Thumbs up, thumbs down

Thumbs up:

• COVID precautions: Scientific survey reveals Alaskans are masking up and listening to health experts. Keep it up.

• Vaccines: Finally, a light at the end of the tunnel. COVID vaccines are here and being administered.

• Oil and tourism: Prospects are improving for both industries, but the road to recovery is long.

• Downtown Anchorage: The ice-skating rink returns to Town Square.

Thumbs down:

• Overdoses: The already high overdose rates continue to climb in Alaska.

• Restaurants at risk: The hospitality industry continues to suffer from COVID-related challenges. Shop local, folks.

• Landslides: Historic landslides devastate Haines but can’t extinguish its community spirit.

– Sarah Erkmann Ward, Blueprint Alaska