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.”

Marijuana for sale at a dispensary in California. (Photo: Dank Depot via Flickr Creative Commons)

Pot could leave black mark on immigration cases

Federal immigration authorities issued a “policy alert” about cannabis. It's causing a stir among Alaska immigration attorneys and exposes a gulf between federal policy and Alaska values on what constitutes “good moral character.” 

Legislature considers plastic bag ban

The state legislature is considering a ban on plastic shopping bags.

Interior delays offshore drilling plan, citing judge’s decision

The Trump administration's plan to expand offshore drilling in the Arctic and throughout U.S. coastal waters is on indefinite hold.

Survey: Southeast business leaders pan Dunleavy budget priorities

A questionnaire sent to business leaders across Southeast Alaska found deep misgivings over the governor’s approach to balancing the budget.

Murkowski asks for longer Pebble comment period

The current 90-day public comment period ends on May 30. The senator wants the Army Corps of Engineers to give the public an additional 30 days to weigh in.

Anchorage School District to allow for tribal, cultural attire at graduation

During graduation in the Anchorage School District, some of the students' attire will be a little more meaningful this year. The school district recently made a change allowing students to express their cultures as they celebrate their achievement.

Two tribes, Dunleavy at odds over tribal sovereignty

Two tribes say that Gov. Mike Dunleavy and his administration aren’t doing enough to consult with their leaders on big issues facing the state.

State ends Wellpath contract to run psychiatric institute, could open up contract for bids

The company will continue to work at the facility through December. The state also has hired a contractor to study whether it makes sense to privatize API.
A white man with a brown beard sits in front of his laptop at a desk

As Capitol reporters dwindle, Alaska lawmakers grapple with rise of political blogs

The newest member of the Alaska Capitol press corps isn't your average reporter -- he once made the news for posing for photos in a Speedo. But he's one of a growing number of political bloggers who are trying to fill in gaps left by Alaska's shrinking mainstream media.

As part of Dunleavy administration directive, ADF&G considered selling its hatcheries

When Gov. Mike Dunleavy unveiled his budget proposal back in February, he also issued a directive asking departments to seek out state-owned properties that could be sold in an effort to save money.

Lawmakers strike compromise on scaling back conflict of interest restrictions

The Senate passed an earlier version of the bill, which would have repealed the conflict of interest provisions entirely. The House passed its own version. A conference committee agreed on the compromise Monday.

As his crime bills languish, Gov. Dunleavy renews the idea of a special session

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy, at a news conference Monday, again suggested he could order Alaska lawmakers into a special session unless they start advancing his batch of criminal justice bills.

Through language, a Yup’ik teacher passes on a way of life

As a child, Alice Fitka was punished for speaking her Yup'ik language in school. Since then, she's spent decades teaching it in the Western Alaska village of Tuntutuliak.

Yukon River ready for breakup

Tonight's upcoming winter snow storm for the Interior may slow down some river break-ups this month. But the Kuskokwim and Tanana Rivers have seen record early breakups this year, and it’s likely the Yukon will follow suit.

Records reveal DOT planning Berners Bay ferry terminal on Lynn Canal

The Dunleavy administration is considering a new Juneau ferry terminal 30 miles north of the existing one to accommodate the short-range of the new Alaska-class ferries. It’s part of the plan to ensure day boats can connect Juneau with Haines and Skagway.

The special ingredient inside these new gluten-free noodles? Fish, from Alaska.

The featured ingredient in the new gluten-free “protein noodles” stocked at Costco might surprise you: It’s pollock, the unassuming whitefish caught by the millions in the Bering Sea, off Alaska’s coast.
A woman poses in a jacket outside.

Maine governor approves extradition of accused UAF cold case killer to Alaska

The governor of Maine has signed a warrant allowing the extradition of a man accused of a rape and murder 26 years ago in Fairbanks.

READ: The Mueller Report, with redactions

Attorney General William Barr has released a redacted version of special counsel Robert Mueller's report on Russian interference in the 2016 election to Congress and the public.

Legislators reject six Dunleavy appointees to boards and commissions

The Alaska Legislature confirmed 82 other members to state boards and commissions during a joint session.

Alaska Legislature confirms all of Dunleavy’s commissioners

The closest votes were for Public Safety Commissioner Amanda Price and Health and Social Services Commissioner Adam Crum.