fault. So, we want to take care of them,” said Trump. The president said he wants to extend the $600 weekly benefit to unemployed Americans.
DHSS report 59 new cases of COVID-19 among Alaska residents
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Department of Health and Social Services is reporting no new COVID-19 deaths and 59 new cases of COVID-19 in Alaska residents. The new cases bring the COVID-19 total among Alaska residents to 3,394 and 731 total nonresident cases. Currently, there are 987 total recovered cases and 2,382 active cases.
After considering a Bear ‘Pause’ the Bear Paw Festival has been canceled
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - For the first time in its history, the Bear Paw Festival will not take place. The festival was scheduled to occur July 8-12 but was postponed until September 3, and now will not be happening at all in 2020. The decision was made after organizers felt the festival could not be held safely with rising COVID-19 cases in Alaska and the municipality. The festival is an annual event held in the summer and helps fund the Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber of Commerce.
Young Children May Spread COVID-19 More Easily than Earlier Thought
At one of Anchorage’s routine COVID-19 press conference’s, the municipal head of Disease Prevention and Control told reporters a new study had “found that young children who are symptomatic have higher viral loads in their noses than older kids or adults.” It was a u-turn from statements Dr. Bruce Chandler, a medical officer with the Municipality of Anchorage, had made the week prior citing studies that suggest young children may poses a lower infectious risk to the public than older children...
Anchorage municipal manager files to run for mayor
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - The list of candidates who intend to run for Anchorage Mayor has grown by one as Anchorage Municipal Manager Bill Falsey filled to run Monday. Falsey joins six other candidates who have already filed to run for the position, including Forrest Dunbar, Bill Evans, Eric Croft, George Martinez, Jacob Seth Kern and Nelson Jesus Godoy, according to the Alaska Public Offices Commission.
Petition seeks $2,000 stipends for parents of children in ASD while learning at home
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Following an announcement that the Anchorage School District will begin the school year with only online classes, a commissioner of one of Alaska’s state agencies started a petition calling on the district to issue stipends to parents of children who will be educated in their homes. Kelly Tshibaka, Commissioner of the Department of Administration, says that she started the petition not in her position as a commissioner, but as a mother of five children in ASD.
Some parents hiring babysitters and relatives to educate their children
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - With ongoing uncertainty surrounding school fall, some parents are turning to babysitters and relatives to help educate their children. When Shelby Furtado found out the Anchorage School District would be going online this fall, she panicked. “I just don’t have enough faith in ASD to go with that program due to the failed distance learning that we had right after spring break, that was a mess, and very disorganized and chaotic” Furtado said.
Southcentral Foundation President/CEO resigns following husband’s termination
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Southcentral Foundation President/CEO Katherine Gottlieb has resigned. The SCF Board of Directors accepted Gottlieb’s resignation, effective Aug. 31, 2020, according to a press release Monday morning. “With heartfelt thanks, we extend our deepest appreciation for the decades of service Katherine has given to Southcentral Foundation,” wrote SCF Board of Directors Chairman James Segura. “Katherine has helped nurture SCF into the world-class health care system it is today.
No dine-in at restaurants starts Monday as Anchorage begins “four week reset”
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Monday at 8 a.m. Anchorage will begin a “four week reset,” ordered by Mayor Ethan Berkowitz Friday because of a significant increase in local cases of COVID-19 and concern that the trajectory could overwhelm hospitals in September. In addition to restricting the size of gatherings, the mandate also forces restaurants, breweries, bars and night clubs to close indoor dining.
Anchorage man facing murder charges following Seattle fire
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - An Anchorage man has been jailed in lieu of $2 million dollar bail following a fatal fire in Seattle this past July. Jesse Puff, of Anchorage, was arrested in Seattle after two people injured in the fire died at Seattle’s Harborview Medical Center. Prosecutors said the fire was started in rear stairwell of a building with jugs of gasoline.
Weekend concerts draw large crowds in Palmer
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Restrictions on gatherings in Anchorage have pushed some large concerts out to the Alaska Raceway Park in the Butte. Over Friday and Saturday, hundreds gathered at the park for a series of concerts, where many chose not to wear face coverings or leave six feet of space between themselves and others.
Bear mauling on Pillar Mountain in Kodiak
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Alaska State Troopers received a report of a bear mauling on Pillar Mountain on Sunday. Kodiak Police say the man 71-year-old Donald Zimmerman of Kodiak was able to use his cell phone to call for help just before noon. AWT, Alaska State Troopers, Kodiak Police Department and EMS arrived at the scene and found Zimmerman about .5 miles off the road on a trail. Zimmerman was taken to an area hospital and is stable, according to the Troopers.
DHSS reports one new death and 61 new COVID-19 cases among residents
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Department of Health and Social Services is reporting one new COVID-19 death and 61 new cases of COVID-19 in Alaska residents. Since March there have been 25 total deaths due to COVID-19. The new cases bring the COVID-19 total among Alaska residents to 3,341 and 723 total nonresident cases. Currently, there are 946 total recovered cases and 2,370 active cases.
‘We are all experiencing this together’: Local mental health group sees a rise in calls for support
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - It’s no secret many of us are experiencing some sort of anxiety or depression during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Since March 2020 when the virus first arrived in Alaska, things have started to change. Anchorage went through a “Hunker Down” phase, then businesses reopened, only to go into a “Batten Down” phase Aug. 3. “We are certainly seeing an increase in anxiety among everybody,” Executive Director of NAMI Anchorage Jason Lessard said.
’I hope he gets the fish’, Up close and personal encounter with a brown bear
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Talk about seeing a bear up close! Mackenzie Schultz, an Alaskan resident, was on Admiralty Island in Southeast Alaska when a brown bear came running up to the group she was with. “My first thought as he approached was: I hope he gets a fish!” said Schultz. You can watch the encounter below. Schultz says she was relaxing on the bank of “a beautiful Pink salmon run creek in Kootznoowoo Wilderness on Admiralty Island” when the bear came running.
Zoos and aquariums ask Congress for COVID relief
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Zoos and aquariums are a lifeline to so many endangered species. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums says the facilities lost millions of dollars because of the coronavirus pandemic. Now they are asking Congress to step up and help them. A quick look at this small toad and you may not realize he is an endangered species.
Curbside sales and home delivery of alcohol extended in Alaska
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - With increased restrictions on building capacity and social distancing requirements, restaurants and bars in Alaska have taken big hits - during a summer season which has already seen diminished business, resulting from lower tourism levels. One solution has been the decision to take business outside. Several establishments in Anchorage have taken that route, electing to set up covered dining areas in parking lots as a way of increasing their available table space.
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