Alaska News Nightly - Alaska Public Media

Backers of a new statewide lottery hope it will boost COVID vaccination rates. And, Kenai residents look for solutions to worsening bluff erosion. Plus, the return of cruise ships brings Skagway's seasonal housing crisis back into view.

Alaska Health officials urge vaccination as COVID hospitalizations reach another record high. And, a Juneau artist has her beadwork featured on the hit Native TV show 'Reservation Dogs.' Plus, organizations are working to get Internet access to Alaska Native communities.

More Alaskans than ever are now hospitalized with COVID-19. And, researchers and fishermen are puzzled by extremely low chum salmon numbers. Plus, what's the history behind Juneau's famous cloud formations?

State and city workers in Alaska worry about inconsistent COVID policies. And, why are Ravens unearthing fish eggs from Juneau's sandy beaches. Plus, more birds in Western Alaska are dying in large numbers.

Authorities say a 17-year-old is responsible for this summer's arsons east of Fairbanks. And, breakthrough cases are climbing, complicating messaging on vaccines. Plus, the Alaska State Fair is packed with visitors who missed out last year.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor claims a livestock deworming medicine can help treat COVID-19. And, a COVID outbreak disrupts supply chains to Southeast. Plus, a Skagway project exchanges Butter and Eggs plants for actual butter and eggs.

Despite some public discontent, Alaska lawmakers propose a lower PFD amount than the Governor. And, a new report says the plane crash that killed 6 near Ketchikan happened in a valley with low clouds. Plus, an attempt to define "termination dust," to keep tabs on early season snow.

Healthcare professionals say their pleas for Alaskans to get vaccinated may be working. And, melting sea ice is shortening the seal hunting season in Koztebue. Plus, salmonberry harvesting in Western Alaska is happening later than normal.

Two Rivers, east of Fairbanks, remains on high alert after an iconic local lodge burns to the ground. And, after suffering through "the blob," humpback whale populations rebound. Plus, bison reintroduced to the wild in interior Alaska are flourishing.

Doctors across Alaska implore people to wear masks and get vaccinated. And, Alaska veterans who served in Afghanistan react to the Taliban's resurgence. Plus, lawmakers are back to debating the size of the PFD in the third special session.