Alaska News Nightly - Alaska Public Media

Rural Alaska communities expand their coronavirus testing capabilities. Plus: organizations step in to feed needy families. And, a small Alaska seed company, struggles to keep up with surging demand.

Dozens of nurses work to track down people exposed to confirmed cases of coronavirus. Plus: Officials say efforts to slow the spread of the virus could be working. And, demand for grocery delivery surges in popularity.

A Ketchikan resident describes contracting and recovering from COVID-19. Plus: Alaskans flee the cities to ride out the pandemic in relative solitude. The cruise town of Skagway tries to stay afloat as the tourism industry sinks.

Economists say the impact of the COVID-19 crisis will be big and ugly in Alaska. Plus: small business owners in the state look for a financial lifeline. And, the state's largest regional airline will shut down nearly all of its operations due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Alaska National Guard mobilizes to help airlift COVID-19 patients from rural Alaska. Plus: What we can learn from Alaskans' response to the 1964 earthquake. And, some advice from a parent who home schools her children.

State health officials focus their attention on Fairbanks as they fight the spread of COVID-19. Plus: Faith leaders in Alaska get creative as they move services online. And, families settle in as students begin online coursework.

A new study shows the current "hunker down" mandate could be necessary for months. And Alaska lawmakers passed a budget that doesn't include a stimulus payment.

Ketchikan grapples with the highest rate of COVID-19 infection in the state. Plus: Small businesses in Alaska are re-tooling to manufacture supplies to help fight the outbreak. And, how to safely have fun outdoors during the pandemic.

What the massive national stimulus package means for Alaskans. Plus: Stylists and tattoo artists aren't working right now, but most don't qualify for unemployment. And, a bartender in Sitka creates a virtual experience for his customers.

Safety precautions lead to major changes in Alaska's court system, as it tries to protect people's civil rights as well as their health. Plus: coronavirus concerns force businesses that rely on summer tourism to lay off workers. And, a Petersburg resident died of COVID-19 in Seattle. His son describes what happened.

Alaska lawmakers consider legislation to help workers sidelined by the coronavirus crisis. Plus: workers traveling from Outside begin to navigate new quarantine rules in the state. And, the University of Alaska system takes another step towards degree program cuts amidst a global crisis.

The Alaska Senate passes a state budget that includes a thousand-dollar stimulus payment. Plus: Anchorage School District employees deliver thousands of meals daily to students during the coronavirus closure. And, a distillery in Fairbanks finds a new use for the barley it normally turns into vodka.

Governor Dunleavy calls for a supplemental Permanent Fund Dividend in April. Plus: University of Alaska Anchorage students pack up their dorms and move off campus. And, how to protect your mental health in a time of uncertainty.

Economists expect the coronavirus will have a significant impact the state's economy. Plus: The state says the capacity to test for COVID-19 is improving, but not perfect. And, a federal employee in Skagway says his workplace isn't safely preventing the spread of the coronavirus.

Store managers in Alaska emphasize that supply chains remain intact. Plus: Parents scramble to care for their children while all schools and many daycare centers remain closed. And, the Iditarod Sled Dog Race has a winner.