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.”

Bright skies and noon golden hour sun shines through tree branches heavy with snow.

Ways to celebrate winter solstice in Anchorage

It’s the darkest day of the year. Each day ahead, until summer solstice, will get a little bit longer.
a woman with a dog team

COVID-19 pushed Alaska’s death rate higher and life expectancy lower in 2021

The report documented noticeable increases in alcohol-related and drug-related fatalities in 2021.
flooding around a series of homes

‘Unusual for sure’: Excessive rain triggers flood warning in Unalaska

The city has closed several roads and public buildings.
a sepia portrait of two men positing for a photograph

‘Black Lives in Alaska’ highlights more than 150 years of African American history in the Last Frontier

Author and historian Ian Hartman says while most of early Alaska history focuses on territorial days and the Klondike Gold Rush, Black people have lived and worked in the region long before.
a meteor in the night sky

Intense meteor brightens Southcentral Alaska’s winter solstice

The winter solstice may be short on sunlight, but Alaskans saw a different kind of illumination Wednesday from a falling meteor widely seen across Southcentral Alaska.
An older white man in a tan suit, a woman in a black blouse and a white man in a grey suit and red tie speak at a table in front of microphones

Anchorage’s ousted muni manager says work environment was toxic

Amy Demboski thinks the mayor fired her because she wrote out concerns about municipal agencies repeatedly overstepping their legal authority.
a virtual courtroom

Rep. Eastman isn’t just an Oath Keeper but also supported their cause on Jan. 6, opposing attorney argues

Eastman intended "to be part of the insurrection on Jan. 6," a lawyer trying to disqualify the legislator said.
a polar bear cub

Alaska Zoo takes in orphaned Prudhoe Bay polar bear cub

After its capture and transport to Anchorage, the cub weighed in slightly underweight at 103 pounds. The cub is being treated at the zoo, and is not on public display.
a grocery store

With thousands waiting, state says food stamp backlog won’t improve any time soon

As Alaskans choose between paying bills and buying food, Alaska's health commissioner says a months-long food stamp backlog won't improve any time soon.
a boat with buoys on the side

Nearly 3 years after deadly sinking, debris from the Scandies Rose finds its way to a family in Kodiak

“When I touched those buoys it was like getting a hug from my brother," said Gerry Cobban Knagin.
A woman poses in front of books

The Anchorage Public Library finally has a confirmed director

Unlike Mayor Bronson’s past picks, veteran librarian Virginia McClure has a strong library background and the Assembly’s confidence.

Alaska’s first Miss America, Emma Broyles, reflects on her year in the spotlight

Broyles became a statewide sensation after she became the first Alaskan and the first Korean American named Miss America last year. 
a woman poses for a photo, in a blue jacket

Alaska projects in $1.7 trillion bill have Murkowski beaming; Sullivan votes no

Murkowski got nearly half a billion dollars in Alaska earmarks. Sullivan says there was no time to read the 4,000 pages.
Buffalo snowstorm

At least 50 people have died across the U.S. in ‘once-in-a-generation storm’

A massive winter storm that's killed about 50 people across the U.S. is expected to claim more lives as the frigid weather continues into the week.
people with suitcases wait in line

Southwest cancels 5,400 flights in less than 48 hours in a ‘full-blown meltdown’

The disruptions add to chaos that has left people stranded at airports across the country, many of them with little idea of when they can get home or where their bags are.
A maroon building with blue lettering that says "North Star Residential Treatment Center"

Too many Alaska children are unnecessarily institutionalized, says U.S. Department of Justice

A federal investigation found that Alaska children were forced to endure unnecessary and unduly long institutionalization in locked facilities because no alternatives exist.
Rebecca Trimble and her family

Congress passes bill to help former Bethel resident who faced deportation

If everything goes right, former Bethel resident Rebecca Trimble will be an American soon. But in the end, it took a literal act of Congress to get results.
a volcano

Mount Young: Aleutian volcano is renamed for explosive Alaska congressman

The mountain was named for a fierce creature. Now it will bear Don Young's name.
Five Alaska Airlines planes parked at gates

Flight cancellations lead to hectic holiday travel for Alaskans

“We can safely say this was one of, if not the single worst, airline meltdown that we’ve seen," said Thrifty Traveler's Kyle Potter.
a home for sale

2022 marked the end of cheap mortgages and now the housing market has turned icy cold

Sharply higher mortgage rates have cast a chill on the housing market. Many buyers have paused their searches with home prices no longer affordable.