Mayowa Aina, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage

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Two boys wearing face masks look at a teacher.

Feds approve Alaska schools plan, releasing final $119 million in COVID education relief

The state will use some of that money to fund contracts that can go to organizations other than local districts to create programs or products that will help schools recover from the pandemic, help improve students' reading ability, and support career and technical readiness.
A person speaking in front of a class

Grappling with school closure and masking, Mat-Su schools hold tight to current mitigation plan

Two weeks into the school year, 11 of the district’s 46 schools had moved to requiring masking due to COVID-19 spread, according to the Mat-Su district’s dashboard, and two schools are closed.
A man talks next to a flag.

Alaska News Nightly: Friday, September 3, 2021

Governor Dunleavy dismisses calls to declare another COVID disaster declaration. And, Alaska Native Corporations see significant disparities in how COVID relief funds were allocated. Plus, Sasquatch enthusiasts gather to discuss it's possible presence in Alaska.

Alaska News Nightly: Thursday, September 2, 2021

Backers of a new statewide lottery hope it will boost COVID vaccination rates. And, Kenai residents look for solutions to worsening bluff erosion. Plus, the return of cruise ships brings Skagway's seasonal housing crisis back into view.

Alaska News Nightly: Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Alaska Health officials urge vaccination as COVID hospitalizations reach another record high. And, a Juneau artist has her beadwork featured on the hit Native TV show 'Reservation Dogs.' Plus, organizations are working to get Internet access to Alaska Native communities.

Alaska News Nightly: Tuesday, August 31, 2021

More Alaskans than ever are now hospitalized with COVID-19. And, researchers and fishermen are puzzled by extremely low chum salmon numbers. Plus, what's the history behind Juneau's famous cloud formations?

Alaska News Nightly: Monday, August 30, 2021

State and city workers in Alaska worry about inconsistent COVID policies. And, why are Ravens unearthing fish eggs from Juneau's sandy beaches. Plus, more birds in Western Alaska are dying in large numbers.
People walk through the Alaska State Fair grounds in Palmer - some masked, some not. Ferris wheel in the background

Alaska News Nightly: Friday, August 27, 2021

Authorities say a 17-year-old is responsible for this summer's arsons east of Fairbanks. And, breakthrough cases are climbing, complicating messaging on vaccines. Plus, the Alaska State Fair is packed with visitors who missed out last year.

Anchorage School District suspends multiple bus routes due to COVID-related driver shortage

Anchorage students have been going to class in-person for almost two weeks. And, until now, there haven’t been any major disruptions. But as more people are getting coronavirus in the community, the impacts are growing for school staffing. 
Several empty shelves at a grocery store.

Alaska News Nightly: Thursday, August 26, 2021

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor claims a livestock deworming medicine can help treat COVID-19. And, a COVID outbreak disrupts supply chains to Southeast. Plus, a Skagway project exchanges Butter and Eggs plants for actual butter and eggs.
A group of people, some in face masks, sit behind desks and in leather chairs in room.

Alaska News Nightly: Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Despite some public discontent, Alaska lawmakers propose a lower PFD amount than the Governor. And, a new report says the plane crash that killed 6 near Ketchikan happened in a valley with low clouds. Plus, an attempt to define "termination dust," to keep tabs on early season snow.

Alaska News Nightly: Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Healthcare professionals say their pleas for Alaskans to get vaccinated may be working. And, melting sea ice is shortening the seal hunting season in Koztebue. Plus, salmonberry harvesting in Western Alaska is happening later than normal.
smoldering debris from a fire sits in front of green spruce trees.

Alaska News Nightly: Monday, August 23, 2021

Two Rivers, east of Fairbanks, remains on high alert after an iconic local lodge burns to the ground. And, after suffering through "the blob," humpback whale populations rebound. Plus, bison reintroduced to the wild in interior Alaska are flourishing.
children playing on a playground

Bus driver shortage caused by COVID-19 disrupts service at several Mat-Su schools

The district’s busing contractor said Sunday that it didn’t have enough drivers for numerous routes because of a COVID-19 outbreak.
A woman sits in a hospital room wearing a face mask, face shield and gown.

Alaska News Nightly: Friday, August 20, 2021

Doctors across Alaska implore people to wear masks and get vaccinated. And, Alaska veterans who served in Afghanistan react to the Taliban's resurgence. Plus, lawmakers are back to debating the size of the PFD in the third special session.

Former Anchorage School Board president charged with stealing thousands from local brewing company

Elisa Vakalis has been charged with six felony counts for allegedly stealing from the Matanuska Brewing Company.
people pose for a selfie in front of a stage on a school field

Alaska News Nightly: Thursday, August 19, 2021

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.
Four people stand on the deck of a boat, posing for a photo.

Alaska News Nightly: Wednesday, August 18, 2021

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.
Students at desks.

Alaska News Nightly: Tuesday, August 17, 2021

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.

With COVID cases rising, Anchorage students head back to school

This is the third school year that’s been impacted by the pandemic, and families, teachers, and staff are optimistic that it will feel more like normal.