Alaska News Nightly - Alaska Public Media

Without government help, Anchorage businesses are left to manage COVID safety protocols on their own. And, subsistence fishers look to other meats after king and chum salmon runs collapse along the Yukon River. Plus, Anchorage students get a surprise concert from a homegrown rock band.

Young Cook Inlet fisherman are looking to other more profitable waters. And, more than 400 Alaskans have now died from the coronavirus. Plus, Alaskans' share their shopping plans now that the Canadian border is open.

The Lower Kuskokwim School District will pay nearly 4 million dollars to two victims of abuse. And, the school year begins in Anchorage with a sense of normalcy, except for a few things. Plus, Alaskans who waited on getting a COVID vaccine describe why they changed their minds.

Hospitals are filling up as Alaska's COVID-19 surge continues. And, Alaska's proportion of fatal small aircraft accidents is growing. Plus, an unusual polar bear sighting in Kotzebue.

While policies vary, the majority of Alaska's students will go back to school wearing masks. And, as Anchorage officials plan to increase homeless shelter capacity, some camp residents say they'd rather stay outside. Plus, an Alaska Native artist turns his grandma's stories into comic books.

The recent census shows Alaska is getting more diverse. And, with salmon scarce on the Yukon River, communities are grateful for donations from Bristol Bay. Plus, questions about alerts for elderly Alaskans who go missing.

The pilot involved in a deadly plane crash near Ketchikan last week was in another accident just weeks prior. And, the COVID-19 surge pushes some communities back into lockdown. And, parts of Alaska are seeing extra rain, but in some places it just feels that way.

Alaska has a new task force to capture missing DNA samples from people charged with certain crimes. And, the newest Miss WEIO hopes to be a role model for young Alaska Native women. Plus, the Anchorage mayor and school district diverge on masking.

How concerned should Alaskans be about breakthrough COVID cases? And, Bristol Bay processors donate thousands of pounds of salmon to Yukon River villages. Plus, a sci-fi author returns to the Wrangell stomping grounds that inspired him.

The search for answers continues after a flightseeing plane crashed near Ketchikan, killing 6. And, some Anchorage healthcare workers protest requirements to get a COVID vaccine. Plus, spurred by the pandemic, some Anchorage families find success with non-traditional education.

Five passengers and a pilot have died in a flight-seeing plane crash near Ketchikan. And, a Juneau illustrator turns virtual success into a sold out in-person show. Plus, former Alaska Zoo resident Maggie the Elephant has died.

Loud opposition to the Anchorage School District's mask policy does not sway the school board. And, new signs are going up around Anchorage featuring Dena'ina place names. Plus, criticism over cuts to free legal help for low-income Alaskans.

President Biden's Interior Department says it's reviewing the Trump Administration's ANWR leases. And, tough questions for the new Anchorage mayor's health director appointee. Plus, a trial voyage brings to Ketchikan, the largest cruise ship to visit Alaska.

What's new about this phase of the pandemic and how are Alaskans adapting? And, millions of postage stamps featuring an Alaska Native raven design enter circulation. Plus, researchers hope an orca that was stranded on Prince of Wales will rejoin its pod.

He once called COVID-19 the 'beer virus,' but now Congressman Don Young encourages vaccination. And, researchers look for lessons in Sitka's pandemic response. Plus, the University of Alaska Fairbanks geophysical institute celebrates 75 years.