Programs

Officials debate when and how to reopen Alaska's economy. Plus: Thousands of Alaskans depend on a cruise ship season that may not exist this summer. And, A Juneau forest guide turns a walk in the park into therapy.

Alaskans have been under orders to shelter-in-place to stop the spread of the coronavirus. But many still have questions about how coronavirus spreads. So we invited to two doctors to answer them.

This week on State of Art we're hearing from Juliana Osinchuk, founder of the award that ultimately became the Ted Stevens Young Alaskan Artist Award. Organized by the Anchorage Festival of Music, the award goes to an Alaska classical musician ready to take their next step into the professional world. We learn about the classical-music-focused award and how to apply. We also hear a track from Anchorage artist Duke Russell's musical project, the Shirt Tuckers, called "Spiritual Poptart."

This week on State of Art we have a poem from local author, Don Rearden, called "Listen and Learn." We also get a glimpse into the Anchorage Museum's virtual First Friday featuring composer Mathew Burtner and his piece "Nuiqsut Bell" for the museum's Listen Up: Northern Soundscapes series. Finally, we hear a bear story from Arctic Entries from earlier this year.

Every American institution and most aspects of everyday life are impacted by efforts to quell the spread of the coronavirus. Public schools are closed....

Inmates at a Juneau correctional center worry about the spread COVID-19. Plus: An Anchorage barber describes riding out the pandemic and his hopes for the future. And, Alaskans are getting more comfortable with telemedicine during the pandemic.

With the stress of sheltering in our homes and a daily barrage of worrisome news about the global pandemic, it’s important to find time to decompress, relax and find hope for the future.

Tension surfaces between coastal cities and the state over quarantine rules. Plus: Alaska Tribes say Native Corporations shouldn't be eligible for CARES act funding. And, putting on a comedy show during a pandemic.

Fish processors in Unalaska start up an innovative partnership with the city during the pandemic. Plus: Alaskans can still expect sport and personal use fishing this summer. And, businesses in the Denali area that depend on tourists face an uncertain future.

With limited clinic and hospital capacity, how are rural Alaska health providers preparing to assist residents who become ill?

Religious leaders find new ways to observe traditions separated by at least six feet. Plus: Fitness centers and gyms look for creative ways to reach clients from a distance. And, the class of 2020 grapples with a senior year cut short by the coronavirus.

The BP-Hilcorp deal is in danger as oil prices tank. Plus: Tribes in Bristol Bay say operating the fishery during the pandemic is too risky. And, hotels shift from vacation stays to quarantine sites.

ISER examined the negative effects of the COVID-19 on Alaska’s economy, and the numbers are stark: there are tens of thousands unemployed, and nearly 2 billion in lost state GDP. How much will federal spending help Alaskan businesses and individuals?

COVID-19 is sweeping its way across Alaska and the entire world. What are the capabilities of our hospitals? How much PPE do we have here?

Once a coronavirus hotspot, Ketchikan hopes to continue with no active cases. Plus: Denali faces the prospect of an extremely slow summer tourism season. And, families of children with special needs adapt to distance learning.

When Gov. Mike Dunleavy signed the state budget on April 7, it included funding vetoes for the university system, ferry service, Medicaid, school bond...

Rural Alaska communities expand their coronavirus testing capabilities. Plus: organizations step in to feed needy families. And, a small Alaska seed company, struggles to keep up with surging demand.

Alaska’s economy and it's businesses are facing great uncertainty amid the COVID-19 pandemic. And the non-profit industry is no exception.

Dozens of nurses work to track down people exposed to confirmed cases of coronavirus. Plus: Officials say efforts to slow the spread of the virus could be working. And, demand for grocery delivery surges in popularity.

A Ketchikan resident describes contracting and recovering from COVID-19. Plus: Alaskans flee the cities to ride out the pandemic in relative solitude. The cruise town of Skagway tries to stay afloat as the tourism industry sinks.