Alaska News Nightly - Alaska Public Media

The number of Alaskans dying from opioid overdose is accelerating faster than anywhere in the country. Plus, a planned graphite mine draws environmental concerns from Nome residents. And, tribes in Southeast plan to open an Indigenous language and culture immersion school.

Opponents of a proposed gold mine in Western Alaska sound off about Congresswoman Peltola's flip to supporting it. Plus, lawmakers ask for time to correct a correspondence school provision ruled unconstitutional. And, school district administrators react to the release of statewide testing data.

As Russia and China look to the Arctic, the military focuses on training its Special Operations forces in Alaska. Plus, two people are presumed dead after a cargo plane crashed after take off near Fairbanks. And, Ketchikan students learn about performing arts through an Indigenous lens.

Nick Begich says he'd drop out of the race for congress if he doesn't lead the primary, but not all candidates agree with his strategy. Plus, lawmakers consider changing residency requirements for hunting and fishing licenses. And, students from Nunam Iqua continue their dominance of the Yup'ik spelling bee.

Sen. Sullivan rips the Biden administration on a pair of decisions protecting land in the Arctic from resource extraction. Plus, fisheries managers consider the impacts of the Bering Sea Pollock fleet's chum salmon bycatch. And, Spencer Woods of Shungnak wrestles for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team.

Alaska's Senators blast decisions expected from the Biden administration to block resource development in the Arctic. Plus, lawmakers contemplate how to correct a correspondence school provision recently ruled unconstitutional. And, the state plans to allow tribal police to enforce some laws in part of the Mat-Su.

Gov. Dunleavy's preferred Permanent Fund Dividend is larger than what's in the state Senate's budget. Plus, plants and animals that Alaskans harvest for food are becoming more contaminated by mircoplastics.

The Army Corps of Engineers upholds its decision halting the Pebble Mine but advocates say they'll continue to fight. Plus, Gov. Dunleavy defends a correspondence school allotment program deemed unconstitutional by a recent court decision. And, a Sitka biologist spots a species of whale rarely seen so far south.

Lawmakers react to a judge's ruling that Alaska's correspondence allotment system for students is unconstitutional. Plus, fewer Alaska children are tested for lead exposure than in other parts of the country, prompting increased testing access. And, Alaska tribes prepare to offer Indigenous tourism.

The state House rejects a constitutional amendment on the Permanent Fund Dividend. Plus, a former Alaska village public safety officer was arrested in Texas after fleeing child sex assault charges. And, mothers from Newtok share the difficulties of relocating their entire community due to climate change.