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.”

At the Anchorage Museum, Van Gogh gets a digital makeover

A new exhibit at the Anchorage Museum is using light and sound to help patrons experience familiar art work in a new way. It's part of the museum's experiment with technology, and different ways of engaging visitors. Download Audio

Warming ocean temps may bode poorly for pollock

On Tuesday researchers wrapped up a month-long cruise through the unusually warm waters of the Bering Sea. They’re investigating how the second year of a warming pattern is affecting the ecosystem, including the nation’s largest fishery, pollock. Download Audio

Arctic no rival to Suez, not this century, says shipping expert

As the ice retreats, Arctic shipping is expected to increase. But if your idea of “Arctic shipping” is cargo carriers plying a shortcut between Europe and Asia, you may want to choose a different image. Download Audio

Anchorage advances purchase plan for Conoco gas leases

As state officials ready for a special session, Anchorage is moving one step closer to expanding ownership over nearby gas fields in upper Cook Inlet. Download Audio

Bethel voters back liquor store, sin taxes

Unofficial results for Bethel’s municipal election are in. Download Audio

Looking for love: Newspaper diversifies revenue stream with dating website

A new dating website with a familiar parent company familiar is an attempt at diversifying revenues, shedding light on the unconventional ways media groups are trying to find money to pay for the news. Download Audio

Obama announces global fishing enforcement, new sanctuaries

President Obama today unveiled a package of global initiatives aimed at cracking down on illegal fishing. He also announced two new marine sanctuaries, and they are not in Alaska. Download Audio

‘I thought he was safe,’ brother says of man found dead in wetlands

John Knudson, 56, is one of at least eight people who have died outside in Juneau over the past three years. His body was found in the Mendenhall Wetlands in mid-September. Download Audio

Volcano farts: Scientists look to gas for beta on atmosphere, geothermal resource

In September, a team of scientists crawled around the summit of seven volcanoes in the Aleutian Islands. They updated seismic sensors, replaced 8,000 pounds of batteries and visited one summit that geologists hadn't been to since the 1940s. Download Audio

More cops, fewer consultants in Anchorage’s opening budget volley

The administration introduced its 2016 budget, which is $1.8 million less than last year's, but saddled with $11 million less in revenues.

AK: Southeast dairy goat business presents unique challenges

Buying fresh dairy produce in Southeast Alaska isn’t easy. The rugged, mountainous landscape doesn’t lend itself well to farming. Now a farming couple in Petersburg are trying to change the way people consume milk in town. For the past year they’ve been selling raw milk processed by their own herd of dairy goats. But, producing – and selling – dairy products in Southeast Alaska comes with a unique set of challenges. Download Audio

In Unalaska, some feel the pinch of Shell’s withdrawal

The news that Shell Oil was abandoning its quest for oil in the Arctic Ocean came as a shock in Unalaska and around the state. Unalaska officials said the move won’t hit the city’s budget too hard. But local companies doing business with Shell are scrambling to figure out what it will mean for them.

With Medicaid expansion, the chance for a fresh start

Alaskans have been able to sign of for Medicaid expansion for one month. Nearly 2,000 people have enrolled during that time. Download Audio

Red and blue king crab fishery closed again in Southeast

Commercial fishing for red and blue king crab will be closed again this year for Southeast Alaska. Download Audio

Anchorage passes LGBT anti-discrimination measure 9 to 2

The ordinance extents protection from discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual identity, the first such measure passed in Alaska. Download Audio
Elodea. (Photo from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)

Survey scans for elodea spread in Interior, finds naught

A variety of agencies in the state are working to eradicate the invasive aquatic plant elodea. This summer, elodea was detected and treated in Anchorage’s Lake Hood, and a survey to search for elodea along the Tanana River downstream of Fairbanks has just concluded. Download Audio

Sullivan calls in Corps to bash EPA over water rule

The controversial “Waters of the U.S.” rule took effect in most states this summer, redefining which bodies of water are covered by the Clean Water Act. While legal challenges progress, the WOTUS rule remains a political hot button. Sen. Dan Sullivan pushed that button at a hearing this morning. Download Audio

Fourth annual Capital Brewfest sells out despite rain

Juneau Rotary held its fourth annual Capital Brewfest on Saturday. The annual event showcases dozens of specialty and craft beers from around the state and beyond.

Aleutians monument fought as threat, derided as ‘straw man’

Alaska Congressman Don Young and other Republicans this morning attacked the idea that President Obama might create a marine national monument around the Aleutian Islands, with unknown effects on the fishing industry. But the administration has given no sign it’s considering the notion. Download Audio

Protesters flood Capitol steps in support of Planned Parenthood

A crowd gathered in the drizzle on the capitol steps Tuesday to show their support for Planned Parenthood. In recent weeks, Republican lawmakers have tried to strip the organization of its federal funding. Download Audio