Alaska News Nightly - Alaska Public Media

Ketchikan grapples with the highest rate of COVID-19 infection in the state. Plus: Small businesses in Alaska are re-tooling to manufacture supplies to help fight the outbreak. And, how to safely have fun outdoors during the pandemic.

What the massive national stimulus package means for Alaskans. Plus: Stylists and tattoo artists aren't working right now, but most don't qualify for unemployment. And, a bartender in Sitka creates a virtual experience for his customers.

Safety precautions lead to major changes in Alaska's court system, as it tries to protect people's civil rights as well as their health. Plus: coronavirus concerns force businesses that rely on summer tourism to lay off workers. And, a Petersburg resident died of COVID-19 in Seattle. His son describes what happened.

Alaska lawmakers consider legislation to help workers sidelined by the coronavirus crisis. Plus: workers traveling from Outside begin to navigate new quarantine rules in the state. And, the University of Alaska system takes another step towards degree program cuts amidst a global crisis.

The Alaska Senate passes a state budget that includes a thousand-dollar stimulus payment. Plus: Anchorage School District employees deliver thousands of meals daily to students during the coronavirus closure. And, a distillery in Fairbanks finds a new use for the barley it normally turns into vodka.

Governor Dunleavy calls for a supplemental Permanent Fund Dividend in April. Plus: University of Alaska Anchorage students pack up their dorms and move off campus. And, how to protect your mental health in a time of uncertainty.

Economists expect the coronavirus will have a significant impact the state's economy. Plus: The state says the capacity to test for COVID-19 is improving, but not perfect. And, a federal employee in Skagway says his workplace isn't safely preventing the spread of the coronavirus.

Store managers in Alaska emphasize that supply chains remain intact. Plus: Parents scramble to care for their children while all schools and many daycare centers remain closed. And, the Iditarod Sled Dog Race has a winner.

Drive-thru COVID-19 testing begins in Anchorage for those with a doctor's referral. At the same time, thousands of laid-off restaurant workers are adjusting to an uncertain future. Also tonight: Norwegian Thomas Waerner leaves White Mountain with a big lead heading to the Iditarod finish line in Nome.

Small businesses across the state adjust to the new reality of customers staying home to avoid social contact amid coronavirus. Meantime, bar and restaurant owners in Anchorage react to the mayor's order to stop dine-in service.