News

All news stories, regardless of topic (local, statewide + national news stories, as well as Talk of Alaska, Alaska News Nightly, Alaska Insight, Alaska Economic Report). Some news stories may also have other categories marked, which will also put them on a subpage. Not all news stories will fall into a subpage.

A man and a girl stand on a river shore with boats in the background.

Federal disasters declared for 14 Alaska fisheries

The federal disaster declarations include the 2020 Kuskokwim River salmon fishery and the 2020 and 2021 Yukon River salmon fisheries.
A woman swabs someone's nose.

Alaska reports 21 COVID deaths and thousands of new cases

The new case count on Friday totaled more than 3,000, with new infections over the weekend dropping to fewer than 1,500 each day. The numbers do not include at-home test results.
a man poses for a portrait in a city area

Anchorage mayor reaches legal settlement with former chief equity officer

Mayor Dave Bronson fired Clifford Armstrong III without cause and without Assembly approval. Armstrong sued.
A person stands on a beach resort, wrecked by a tsunami

Why Tonga is opting for ‘contactless’ humanitarian aid

It's a pandemic predicament. With only 1 recorded case of COVID-19 in their island nation, Tongans are desperate for help after the volcanic eruption — but eager to keep the virus out.
A courtroom

Investigators testify about losing potential witnesses after 1993 UAF campus murder

The chaos of students taking finals and then leaving at the end of the spring semester frustrated investigators in the days after 20-year-old Sophie Sergie was found dead on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus.
A boy gets a shot from a woman in a mask.

Line One: Alaska Coalition of BIPOC Educators advocate for vaccination

On the next installment of Alaska Public Media's Talk to your Neighbor series, members of the Alaska Coalition of BIPOC Educators discuss how they're getting the word out about vaccination in schools and in the community. 
A computer image of a large ship at a dock

Alaska’s only Arctic deep draft port will get hundreds of millions of dollars from infrastructure bill

Alaska’s congressional delegation announced on Jan. 19 that the Port of Nome will receive a quarter of a billion dollars for future construction.
Hand holding at-home COVID test

Why rapid COVID tests aren’t more accurate and how scientists hope to improve them

Recent research and anecdotes suggest some people are testing negative on rapid tests even after they have symptoms, then later testing positive. Here's what researchers think is going on.
Stacked boxes

Juneau elementary staff settle into their new teaching spaces after flood

“The beauty of coming back together, no matter the space, is that everyone wants to make it work,” Riverbend Elementary School teacher Lindsay Baranovic said.
Sea ice

How climate researchers and Juneau composers are turning data into song

Through the project, music composers will interpret glacier outburst floods, high latitude mirages and arctic sea ice changes.
Two crew men shovel a deck full of fish on board a large boat

Alaska seafood showing ‘partial recovery,’ says state seafood marketing arm

Alaska’s seafood industry is still struggling with problems brought on and exacerbated by COVID-19, like supply chain issues and mitigation costs.
Takotna

Iditarod will require COVID vaccines this year, its third pandemic-altered race

While the Iditarod is returning to a more normal 1,000-mile route this year, many other things about the sled dog race will be different due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Lawmakers in a meeting room.

Alaska legislative leaders say passing an on-time budget is a top priority this year

Some of the leaders want to see the Legislature pass a long-term plan for the state’s finances and permanent fund dividends. But they acknowledge there are significant obstacles in both the short and long term.
A woman in a white jacket speaks into a microphone

Sarah Palin tests positive for COVID, delaying defamation suit against The New York Times

The Republican’s positive test was announced in court just as jury selection was set to begin at a federal courthouse in New York City.

Community groups meet Covid vaccine hesitancy with trusted voices and accurate information

January 2022 marks the world's third year working to overcome the Coronavirus pandemic. For many different and valid reasons, people hesitate to get vaccinated....
A sign says: Bettye Davis African American Summit on COVID-19

Addressing Alaskans: Faith and fighting COVID-19

This week's episode of Addressing Alaskans features speakers from the 2021 Bettye Davis African American Summit on COVID-19. Christian religious leaders speak about the intersection of personal faith and the importance of making the choice to help push back against the pandemic.
A snowman in a mask.

Coronavirus FAQ: What’s the risk of catching omicron outdoors?

Studies conducted prior to omicron showed that being outside greatly reduced the risk of COVID infection. Does omicron play by the same rules? Here's what experts say.
a screenshot of a website

There’s now a phone line to order your free at-home COVID tests

The phone number — 1-800-232-0233 — follows the launch earlier this week of a federal website to order the tests.
People look at maps hanging on a wall.

Trial begins over challenges to Alaska redistricting plan

Following a discussion of procedural matters, the trial began with questioning of witnesses related to a case challenging the board’s decision to split conservative Eagle River into two Senate districts.
Slushy and watery roads near a gas station.

Forecasters warn of flooding and avalanches in Juneau as atmospheric river passes over Southeast Alaska

The heavy rain on top of new snow in higher elevations is also raising concerns about potential avalanches.