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.”

Secretary Chao announces infrastructure changes for Alaska

Alaskans got news that one of the most trafficked roads in the state is a step closer to improvements that have been 40 years in the making. Listen now

Former senator, longtime Native leader Albert Kookesh fighting cancer

A longtime Alaska political and business leader is fighting prostate cancer. Listen now

Akiak attempts to banish former VPO, alleged bootlegger

Akiak Native Community IRA Council issued a banishment order for Jacques Anthony Cooper, a former Village Police Officer they accuse of bootlegging. He denies the allegations and says the tribe turned against him on account of his law enforcement work. Listen now

State works to interpret its newest oil tax credit overhaul

The state's tax division aims to have its interpretation of the newest oil and gas tax credit bill out by January. Listen now

Some old solutions still work: helping people buy food with SNAP

Researchers say one of the most effective ways to fight hunger nationwide is also one of the oldest: the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It's still making sure fewer Alaskans go to bed hungry.

New Pebble advisory committee meets indoors, while mine protesters gather outside

On Monday, a new advisory committee on the proposed Pebble Mine met in-person for the first time. It happened while simultaneously a protest against the project was staged in downtown Anchorage. Listen now
APD

Sunday killing marks 2 dozen Anchorage homicides in 2017

Anchorage police say the city has had its 24th homicide of the year, after a suspicious death Sunday. Listen now

Gov. Walker and Lt. Gov. Mallott officially register for reelection run

Governor Bill Walker registered today as a candidate for next year’s election for governor. He’ll be joined again on an unaffiliated ticket by Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott. Listen now

Potential initiatives would enshrine Medicaid expansion, ACA provisions in state law

While Congress has debated repealing the Affordable Care Act, some doctors want to make sure that at least parts of the law remain in place in Alaska. They’re sponsoring two initiatives that could be on the ballot next year. Listen now

Trump’s streamlining order: You’ve seen its kind before

President Trump signed an order to speed up environmental reviews of infrastructure projects. His announcement of it, in the lobby of Trump Tower, was eclipsed by what he said next, about Charlottesville. But, back to that order: Can it really change things? Listen now

Alaska Airlines pilots plan picket over lack of compensation

Alaska Airlines pilots have reached a breaking point in negotiations with the company, and now have plans to picket outside Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Listen now

AK: Cyclists support the fight against cancer while riding from Texas to Alaska

Last week 70 cyclists completed the longest annual charity bicycle ride in the world from Austin, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska. Every year the Texas 4000 raises thousands of dollars for cancer research. Listen now

During NTSB investigative hearing, Ravn announces changes; more to come

The fatal Ravn Air crash near Togiak last fall was the focus of the investigative hearing held by the National Transportation Safety Board in Anchorage on Thursday. Listen now

There’s a new Arctic drilling battle brewing…and it’s not in ANWR

A series of promising oil discoveries and a recent move by the Trump administration mean the vast, remote National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska is about to get a lot more controversial. Listen now

Several inmates charged with assault, rioting at Fairbanks prison

Alaska State Troopers say they’ve charged several inmates at Fairbanks Correctional Center with rioting and assault for their roles in a disturbance reported at about noon on Thursday. Listen now

Alaska senators fault Trump’s tack on racist rally

Alaska's U.S. senators have issued a second round of statements following the rally of White nationalists in Charlottesville, Virginia. This time their criticisms are aimed at President Trump. Listen now

Nearly half of structures on dock affected by fire, says processing plant fire witness

Details are emerging slowly on the fire at the Peter Pan Seafoods processing plant in Port Moller. The 100-year-old plant caught fire late Tuesday night, and the blaze continued to burn Wednesday. The full scope of the damage is still unclear, but witnesses say it is extensive. Listen now

Why Amazon collects local sales taxes in other states — but not Alaska

If you live anywhere in the country with a sales tax, the online retailer Amazon collects it – except in Alaska. Alaska is unique because it’s the only state with local sales taxes but no statewide tax. Listen now
Three people sit behind microphones at a long table

Haines Assembly members survive divisive recall election

After a contentious recall vote Tuesday, three embattled Haines Assembly members will continue to serve out their terms. Nearly 60 percent of Haines voters rejected the allegations of official misconduct. Listen now

Imprisoned former militia leader Schaeffer Cox has appeal hearing

Imprisoned former Fairbanks militia leader Schaeffer Cox had an appeal hearing Wednesday morning in federal court in Anchorage. Convicted in 2013 of conspiracy and solicitation to murder government officials, Cox is serving 26 years in a federal prison. His appeal centers on whether anyone was specifically targeted. Listen now