Alaska News Nightly - Alaska Public Media

Drive-thru COVID-19 testing begins in Anchorage for those with a doctor's referral. At the same time, thousands of laid-off restaurant workers are adjusting to an uncertain future. Also tonight: Norwegian Thomas Waerner leaves White Mountain with a big lead heading to the Iditarod finish line in Nome.

Small businesses across the state adjust to the new reality of customers staying home to avoid social contact amid coronavirus. Meantime, bar and restaurant owners in Anchorage react to the mayor's order to stop dine-in service.

The Anchorage School District says it will keep feeding students during its coronavirus closure. Plus: The last great race mushes on through a global pandemic. And, local skiers return to Anchorage after the World Cup races in Quebec are cancelled.

Governor Dunleavy issues a disaster declaration in advance of the arrival of the coronavirus. Plus: how a rookie musher learned he had just a few days to prepare for the Iditarod. And, a cruise ship is headed to Juneau early, prompting some tough discussions about the coronavirus.

State officials say preparation can slow the spread of coronavirus when it gets to Alaska. Plus: hear from an Anchorage resident whose parents have been stuck on that coronavirus cruise ship in California. And, weakening migratory bird protections could have a significant impact for species in Alaska.

Governor Dunleavy tries to reassure Alaskans as the coronavirus upends the global economy. Plus: Training dogs as a rookie Iditarod musher. And, a Wrangell basketball player finally gets a chance to play after spending years on the bench.

Health officials say the state has enough tests for coronavirus. Plus: Doctors in Alaska say people should not panic over the virus. And, the Southeast community of Tenakee Springs tries to cope without ferry service.

State officials continue to prepare for the arrival of coronavirus cases. Plus: new research studies how women participate differently in Alaska's fisheries. And, a pilot program that increased lunch and recess time at several Anchorage elementary schools could have national implications.

Some Alaska lawmakers praise the Governor after the House passes a state budget. Plus: Anchorage stores see products fly off the shelves over coronavirus concerns. And, a new exhibit explores the early effort by Alaskan women to fight for the vote.

A top executive at the Denali Commission faces several civil rights complaints from female employees. Plus: the killing of a polar bear in Kaktovik raises issues around how animals and humans share a changing environment. And, Iditarod CEO Rob Urbach talks concerns and values of the race.

The Recall Dunleavy campaign begins signature gathering. Plus: A senate bill that will commemorate a tragedy moves forward. And, researchers struggle to explain why the Cook Inlet beluga whale population continues to decline.

Concerns for Alaska's economy as the coronavirus hammers the stock market. Plus:the University of Alaska president addresses the system's future. And, how an Anchorage barbershop combines haircuts and community building.

While the ferry system remains at a standstill, costs to the state and private citizens go up. Plus: The Anchorage Assembly tries to reckon with housing segregation that resulted from decades-old "restrictive covenants." And, a grocery store in Ketchikan may be out of business after an early morning rock slide damaged much of the building.

Banks around the world say they won't finance new oil and gas projects in the Arctic. Plus: An investigation uncovers dozens of illegal and stolen firearms. And, the village of Noorvik grapples with a lack of safety officers.

The University of Alaska Anchorage proposes widespread eliminations or suspensions of academic programs. Plus: Communities along the stalled marine highway struggle to pump their septic systems without pump trucks. And, how computer modeling of the weather is struggling with the "polar vortex."