Mayowa Aina, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage
Alaska News Nightly: Monday, August 16, 2021
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.
Majority of Alaska students will start the school year under universal mask policies
A comparison of mask policies from school districts around the state show the majority of districts, urban and rural, have implemented universal mask policies for the start of the school year.
Alaska News Nightly: Friday, August 13, 2021
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.
Alaska News Nightly: Thursday, August 12, 2021
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.
Alaska News Nightly: Wednesday, August 11, 2021
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.
The pandemic forced these families to try new education formats. Now, they want to stick with it.
While some families who tried homeschooling last year hated it, others were introduced to a more customizable format that they’d like to keep exploring.
Alaska News Nightly: Tuesday, August 10, 2021
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.
Anchorage mayor, school district spar over face masks
Dueling social media posts show the leader of Alaska’s largest city and Alaska’s largest school district are at odds over masking school children.
Alaska News Nightly: Monday, August 9, 2021
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.
Alaska News Nightly: Friday, August 6, 2021
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.
Delta variant arrives in Y-K Delta with high percentage of breakthrough cases
Health officials continue to sound the alarm about the surge in COVID-19 cases across the country and in Alaska.
Alaska News Nightly: Thursday, August 5, 2021
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.
LISTEN: Addressing the COVID delta variant spike in Alaska
The rapid spike in COVID cases in Alaska has prompted the state health department to recommend that ALL Alaskans, vaccinated or not, should again consider wearing a mask indoors to reduce transmission of the virus. But elected leaders have been hesitant to reinstate lapsed pandemic protocols. What do health officials think the next several weeks will look like and what should Alaskans do to prepare?
Alaska News Nightly: Wednesday, August 4, 2021
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.
Outbursts, tears and jeers don’t sway Anchorage School Board from mask mandate
Hours of public testimony from Anchorage parents against a mask mandate for the fall did not move the school board away from the superintendent’s universal masking recommendation.
Alaska News Nightly: Tuesday, August 3, 2021
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.
Alaska News Nightly: Monday, August 2, 2021
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.
Anchorage School District, University of Alaska recommend masking for school year
The superintendent will present the recommendation to the school board and the board will vote on whether to implement the policy.
Alaska News Nightly: Friday, July 30, 2021
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.
Alaska News Nightly: Thursday, July 29, 2021
Why a major earthquake off the coast of Alaska triggered tsunami warnings but no reports of major damage. And, how a labyrinth is helping a Fairbanks man cope with chronic pain. Plus, river erosion threatens the school building in Napakiak.