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.”

New capital budget is much lower than previous budgets

State lawmakers who voted to pass the capital budget Thursday said it will help the economy. But it will provide less help than it did just a few years ago. Listen now
A man in a red fur-ruffed parka next to a man in a blue fur-ruffed parka with his arm around the other next to a banner that says 'start'

These four K300 mushers are really good friends and also each other’s top competition

Three top mushers in this year's race -- Bethel’s Pete Kaiser, Aniak’s Richie Diehl, and Willow’s Matthew Failor --are not only each other’s top competition, but also really good friends who talk all the time.
a trooper car

Wasilla bingo-hall worker followed woman home to steal her winnings, troopers say

Troopers say Big Valley Bingo employee Jeremy McMillan, 36, stole a purse containing the woman's winnings Wednesday night.

Interior announces “Readiness Project” for ANWR

The U.S. Interior Department on Thursday announced its first construction projects to prepare for oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The department says it will spend $4 million on six projects, most of them in Kaktovik. Listen now
a vote here sign in bethel

Bethel voters decide to keep the city’s alcohol laws as they are

“Alcohol has destroyed a lot of families, continues to do so,” said Nick Thompson. “So we don’t need more of it.”
A woman wearing a mask mixes a drink wbehind a bar with a TV playing on the background.

Reopening for Anchorage bars pencils out better than for restaurants. Many are giving it a go.

Most bars in Anchorage say they are planning on reopening during the first week allowed under the municipality's plan.

Alaska troopers and FBI agents raid illegal alcohol sellers in Bethel

An interagency raid surprised a number of people in Bethel Tuesday morning. According to witnesses, Alaska State Troopers and FBI agents raided several trailers at the city's trailer court. Trooper spokesperson Megan Peters says multiple search warrants were being served on those involved in illegal alcohol sales and distribution by local companies in Bethel. Download Audio

Far apart politically and geographically, lawmakers talk oil and gas taxes

The first substantial day of legislative meetings in 20 days occurred Wednesday, but the two majorities in the Legislature were far apart — and not just politically. Listen now
A line of jeeps for sale.

Inflation surges to its highest since 1990

Consumer prices were 6.2% higher in October than a year ago as inflation continues to chip away at the buying power of households across the country.

Democrats May Sue Over Voting Booth Write-In Lists

Associated Press Alaska Democrats are threatening to sue the state, alleging election officials are trying to influence the outcome of the U.S. Senate race...

Alaska House rejects constitutional amendment guaranteeing formula-based PFD

Opponents of the measure said they feared a budget crisis. Supporters said it would spur lawmakers to rewrite the PFD formula.

Three rescued by boat after LifeMed plane crashes in Unalaska

All three passengers on board have been evacuated
A man in a best and with a mustache

Alaska Legislature remains gridlocked over PFDs, with time running out in regular session

Alaska Public Media's Legislative reporter Lex Treinen has been following the action — or inaction — over the budget. He said the sticking point continues to be the size of the Permanent Fund dividend.

NTSB investigates ‘man, machine, environment’ in Friday’s plane crash near Juneau

Wreckage of a plane that went down Friday afternoon 18 miles west of Juneau was being picked up Sunday for further investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. Download Audio

3 missing persons in Sitka landslide ID’d and presumed dead

Three people are missing after heavy rain triggered a series of landslides in Sitka Tuesday morning. Governor Bill Walker plans to be in the city Wednesday to visit the affected areas.
a symbol on a buliding

Blood quantum requirement dropped for Sealaska Corporation enrollment

The change means descendants of original shareholders no longer need to prove they have one–quarter Native blood to become a shareholder, which was a requirement set by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act in 1971.
a man and woman sit at a meeting table, listening

U.S. attorney general announces $22M to help tribes respond to crime and support victims

The U.S. attorney general says he came to Alaska mainly to listen, but also to give tribes what they’ve wanted for a long time: funding to help build a strong foundation for delivering tribal justice.

Another Fairbanks Militia Leader Charged

Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks Another member of the Fairbanks militia group lead by Schaefer Cox has been charged with a crime.  Ken...
A sign reads "Nesbett Courthouse," behind the sign, pedestrians walk on the sidewalk.

Homeschool ruling is on hold — but only through the end of June, judge rules

The judge’s order denying the state’s motion for a longer stay of the ruling also clarifies key aspects of the case.

A seafood worker in Valdez has COVID-19, but state health officials don’t know how he got it

A seafood worker in Valdez has tested positive for COVID-19. But state health officials say they aren’t sure how the man, who works for Peter Pan Seafoods, contracted the virus because he has been in the state for a month, went through quarantine and has not left the city.