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.”

two people showing a gift in an office

At this mental health drop-in center in Fairbanks, members say ‘you can just be you’

The Northern Hope Center is a free, member-driven drop-in center for adults with serious mental illnesses that gives people a social safety net free from judgment.
An aerial view of the Olympic village

China’s Olympics aim to keep COVID at bay with armpit sensors, robots and more

Athletes and other attendees will be in a closed "loop" with strict rules about everything from daily testing for athletes to how spectators should respond — no cheering out loud, please!
A man and a girl stand on a river shore with boats in the background.

Federal disasters declared for 14 Alaska fisheries

The federal disaster declarations include the 2020 Kuskokwim River salmon fishery and the 2020 and 2021 Yukon River salmon fisheries.
A woman swabs someone's nose.

Alaska reports 21 COVID deaths and thousands of new cases

The new case count on Friday totaled more than 3,000, with new infections over the weekend dropping to fewer than 1,500 each day. The numbers do not include at-home test results.
a man poses for a portrait in a city area

Anchorage mayor reaches legal settlement with former chief equity officer

Mayor Dave Bronson fired Clifford Armstrong III without cause and without Assembly approval. Armstrong sued.
A person stands on a beach resort, wrecked by a tsunami

Why Tonga is opting for ‘contactless’ humanitarian aid

It's a pandemic predicament. With only 1 recorded case of COVID-19 in their island nation, Tongans are desperate for help after the volcanic eruption — but eager to keep the virus out.
A courtroom

Investigators testify about losing potential witnesses after 1993 UAF campus murder

The chaos of students taking finals and then leaving at the end of the spring semester frustrated investigators in the days after 20-year-old Sophie Sergie was found dead on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus.
Hand holding at-home COVID test

Why rapid COVID tests aren’t more accurate and how scientists hope to improve them

Recent research and anecdotes suggest some people are testing negative on rapid tests even after they have symptoms, then later testing positive. Here's what researchers think is going on.
Sea ice

How climate researchers and Juneau composers are turning data into song

Through the project, music composers will interpret glacier outburst floods, high latitude mirages and arctic sea ice changes.
Takotna

Iditarod will require COVID vaccines this year, its third pandemic-altered race

While the Iditarod is returning to a more normal 1,000-mile route this year, many other things about the sled dog race will be different due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Lawmakers in a meeting room.

Alaska legislative leaders say passing an on-time budget is a top priority this year

Some of the leaders want to see the Legislature pass a long-term plan for the state’s finances and permanent fund dividends. But they acknowledge there are significant obstacles in both the short and long term.
A woman in a white jacket speaks into a microphone

Sarah Palin tests positive for COVID, delaying defamation suit against The New York Times

The Republican’s positive test was announced in court just as jury selection was set to begin at a federal courthouse in New York City.
A snowman in a mask.

Coronavirus FAQ: What’s the risk of catching omicron outdoors?

Studies conducted prior to omicron showed that being outside greatly reduced the risk of COVID infection. Does omicron play by the same rules? Here's what experts say.
gray whales, seen from above

Groups prod feds to act on plan to save Cook Inlet beluga whales

As Cook Inlet belugas slide closer to extinction, advocates are petitioning the federal government to do more.
the outside of a multi-story building at night.

Anchorage Assembly grills water utility manager for the first time since mayor temporarily shut off fluoride

The hour-long meeting was part of the Anchorage Assembly’s investigation into how and why the city’s fluoride got briefly turned off.

Alaskans advocate for state recognition of Tribal sovereignty | Alaska Insight

What does it mean to be a sovereign tribe and what would state recognition mean for Alaska’s indigenous nations?
A woman poses in a jacket outside.

Former University of Alaska Fairbanks janitor testifies in 1993 cold-case murder trial

The first person who reported seeing the Sophie Sergie’s body was Okcha Ancheta. She testified Thursday in the trial of Steven Downs, who is charged with Sergie’s murder and sexual assault.
A man sorts fish

Past heat waves and low sea ice continued to impact Alaska’s waters in 2021

The so-called blob that brought warm surface water temperatures to the Gulf of Alaska between 2014 and 2016 has passed. But the effects are not all in the rearview mirror.
Two women hold two small children

Parents and caregivers of young children say they’ve hit pandemic rock bottom

The people who take care of and educate children under 5 years old, who are too young to be vaccinated, say they're in a special kind of hell right now.
A man behind a podium with flags on either side.

Dunleavy says work with Murkowski endures after Trump nod, and he says he stands by Zink

Dunleavy, in a wide-ranging interview, also defended the state’s chief medical officer, Dr. Anne Zink. He and Zink have been among the most visible public faces of the state’s COVID-19 response.