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.”

U.S. Senate passes budget that could open ANWR

The prospect of drilling rigs in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge just got a little more realistic. Listen now

Alaska and its tribes sign child services compact

The state of Alaska has entered into a first-of-its kind compact to let tribes and tribal organizations take over child welfare services in their communities. Listen now

King Cove and feds exploring options to build road without Congressional approval

With the Trump administration, King Cove is looking into new options to make their dream of a road to Cold Bay a reality. But environmental groups argue the road would harm wildlife in the Izembek Refuge and any plan should require public input and Congressional approval. Listen now

Federal, state and Anchorage officials roll out “Alaska Anti-Violent Crime Strategy”

The state’s top law-enforcement officials are rolling out a new initiative aimed at curbing violent crime in Alaska. At its heart is more collaboration between federal, state, and local officials. Listen now

All seven resolutions passed on final day of Elders and Youth conference

Through simple voice votes, delegates at the 2017 Elders and Youth Conference passed all seven of the resolutions brought to the floor. Listen now

Judge rules independents can run in Alaska Democratic primary

It’s not clear whether independent Gov. Bill Walker will run in the primary. A campaign spokesperson said Walker could not comment because it is a pending legal matter to which the state is a party. Listen now

“We all walk the same paths”: Elder keynote address highlights generational parallels

Today heard a keynote address from Clare Swan, a Dena’ina Athabascan elder from the Kenaitze tribe on the Kenai Peninsula. Swan’s speech focused on the changes she’s seen in her lifetime, including the effects of commercial pressure on subsistence fishing, and population growth in Southcentral Alaska. Listen now

State corporation sets December deadline to find customers for Alaska’s gas

Lawmakers peppered Dave Cruz and other members of the AGDC's executive board with questions about project finances, employee turnover and how much money the state expects to make on its share of the project. Listen now

“Part Land, Part Water – Always Native”: 34th Annual Elders and Youth Conference kicks off

The gathering of more than a thousand people from across Alaska takes place just ahead of the Alaska Federation of Natives convention each fall. It aims to promote indigenous identity and share cultural knowledge between generations. Listen now

Pull out of Iran deal? Sullivan says no

Sen. Dan Sullivan was harshly critical of the Iran nuclear agreement in 2015. Now, though, he says the U.S. shouldn't pull out. He says enforcement is a better idea. Listen now

Premera to bump up premium to cover Trump cut

Last month Premera announced it would lowers rates 26 percent. But the drop may quite so steep for silver plans. The new factor: President Trump says he's cutting Cost Sharing Reductions. Listen now

Pentagon announces changes for immigrants entering the military

The Defense Department announced changes to military recruiting that will make it harder for legal immigrants to enlist and qualify for citizenship. Listen now

AK: The mystery behind Ketchikan Ghost Tours

Ketchikan is home to plenty of supernatural phenomena. That’s the theory, at least, behind a new venture: Ketchikan Ghost Tours. Listen now

Murkowski-Warren letter slams White House’s response to opioid epidemic

The Senate colleagues detailed policy recommendations they want the White House to pursue, starting with a disaster declaration on the opioid crisis. Listen now

Pebble opponents hammer EPA for changed course at Dillingham meeting

The Environmental Protection Agency is backing away from the use of preemptive Clean Water Act restrictions against large-scale mining in the Bristol Bay watershed. That comes as part of a settlement with the Pebble Limited Partnership, and the company now says it is preparing to file for permits. Listen now

New bill aims to reverse Obama restrictions on offshore drilling

The House measure would, among other things, allow lease sales in more Arctic waters and block new environmental standards for the Arctic. Listen now

As Trump administration removes federal roadblocks, Pebble Mine fight shifts to state

Now that the Trump administration has removed a major roadblock, Alaskans can expect a lot more action at the state level. Listen now

Sen. Sullivan says he’s hopeful about tax changes, but cautions Trump on tweets

The U.S. senator is hopeful about the Trump administration’s infrastructure, permitting and energy policies. But he said Trump doesn’t always help himself. Listen now

Residents rail against SB91 at rare Anchorage meeting

Amid growing frustration over an uptick in crime, officials in Anchorage are weighing what kind of solutions they want from lawmakers in Juneau. Listen now