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.”

LISTEN: Governor’s office slow to act in addressing attorney general’s misconduct

The victim in a misconduct scandal that caused former Alaska Attorney General Kevin Clarkson to resign in August says the governor’s office knew for months prior to the resignation about inappropriate texts Clarkson sent the woman.
A row of cares lines up and a medical worker in a blue suit stands by at a window

Anchorage opens pop-up COVID-19 testing sites, encourages everyone to get tested

The city is setting up pop up testing sites over the next several weeks.
assembly members stand for a pledge

Anchorage Assembly urges Dunleavy and Alaska’s delegation to do more to fight COVID-19

In a nonbinding resolution, the Anchorage Assembly voted 9-1 to ask Gov. Mike Dunleavy to implement a statewide mask mandate.

Fur Rondy organizers cancel 2021 championship sled dog race over coronavirus concerns

Organizers announced this week that it’s too risky to hold the sprint races through the city during the coronavirus pandemic. They cited concerns about race requirements and large crowds of spectators.
An Alaska Native man in a baseball cap sits at a voting booth

Alaska will have a new election system: Voters pass Ballot Measure 2

After Tuesday’s count, the more than 3,000-vote advantage that yes votes have appears to be too large to be overcome by the ballots that are left to count.

New cargo project is latest proposal for booming Anchorage airport

A firm led by the former top investment officer at the Alaska Permanent Fund is eyeing what could grow into a $500 million project to support the booming cargo shipping industry at Anchorage’s international airport.
An aerial view of a beluga and a baby beluga in gray water

Environmental groups say Pebble could threaten the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale

Conservationists are raising concerns about adding yet another stressor to an already endangered whale population — the proposed Pebble Mine.
A white man with a mustache and beard speaks at a podidum with a state of Alaska seal

New health orders add testing and quarantine mandates for some in-state travel

One order requires any traveler from the road system to rural communities to quarantine until they have a negative test result.

LISTEN: A COVID-19 vaccine is on the horizon, but Alaska faces unique challenges

There will be challenges with getting a COVID-19 vaccine to people, especially in rural areas like those in Alaska.
A red and white building

Y-K health center recommends month-long lockdown for region

The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta’s health corporation warns that the region’s rising COVID-19 surge could soon overwhelm the local health care system.
A white man in a blue zipper jacket sits at a table and speaks

Alaska governor defends virus approach amid criticism on all sides

Gov. Mike Dunleavy is walking the line between those who think he’s not doing enough to address rising case counts to those who think he’s been overreaching in his approach.

Trump administration rushes to sell oil rights in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

The official "call for nominations" launches a 30-day comment period. It will also allow the Bureau of Land Management to move forward with a lease sale, which it must announce 30 days in advance.
A man speaks at a podium

Rep. Young released from hospital and recovering from COVID-19

Congressman Young says he's on the mend, after announcing last week that he'd tested positive for COVID -19.
A skier in a blue and red white striped race uniform skis on a snowy trail with spruce trees around

Alaska’s elite nordic skiers face tough decisions on European World Cup

Some racers think the risks of racing at the sports highest level aren't worth the uncertainty of racing, or the risks of spreading - or catching - COVID-19.
A white man with glasses and a mask sits at a desk

Alaska House control unclear as Republican leader trails by 17 votes

Democrat Liz Snyder leads Republican Rep. Lance Pruitt, the leader of the Alaska House Republican minority caucus, by just 17 votes with an estimated 114 absentee ballots left to count.
Red billowy objexxt with blue rods latching onto them

Hospitalizations rise, as nearly 1,400 infections reported over the weekend

It's the second-highest daily COVID-19 tally so far during the pandemic. Saturday's count was the highest.
a person behind a podium talking to a debate moderator

Aside from tweet, U.S. Rep. Young, staff remain silent on COVID-19 diagnosis

Young’s opponent in last week’s election, Democratic Party-endorsed independent Alyse Galvin, said the Congressman’s staff could not reach him Friday when she wanted to call him to concede.
A health care provider in full personal protective equipment in a Juneau hospital room.

Across Alaska, as the pandemic sends more staff home, hospitals prepare for the worst

As coronavirus cases continue to skyrocket in the state, cracks are appearing in Alaska's fragile health care system.
An arch in the snow made from giant whale ribs

Utqiagvik passes unique punishment for violators of COVID rules

Rule breakers are required to produce a public service announcement about how to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
An envelope with a division of elections address is placed in a mailbox

Initiative to overhaul Alaska elections jumps to narrow lead after Thursday’s ballot counts

It’s not certain that the roughly 30,000 remaining uncounted ballots will follow the same trends as the ones counted Thursday. But if they do, the election initiative would win by thousands of votes.