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.”

Construction workers walk down a city street.

Alaska population dipped last year, Census Bureau finds

More people moved out of Alaska than into the state last year, but other population factors nearly offset the loss.
the corner of the City Hall building

Anchorage Assembly suspends relationship with Russian sister city

The action comes more than a year after Russia invaded Ukraine and Gov. Mike Dunleavy called on Alaska cities to cut these ties.
A woman speaks from a meeting dais

Anchorage’s latest municipal attorney says public service drew her to the job 

Anne Helzer is Mayor Bronson’s fourth pick to lead the city’s legal department. She was well received at her confirmation hearing.

How a longer growing season affects gardening | Alaska Insight

On this Alaska Insight, host Lori Townsend is joined by Anchorage horticulturist Debbie Hinchey and Will Criner, manager of gardens and facilities at the Alaska Botanical Garden to discuss what's new with growing and harvesting in your backyard.
a moose in a medical facility

What drew this moose into an Anchorage hospital? Office plants.

There’s “never a dull moment here at the hospital," said director of security Randy Hughes.
A red trash truck next to a pink trash can on an overcast day

Head of Anchorage trash services resigns

It’s the second resignation announcement in Mayor Dave Bronson’s administration in as many days.

Alaskan sentenced in Jan. 6 riot at Capitol tells judge he needs a gun for moose defense

Aaron Mileur was sentenced to two years of probation. He'd like to modify one of the terms.
a man in a suit and tie

Gov. Dunleavy creates task force to address Alaska’s child care crisis

“It’s a real issue that needs to be looked at and scrutinized so that we can come up with some models that can help our folks, our families, our mothers,” said the governor.
A seated man in a green puffy coat looks through the scope on a rifle, which is mounted on a tripod, with tundra shrubs in the background.

Alaska hunters with disabilities might someday harvest moose in an Anchorage park, but the plan faces criticism

Ira Edwards says his plan addresses safety concerns, and he says the hunt would provide a much-needed opportunity for hunters with disabilities, while thinning out the moose in Kincaid Park.
A woman looks into a hole on a closed street

Half-mile stretch of Anchorage’s 15th Avenue closed due to sinkhole

A drainage culvert beneath the street failed, causing the sinkhole.
The double yellow line in the center of a road is almost completely covered in snow.

Alaska extends studded-tire removal deadlines in wake of snowy winter

Drivers in much of Alaska including Anchorage will have until May 15 to remove studded tires; those in southern areas will have until May 1.
three women pose for a photo

Y-K Delta women describe the realities of living with climate change for foreign dignitaries

“Every year it seems to get worse,” said Newtok resident Carolyn George.
Parking lot full of parked police cars.

Anchorage’s police body camera policy is again delayed, frustrating Assembly and community members

Anchorage Assembly members say they may need to take a more hands-on approach to get the body-worn cameras implemented.

Trombley out as Anchorage Mayor Bronson’s chief of staff

Bronson named Mario Bird as acting chief of staff, effective Wednesday. Bird is a lawyer who had previously been rejected to be the city’s municipal attorney.
books for sale in Juneau

Juneau shops pull local artist’s books in wake of threatening, anti-trans notes

Two local businesses made statements supporting the trans community and condemning illustrator Mitch Watley’s alleged actions.

Crochet’s comeback: A Siberian Yupik’s modern twist | INDIE ALASKA

Meet Mek, a Siberian Yupik artist in Anchorage who is revolutionizing the world of fashion! Through an amazing talent for crochet, Mek has created some of the most stylish balaclavas, scarves, and crop tops with a modern twist.
Over a crowded diner table, a group of adults talk and laugh.

Left-of-center candidates lead in most Anchorage Assembly races 

Both Anchorage School Board incumbents appear on track to keep their seats.
A schools office space with a damaged roof and ceiling

Initial results show Anchorage voters approving school bond and using marijuana taxes to fund child care

Almost all other ballot propositions were passing. But, there are still thousands of ballots to count in Anchorage’s by-mail city election.

Peltola says charges against Trump further divide Americans

Rep. Mary Peltola avoided passing judgment on former president Donald Trump's indictment Tuesday, but called it "a bleak day for Americans."
Donald Trump in court

Donald Trump pleads not guilty to 34 felony charges

The former president pleaded not guilty Tuesday to 34 counts of falsifying business records arising from hush money paid to a porn actor in 2016.