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.”

Calista director Colonel Wayne Don denies allegations against him

The Calista Regional Native Corporation is trying to get rid of its former chairman, and it’s not entirely clear why. Listen now

State analysts say requiring Medicaid recipients to work won’t save money

The state Department of Health and Social Services said the state would need to hire workers to ensure the state meets federal requirements. Listen now

Troopers continue to investigate one of their own for alleged sexual abuse attempt

Charged with attempted sexual abuse of a minor, 57-year-old Vance Peronto, is no longer a trooper. The Department of Public Safety said the 16-year veteran of the force is not employed by the state anymore, as of Tuesday morning. He had been based in Soldotna.Listen now

Caribou, access concerns vs. mining’s economic promise — BLM releases public input on Ambler Road

"I was impressed with the range of comments that we got," La Marr said. "Comments from the mining industry, comments from environmental groups, a lot of comments from the tribes... comments from people throughout Alaska and people in the lower 48 as well." Listen now

Can courts force action on climate change? Sixteen young Alaskans hope so.

An Anchorage judge heard arguments today in a lawsuit brought by 16 young Alaskans who are suing the state over climate change. Listen now
Alaska State Troopers. Photo: Monica Gokey/ Alaska Public Media file photo.

Trooper charged with attempted sexual abuse of minor

An Alaska State Trooper, 57-year-old Vance Peronto, is charged with attempted sexual abuse of a minor after allegedly trying to meet a 16-year-old girl at an Anchorage hotel Sunday, according to a written statement from the Department of Public Safety. Listen now

Doctors, hospitals may soon see delays from state in paying Medicaid bills

Some of Medicaid providers might have to close their doors and go out of business, according to assistant commissioner. Listen now

Legislative leaders aim for session end in days, not weeks

A major piece of the end-of-session talks is a bill to draw from Alaska Permanent Fund earnings to pay for state government. The conference committee on Senate Bill 26 is scheduled to meet Saturday. Listen now
A gravel road in a treed area

Donlin Gold final environmental impact statement released

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has released its final environmental impact statement on the proposed Donlin Gold project. Listen now
A pipeline stretching toward a sunset

Oil prices are up, but how long will it last?

The current price of oil is several dollars higher than state economists predicted, but it doesn't quite fill the hole in the state's budget -- and, it doesn't mean oil prices are going to stay up. Listen now

Alaska Supreme Court weighs legality of Yes for Salmon ballot initiative

Yes for Salmon’s backers want Alaska to toughen the permitting process for mines, dams and other projects in salmon habitat. But during oral arguments, the state argued it goes against the state constitution because it forces the legislature to prioritize salmon habitat over other uses. Listen now

State capital spending would be down slightly in Senate plan

Senate lawmakers heard public testimony on proposed capital budget, including from tourism industry representatives asking to restore $3 million for marketing the Senate cut. Listen now

Senate joins House in recognizing Alaska Native languages emergency

A report by the Alaska Native Language Preservation and Advisory Council said the state should make it policy to promote Alaska Native language schools wherever possible. Listen now

Legislative Council adopts new sexual harassment policy

The council adopted a separate professional workplace conduct policy. It prohibits a variety of behavior. Listen now

What’s up with the state operating budget on day 99 of the legislative session?

The Permanent Fund Corp. is urging the Legislature to pass a plan – so that they’re able to manage fund investments more effectively. Listen now

Offshore lease schedule for Beaufort draws flak

Democrats in Congress are sounding the alarm about the Interior Department's efforts to hold an offshore oil lease sale in the Beaufort Sea next year. Listen now

Strong winds batter Anchorage

The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning for much of the afternoon, in effect until about 7 p.m., with gusts expected to continue into the night. Listen now

Juneau Rep. Parish won’t run for re-election

That sets up the race for House District 34 to be between two sitting Juneau Assembly members, Democrat Rob Edwardson and Republican Jerry Nankervis. Listen now

Alaska State Legislature urges Congress to address state ivory bans

The resolution takes aim at state laws like those in New York, California, Hawaii and Washington. Those states have passed broad anti-ivory laws in an attempt to combat the poaching of African elephants. Listen now

Air Force to host meeting to unveil plan to provide potable water to Moose Creek

Air Force officials will host an open house meeting tonight to talk about proposals to provide drinking water to Moose Creek residents whose well water has been made unpotable due to groundwater contamination. Listen now