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.”

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Northwest Alaska health provider cleared to serve seal oil to elders

In 2015, Congress passed the federal farm bill which allowed people to donate wild game that they’ve hunted to certified non-profits, like hospitals or food banks.

Alaska Republicans help fuel Trump’s juggernaut. This GOP consultant thinks they’ve lost their minds.

Alaska GOP voters chose Trump by a huge margin. Art Hackney, a stalwart in Republican circles, has theory to explain it.
a person puts a bandaid on another person

Too young to qualify for a COVID-19 shot? Bring an unvaccinated senior with you.

Alaska health officials this week announced a new way people can qualify for a COVID-19 vaccine: Bring an unvaccinated elder with you, and you can get a shot yourself.

Five die in flightseeing plane crash outside Ketchikan

Cockpit of crashed Tarquan Air floatplane outside Ketchikan, Alaska. Photo courtesy the Alaska State Troopers. The Coast Guard reported there were no survivors in Tuesday's...

Fuel Sale in Nome Targets Spring Subsistence Hunters

Anywhere else in the United States, $5.47 per gallon for gasoline might be pretty frightening—but in Nome, it’s a sale for spring subsistence. Download Audio

Doyon Ltd. drops support for Ambler Road, at least temporarily

Doyon, the regional Native corporation for Interior Alaska, owns 10-12 miles of the two primary planned routes of the 211-mile Ambler Road.

Anchorage and Mat-Su school districts report millions in post-quake repair costs, with millions more to come

The two school districts affected by last November's magnitude 7.0 earthquake are reporting they've spent millions of dollars on repairs to schools.

Swan Lake Fire spreads smoky haze to much of Southcentral

The state Division of Air Quality is warning of the smoke's potential health effects, with advisories in effect until Friday evening, pending any extensions.

Environmental group to sue Hilcorp over Cook Inlet gas leak

Hilcorp's leaking gas pipeline in Cook Inlet is drawing concern from environmental groups and state and federal agencies. Listen now
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Alaska lawmakers look at election results and ponder policies, politics and personalities in coalition discussions

Alaska Beacon reporter James Brooks says some state senators have been talking about the very real possibility of forming a coalition. But the future of a coalition-controlled House is much murkier.
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Juneau School District may close schools and cut staff amid budget crisis

“The thing we need from the public is an awareness and an acceptance that nobody is coming out untouched,” one school board member said. “Nobody.”

An Anchorage attorney made a fortune fighting Big Oil in Alaska court. Now he’s funding the campaign to raise their taxes.

Frustrated by the industry-supported overhaul of oil taxes in 2013 and the unsuccessful campaign to repeal it, Robin Brena is chairing the citizens initiative to raise taxes. And he’s also the effort’s top funder, contributing more than $100,000 so far.

Alaskan Woman OK after Haiti Quake

An Alaskan woman who was caught in the earthquake in Haiti is in good spirits today, even though she had to have her foot...
A preschool classroom with a few children sitting at tables

The pandemic erased a decade of public preschool gains

An annual review of state-based preschool programs found big drops in enrollment and state funding in the 2020-2021 school year.

6.2 Magnitude earthquake felt in Adak

The 6.2 earthquake struck about 50 miles from Adak around 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Pandemic rent relief program received applications for about 1 in every 10 Alaskans

The first phase of the federally funded program is expected to send almost a quarter of a billion dollars to landlords and utilities.

State Says Fuel Watch Program is Working Well

Joaqlin Estus, KNBA – Anchorage The state of Alaska says Fuel Watch, a program designed to keep the heat and lights on in...

Anchorage To ‘Revisit’ Knik Arm Bridge

AMATS adopts a resolution noting financial, environmental, and community concerns that could see project cut from transportation spending. Download Audio

Arctic policy conference brings international leaders to Anchorage. Russia not included.

Arctic Encounter has taken on new focus as Russia's invasion of Ukraine put the Arctic Council on pause.

Hotel Impossible Wraps Up Filming At Alaskan Hotel

Travel Channel’s reality show Hotel Impossible wrapped up filming at Juneau’s famed Alaskan Hotel this weekend. KTOO’s Lisa Phu caught up with the show’s host and designer during their third day of shooting and has this story. Download Audio