Alaska News Nightly - Alaska Public Media

Thousands of Alaskans could lose their Medicaid benefits. Plus, Southcentral Alaska is under a flood watch this weekend.

Business leaders share the economic impact of Alaska's child care crisis. Plus, with a looming natural gas shortfall and expensive imports, are Southcentral utilities taking renewable energy seriously?

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland has a uniquely Alaskan experience during his visit. Plus, a small fire on the ferry Columbia sent some passengers to the hospital for smoke inhalation. And, a rural Alaska airline celebrates 70 years of business.

Federal officials tout funding to increase broadband access in rural Alaska. Plus, officials haven't been able to reach the site of a plane crash in Denali National Park, nearly a week after it happened.

A new report quantifies the economic impact of National Park tourism in Alaska. Plus, Petersburg joins a growing list of communities trying to solve its housing crisis. And, new signage is part of a movement to recognize Dena'ina history around Anchorage.

For Alaska's foster families, the shortage of available child care is hitting especially hard. Plus, Sitka state Sen. Bert Stedman shares a warning about the Permanent Fund Dividend.

The Air National Guard rescues two sheep hunters clinging to the side of a cliff. Plus, the U.S. Assistant Health Secretary visits Alaska to talk public health, including opioid addiction treatment.

Scientists work to understand Juneau's glacial outburst flooding. Plus, new federal funding will help salmon in Alaska cross under roadways.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visits the Port of Alaska. Plus, new wildfire smoke forecasts are popular with Interior residents.

Alaskans help out in the wake of the devastating wildfires on Maui. Plus, one woman's tragic battle with opioid addiction becomes a warning for students. And, Juneau schools and the state education department debate a federal law that determines local school funding.

A new report shows Alaska students missed school at a higher rate than in any other state. Plus, federal authorities investigate a plane crash in Denali National Park. And, school administrators struggle to find staff for a rural school on the Kenai Peninsula.

The Alaska Attorney General sues a group of car dealerships on allegations of false advertising. Plus, black cod threaten hatchery-bound chum salmon. And, humpback whales are moving into new territory — the Arctic.

Alaska wildfires have now burned over a quarter-million acres this year. Plus, fish processors announce another low price, this time for chum salmon. And, Angoon prepares for a hydro-electric project four decades in the making.

The Yukon River salmon collapse is hurting Alaskans and Canadians along the 2,000-mile river. Plus, some family treasures washed out to sea by the Juneau flood find their way back home. And endangered sea lions found shot to death have prompted a reward from authorities.

Record-breaking glacial flooding in Juneau swept away an entire house this weekend. Plus, wildfires continue to burn in the Interior.

Crews attack at least two more wildfires in Interior Alaska, with hotter, windier weather on the way. Also, black seaweed is a delicacy in Southeast Alaska, but it's getting harder to find healthy plants to harvest. And a baby walrus is settling into life at the SeaLife Center after being rescued from the North Slope.

Residents of a subdivision north of Fairbanks evacuate ahead of a fast moving wildfire. Plus, a small exodus of doctors from the Kenai Peninsula puts a strain on remaining providers. And, surfers from across the country descend on Turnagain Arm to ride the bore tide.

Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson discusses his first two years leading Alaska's largest city. Plus, rising temperatures drive increased fire activity in the Interior. And Bristol Bay fishermen call for more transparency on sockeye prices.

One veteran shares his struggle with PTSD, hoping that others might ask for help. Plus, Alaska Native regional corporations seek to have their voices heard in Washington. And, a fan favorite returns to Brooks Falls for a salmon feast.

A new state system lets sexual assault survivors track the evidence kits used in their cases. Also, as salmon disappears from the Yukon River, a program connects families with sockeye from Bristol Bay. And Bethel residents show off their vehicles at the community's first car show, each with their own story.

Lightning strikes drive an increase in fire activity. Plus, university staff in Fairbanks explore how AI can be used in the classroom.

Trident Seafoods plans a state of the art processing plant in Unalaska that will be the largest in North America. Plus, Anchorage sees historic growth in low-income housing units.

Trident Seafoods plans a state of the art processing plant in Unalaska that will be the largest in North America. Plus, Anchorage sees historic growth in low-income housing units.

The environmental review process for a large gold mine in Interior Alaska comes under scrutiny. Plus, also tonight, the state education board considers barring trans girls from girls sports.

Mayor Dave Bronson aims to fly homeless Anchorage residents to other communities. Plus, federal funding meant to combat climate change may not be enough to relocate eroding communities.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski eyes an alternative to a rematch of the 2020 election. Plus, cruise ship passengers in Southeast Alaska contribute to electric heat pumps that reduce emissions.

Head Start programs in Alaska could lose millions in federal funding, because of under enrollment. Also, the state pushes back on research that says predator control doesn't work. And young burn survivors get hooked on Alaska.

Alaska has seen a steep decline in the number of volunteer firefighters. Plus, fisheries managers discuss protections for Tanner crab off Kodiak Island.

Alaska's attorney general signs a letter supporting access to medical information about abortions in other states. Plus, summer culture camp students in Akiachak get fishing lessons on the Kuskokwim River.

Bristol Bay fishermen are planning to protest the price of sockeye. Plus, while the Lower 48 is trapped in a heat wave, much of Alaska is seeing the opposite.

A tsunami warning Saturday night startled even Southcentral residents who were not in danger. Plus, an Aleutian volcano erupted Saturday.

Alaska’s wildfire season remains at a historically low level. Plus, tourism companies in Valdez are stunned by last-minute cruise ship cancellations.

Alaskans leading diversity initiatives gauge the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action. Plus, forecasts paint a dire picture of the spendable part of the Alaska Permanent Fund.

Alaskans leading diversity initiatives gauge the Supreme Court's ruling on affirmative action. Plus, forecasts paint a dire picture of the spendable part of the Alaska Permanent Fund.

A recent court decision did little to clear up the question of when and how Anchorage officials can clear homeless camps. Plus, food prices in Kodiak are among the highest in the nation.

Sen. Dan Sullivan argues for more military spending from NATO member countries. Plus, Anchorage prepares to open a former hotel as low-income housing.

The Forest Service seeks to reverse logging damage in Southeast Alaska. Plus, younger, smaller King salmon are returning to the Kuskokwim River.

Anton McParland was unknown in Alaska when he managed Congresswoman Peltola's campaign, and now he's also her chief of staff. Also, as Anchorage grapples with sheltering unhoused residents, some officials point to simplifying zoning. And visions of a mysterious white raven around Kenai have the town talking.

Supporters of ranked choice voting in Alaska say a group trying to repeal the system has broken the law. Plus, Alaska's wildfire season is off to a historically slow start.

Fishermen in Whittier are concerned after a fire burned the fuel dock. Plus, Anchorage will not clear a homeless camp after a lawsuit challenged the city's ability to do so.

Army officials say recent efforts to provide mental health services are making a difference in Alaska. Plus, a new agency works to relieve Alaska's housing shortage.

Southeast Alaska troll fishermen will collect data to help researchers measure the impacts of climate change in the Gulf of Alaska. Plus, dip-netting grows in popularity on the Kuskokwim River.

Skyrocketing power bills have Aniak residents appealing to state regulators. Plus, health officials are worried that people reversing overdoses with Narcan and similar drugs aren't seeking medical attention.

Rail workers in Skagway consider a strike in the middle of tourist season. Plus, the Kasilof River is open for dip-netting season.

Without adequate opioid treatment programs in Alaska prisons, some are turning to the black market. Plus, federal funding will help connect Alaskans to more stable internet service.

U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan discusses youth mental health at a roundtable event in Anchorage. Plus, a fund to subsidize rural energy costs will now be managed like the permanent fund.

Tourism companies in Anchorage are welcoming visitors and hoping for a repeat performance of last summer. Plus, the project redirecting the Sterling Highway around Cooper Landing could see lengthy delays without funding from the legislature.

Legislators consider a special session to override Governor Dunleavy's budget vetoes. Plus, a new airline hopes to provide a boost to Alaska's economy.

A court ruled this morning that Southeast king salmon trollers can go fishing. Plus, Alaska leads the nation in drowning deaths, and while the state's cold water is a factor, so is human behavior.

Educators express disappointment in Governor Dunleavy's cuts to public school funding. Plus, a  national shortage of chemotherapy drugs reaches Alaska.