Top Stories

News stories, radio and TV episodes that warrant one of six spots on our homepage. The homepage is in chronological order of publication date, so stories are moved off the homepage as more are categorized “top stories.”

A woman smiles with mountains in the background

‘Plateau-ish’: Case counts are high, but has omicron peaked in Alaska?

"Nice to not see quite the same upward trajectory," Dr. Anne Zink says, though Alaska case rates still highest in U.S.
An outdoor sign for Joy Elementary School on a snowy evening

3 elementary schools to close in Fairbanks area due to low enrollment, budget challenges

The three schools that will close are Joy and Nordale elementary schools in Fairbanks and Anderson Elementary School on Eielson Air Force Base. Students will be moved to nearby elementary schools.
Red coronaviruses float around

2 Alaska infants have died of COVID, the state’s first pediatric deaths tied to the illness

Both Alaskans were infants from Southcentral Alaska. They’re the first COVID-19 deaths of any Alaskan under the age of 20 since the pandemic began, according to health officials.
Flat vector illustration depicting Coronavirus 2019-nCoV symptoms and prevention tips: checking temperature; keep surface and objects clean; keep safety distance; caution; use tissue for coughs; follow government instructions; use communication on distance for example E-learning or web conference; virus; use basics protection like gloves and surgical masks; medical staff must wear professional clothes, masks, glasses and gloves; searching for vaccine; avoid touching mouth, eyes and nose; avoid group of people; avoid travelling; wash hand with soap for at least 20 seconds; stay at home; sick person must stay at home; Coronavirus attack lungs; basic symptoms: fever, cough, sinusitis, shortness of breath.

So you’ve got COVID. Here’s what to do.

Omicron is still spreading and it's crazy contagious. Experts share seven steps to deal with an infection, protect your household from getting sick and stay sane in the process.

Alaska permafrost thaw is clue in mystery of Arctic methane explosions

Arctic methane explosions and the scientists who love to study them are the focus of the newest episode of the public television program Nova.
A white wowman speaks at a podium

Sarah Palin’s court battle with the New York Times resumes after her COVID illness

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin was back in a New York City courtroom Thursday, more than a week after the start of a trial in her libel lawsuit against The New York Times was postponed because she tested positive for COVID-19.
A white man in a red sweater leans over a bar at a restaurant.

An Anchorage restaurant operator says the pandemic is still hitting the industry hard

Uncertainty with staffing and COVID outbreaks are causing daily headaches in the industry, says restaurant operator Jack Lewis.
A rocket blasts off

A piece of space junk the size of a school bus is barreling straight toward the moon

Astronomers predict that on March 4, a piece of a rocket launched in 2015 will crash into the moon. It's believed to be first time something man-made has accidentally crashed into the moon.
A man stands at a podium with two men and a woman standing behind him

State will pay $495,000 to two psychiatrists Dunleavy fired from API

Gov. Mike Dunleavy fired the two doctors from the Alaska Psychiatric Institute for refusing to take what they deemed a political loyalty pledge.
A meeting room where many people are in masks.

Alaska House cancels regular floor session after ‘large portion’ of members exposed to COVID

House Speaker Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak, said contact tracing was ongoing and the decision was made “in an abundance of caution.”
A woman points to a stripe on a large blanket with many stripes of different colors and widths

Each row of this Kenai woman’s crochet project represents a day of COVID case data

The blanket is over 11 feet long and weighs 10 pounds. It represents more than a year of crocheting in front of the TV, watching cases spike and fall.
Man smoking cigarette and waving in sealskin hat

‘So happy’: Akiachak’s John Snyder is final musher across K300 finish line

Despite the early hour, a large crowd gathered to welcome John Snyder and his seven-dog team as he finished his race.
A woman poses in a jacket outside.

Firearms expert describes ‘extensively damaged’ bullet in murder of Sophie Sergie

Debra Gillis, with the Alaska Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory, said the bullet she examined was too mangled to match it to guns taken from the suspect.
A woman with a book open on her lap

After winning, Juneau attorney reflects on her years-long First Amendment case

A federal judge recently ruled that Gov. Dunleavy violated the First Amendment rights of a Juneau attorney he fired on the day he was sworn into office.
Two men stand behind a podium in front of a Kurka campaign sign

Alaska governor candidate Christopher Kurka chooses Paul Hueper as running mate

Hueper made news in April when his house in Homer was raided by the FBI after investigators mistakenly identified his wife as a participant in the Capitol riot.
people hold up signs that spell out "VOTE"

Alaska’s unique election year includes uncertainty about campaign contribution limits

Compared to most other states, Alaska historically had lower limits on how much an individual could give to a political candidate’s campaign. That changed last summer when a federal appeals court tossed out the state’s limit of $500 per person per year, saying it limited free speech.
A graphic of a person holding a school on their back with one person holding each side.

More than half of teachers are looking for the exits, a new national poll says

A new poll from the nation's largest teachers union finds burnout is widespread, and more educators say they're thinking about leaving.
man stands by totem pole

Why is this Tlingit totem pole in the DC suburbs? Alaska Twitter solves one man’s mystery.

In suburban Washington, D.C., stands a Tlingit totem pole. A Juneau man had to know why.
Seen from behind , a girl with a braid sits in a chair while an adult in a black shirt gives an injection in her shoulder wearing blue gloves

COVID-19 vaccine for young kids could be ready this month

zer-BioNTech is expected to file a submission for emergency use to the Food and Drug Administration for a vaccine regimen designed for use in children aged six months to five years.
A green tractor in a field in front of some spruce trees

USDA approves Alaska’s industrial hemp plan

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved Alaska’s plan to promote and regulate the production of industrial hemp. The head of the Alaska Division of Agriculture says that means Alaska farmers will be able to diversify by growing a different crop that can be made into products that are increasingly in demand here and worldwide.