Alaska News Nightly

Lawyers argue Alaskans shouldn't need a witness to sign their ballot during a pandemic. And, needy Alaska communities get connected with fishermen unable to sell their fish. Plus, scientists say climate change is leading sea urchins to devour reefs in the Aleutian Islands.

'Palpable evidence of voter fraud' in primary election; Academic merit prioritized over financial need in state higher education programs; Anchorage attorney withdraws name from District Court Justice consideration; Weather keeps governor from pharmacy bill signing in Petersburg; Nome officer who pleaded guilty to assault is rehired by police department; Man in state custody dies at Wildwood correctional facility; Chinese buyers hesitant to buy Alaska seafood as U.S. weighs another round of tariffs; PenAir trustee promises no flight interruptions during sale of airline Listen now

As COVID circulates widely, state epidemiologists say vaccines and boosters are preventing hospitalizations. Also, a record harvest for Bristol Bay's sockeye salmon run. And a new sculpture in Fairbanks will honor the first climber to summit Denali.

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.

Five kids dead in Butte trailer home fire; Alaskan says he'll build consensus in Interior post; Sheldon Fisher selected as state Department of Revenue Commissioner; Alaska hatches plan for vast road network across the Arctic; Alaskan firefighters dispatched to battle blazes in Montana; Community members and archaeologists race against time at Nunalleq; Building community fish harvest monitors to create "change on the Kusko"; Ask a Climatologist: Fairbanks records early first freeze Listen now

Walker appoints Arctic policy advisor for D.C. office; majority Republicans worry about possible bipartisan coalition; BLM to review new ConocoPhillips project in Petroleum Reserve; Banner Helath suffers cyber attack potentially affecting millions; bringing UA under single accreditation not viable option, study finds; bill would speed Tongass-Mental Health Trust land trade; lower 48 wildfires cause Alaska firefighters to head over and help; EPA under pressure from air quality advocates in Fairbanks to address air pollution; attorneys argue for listing bearded seals as threatened; fall Yukon chum run starts stronger than anticipated; Kombi Life shows two partners traveling from South America to Alaska Listen now

Capital budget vetoes to hit homelessness, addiction treatment; Human Rights Commission quietly fires director; Circuit Court justices hears Fairbanks Four appeal; Law governing adoptions of Native children upheld; Indiana man enters not guilty pleas in Alaska murder plot; Native corporation CIRI joins voices for Dunleavy recall; Quinhagak opposes Donlin Gold Mine; Why has Bethel been so wet? It's been swimming in an atmospheric river; Road to Denali National Park re-opens; Drought increases in SE Alaska while July temps break records; Summer heat accelerates Alaska peony harvest

How an increase in short-term rentals impacts the housing market in Juneau. Bird flu has swept across the lower 48, and Alaskan biologists are on the lookout. And students test their knowledge at the tenth annual Yup'ik spelling bee.

Representative David Eastman is censured, again, for offensive comments. Coastal communities wonder what to expect as shipping increases in the Arctic. Plus Senator Lisa Murkowski pushes the state legislature for a more proactive approach.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy makes another push for higher permanent fund dividends. A bill to provide state recognition of tribes passes the House, but faces a more difficult path in the state Senate. A Bethel-raised Yup'ik musician receives national awards.