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.”

The mysterious case of Alaska’s strange sockeye salmon returns this year

From exceptionally strong to exceptionally weak runs, sockeye salmon leave scientists scratching their heads this year in Alaska. Listen now

What’s going on with Alaska’s 17 wildfires?

Though there are blazes across the state, their location and size make for a relatively low threat. Listen now

Donlin Mine nabs two major permits at Army Corps signing

The Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Land Management gave the proposed Donlin mine two permits along with their joint record of decision during a signing ceremony on Monday. Listen now

Airline employee who stole and crashed Horizon Air plane had Wasilla roots

The airline worker authorities say stole a commercial plane Friday at Sea-Tac International Airport before crashing on a Puget Sound island is a former Alaskan and 2008 graduate of Wasilla High School. Listen now

Mix of legislators and veterans compete to be Republican lieutenant governor candidate

The lieutenant governor has limited duties under the state constitution: to succeed the governor if necessary, and to oversee initiatives and referendums.

Biggest-ever earthquake recorded on North Slope

A large earthquake was recorded on the North Slope, 52 miles southwest of Kaktovik, at around 7 a.m. Sunday morning. Listen now

Top military officials visit Alaska bases

Though national defense spending is up, the Army and Air Force are facing major recruitment challenges. Listen now

Anchorage candidates vie for progressive bona fides ahead of primary

As Alaska's primary elections get closer, there are a handful of contests that will likely be decided in August, far ahead of the November general election. Listen now

Interior official: ‘millions’ more acres in NPR-A to open for oil development

An Interior Department official says the Trump administration is moving to open "millions" more acres in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, or NPR-A, to oil development. Listen now

With tweaks, Alaska Supreme Court rules Yes for Salmon can go on ballot

The Alaska Supreme Court today ruled that only certain provisions of the controversial ballot initiative are unconstitutional. Whether the rest becomes state law will be up to Alaska voters. Listen now

Anchorage health care providers discuss rural tele-health systems with FCC Commissioner

As part of his statewide tour of broadband systems, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr stopped in Anchorage today to hear from rural health providers. Commisioner Carr has already visited Unalaska and Palmer on his Alaska tour to learn about challenges with broadband Internet access. Listen now

Proposal would have either Walker or Begich drop out of race

“I think there’s a lot of what I would call anxiety in the center and the left of the political spectrum in Alaska,” said Hollis French, who wants Walker and Begich to agree that someone drop out to eliminate political anxiety. Begich supports the idea, but Walker rejected it. Listen now

Pilot identified in fatal Alaska Range crash

Four people are confirmed dead with a fifth unaccounted for and presumed dead after a crash in the Alaska Range on Saturday. It is the first fatal crash in the Alaska Range involving a commercial operator since 2003. Listen now

After crossing Bering Strait, Anchorage man detained in Russia

John Martin of Anchorage had been traveling down the Yukon River in his one-seater. After reaching the Bering Sea, Martin traveled more than 50 miles across the Bering Strait. Listen now

New roads in the Tongass? Forest service signs off on state’s ask

On Thursday, the U.S. Forest Service announced it signed an agreement with the state -- officially kicking off that process. Listen now

Congressman Young addresses Native issues, gun violence at forum

“To me, the Second Amendment is still the most important amendment of all the amendments,” Young said. Listen now
pipeline

Alaska’s draft climate action plan includes carbon tax on page 43

Governor Bill Walker’s Climate Action Leadership Team has been discussing a robust draft plan to tackle climate change. Listen now

Congress authorizes six icebreakers in Pentagon bill

The nation's annual defense policy bill cleared Congress Wednesday with a pay raise for the troops and a provision allowing up to six icebreakers. Listen now

Kavanaugh: Alaskans set stakes for Murkowski

The senator who might cast the decisive vote on the Supreme Court nominee wants to hear from her constituents. How much will Alaskans hold it against her if she votes "no"? Is "yes" more politically costly? Listen now