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.”

In Western Alaska, there’s water where there should be ice

Last week, social media across Western Alaska lit up as residents posted photos and videos of open water where, normally, there's ice. Listen now

Walker among governors prodding Congress on health care

Alaska Gov. Bill Walker stood with his Colorado and Ohio counterparts to announce a new "blueprint" for health care, and they want Congress to get a move on. Listen now
An oil rig at Prudhoe Bay.

Murkowski sends letter questioning oil companies about drop in Alaska hire

Murkowski cited a recently released Alaska Department of Labor report, stating the share of out-of-state workers in Alaska's oil industry rose to 37.1 percent in 2016. Listen now

Offshore drilling public meeting draws supporters, critics and criticism

The Wednesday night meeting was the only opportunity for Alaskans to comment on the draft proposal in person. But it wasn’t what some participants had hoped for. Listen now

On mass shootings, Murkowski leaves a word unspoken

Sen. Lisa Murkowski spoke passionately about the Florida school shooting. Congress must take action, she said, and no issue should be off-limits in the discussion. But she left an obvious word unsaid: "gun." Listen now

Session end is murky as budget takes shape

The House version looks to be pretty similar to the $4.5 billion that Walker proposed. Listen now

Senate president seeks work or volunteer requirement for Medicaid recipients

Leading members of the House majority caucus aren’t in favor of the bill. Listen now

Mike Shower confirmed to Dunleavy Senate seat

Senate Republicans have confirmed the appointment of Mike Shower to fill a vacancy in District E. Listen now

Q&A: Federal regulators push for more information on Alaska’s gasline project

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has given the state 20 days to respond to its information request. Listen now
A landscape view of water and tundra in northern Alaska.

USGS scientist resigns in tussle over release of NPR-A data

A top scientist resigned late last year to protest what he saw as a threat to the agency’s scientific integrity. The deputy secretary of Interior was pressing the USGS to allow a preview of its findings on the oil potential in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. Listen now

Hilcorp CEO steps down

Hildebrand is known for being among the wealthiest people in the world, with a net worth of $7.6 billion, according to Bloomberg. Listen now

Anchorage skier Kikkan Randall wins Olympic gold

The Olympic gold ends a 46-year drought for the American women, who had never won a medal before at the winter games. Listen now

State leaders push to take next steps on ANWR drilling

Murkowski isn’t done with ANWR. After speaking at an event in Anchorage this week, the Senator told reporters there are a lot of details that need to be filled in. Listen now

Young, Murkowski hold fast on gun rights

Alaska's members of Congress remain unapologetic supporters of gun rights. They have top ratings from the National Rifle Association. But Sen. Murkowski and Rep. Don Young say the mass shootings reveal something is wrong in America. Listen now

Walker appoints USAF veteran to Dunleavy Senate vacancy

Governor Bill Walker has appointed retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Mike Shower to fill the vacancy in Senate District E. Shower lives in Wasilla, and currently works as a pilot for FedEx. Listen now

Protesters call for gun control at event featuring Murkowski, Young

The event was intended to be a victory lap for Murkowski and Young, who were at the Anchorage Petroleum Club speaking about successfully opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil development.

District 38 Democrats select 3 candidates for Fansler seat

Alaska House District 38 Democrats selected three potential nominees Sunday night to replace state Rep. Zach Fansler, who resigned earlier this month following assault allegations. Listen now

More than $6 billion gap in state pension funding draws concern

Some state senators are expressing concern about the projected shortfall in funding Alaska’s public employee pensions. But those who manage the pension funds say the shortfall will likely remain manageable. Listen now

Cheering from Alaska: Women’s relay 5th at the Olympics

The U.S women’s cross-country ski team didn’t win their first medal but they finished 5th, their best relay result ever at the Olympics. Listen now

Last day for Y-K Delta residents to apply for Fansler’s seat

Today is the filing deadline for potential candidates who hope to replace Zach Fansler as House District 38's State Representative. Fansler resigned after being accused of domestic violence related to alcohol. Listen now