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.”

Murkowski cites rural Alaska in ‘net neutrality’ vote with Dems

Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski joined two other Republicans who broke GOP ranks to vote with Democrats on Wednesday in an effort to protect an Obama-era rule on "net neutrality." Listen now
A dog team runs through the snow

The race is on: What to know about the 2024 Iditarod

What’s the route this year? How are trail conditions? We answer those questions and more.
a sheep on a steep rock face with a boom arm

Roadside assistance? This sheep got stuck along the Seward Highway. Alaska DOT helped her out.

“This is a new one on me,” said an area biologist who helped with the rescue.
a field of white flags in memory of covid victims

Life expectancy in the U.S. continues to drop, driven by COVID-19

Americans' life expectancy dropped for the second year in a row and is the biggest drop since the 1920s. COVID-19 is driving the downward trend, according to CDC data.

Alaska Democrats start campaign against Don Young online

The Alaska Democratic Party has begun a full campaign against Don Young's re-election next year. Party leaders showcased a new website today called dropdon.com...
caution do not enter tape on pavement

Violent crime is dropping fast in the U.S. — even if Americans don’t believe it

In 2020, the United States experienced one of its most dangerous years in decades. But in 2023, crime in America looked very different.
woman in front of microphones

Why Peltola and Murkowski are well situated to win reelection

In Alaska’s congressional races, incumbents are in a good position to win, but will have to wait until Nov. 23's ranked-choice tabulation to be sure.
a bear

Chonky and they know it: Voting starts in Fat Bear Week

Votes for the 12 Katmai National Park bears in this year's Fat Bear Week bracket are being taken until Oct. 10.

Voices From Nome’s Dream Theater

Back in 1944, a 15-year-old Alaska Native girl named Alberta Schenck stood up against the segregated seating policy at Nome’s Dream Theater. Her case, paired with Elizabeth Peratrovich’s, was eventually instrumental in the passing of the 1945 Anti-Discrimination Act in Alaska. That was 10 years before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, and nearly 20 years before the passing of the Civil Rights Act. Download Audio

Western Alaska gas prices leap as summer barges arrive

The price of gas and heating oil is jumping up around Western Alaska as the first fuel deliveries of the season arrive. Gas prices...

Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski announces re-election bid

Lisa Murkowski has so far raised $4.6 million for her '22 campaign. Trump has endorsed her conservative challenger.

Cold weather eases enough for US Cross Country Ski Championships to resume

The final day of racing at the US Cross Country Ski Championships in Anchorage went ahead today. Half of the races had to be...
A man speaks at a podium

Young’s office says it helped evacuate Alaska Native corporation employees from Afghanistan

U.S. Rep. Don Young’s office said the Alaska Republican helped evacuate from Afghanistan employees of an Alaska Native corporation but provided few details on the effort and did not immediately respond to questions seeking further details.

Facebook CEO dodges Sullivan’s softball

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg was contrite in a U.S. Senate hearing. But he wouldn't play along when Sen. Dan Sullivan wanted to make a point about regulation. Listen now

As Legal Landscape Changes, A New Marijuana Club Opens Its Doors in Anchorage

Just a week after a high profile raid on another operation, a new marijuana club is making sure its neighbors, customers, and the police are all on the same page as they open for business.

Ravn files plan to liquidate, as bankruptcy proceeds

The liquidation plan still needs to be approved in court, but it is a signal that Ravn, once Alaska’s largest rural airline, is ready to call it quits.
brown haired woman speaks into microphone

Anchorage Assembly nixes funding to build new shelter, killing project for now

Some Assembly members said they were dismayed that the mayor’s administration had given Roger Hickel Contracting the go-ahead to spend millions to begin building the shelter without the Assembly's approval.
Gov. Dunleavy stands behind a lectern next to a sign that says "relief for Alaskans"

How a rise in oil prices could impact this year’s PFD

With a recent rise in oil prices, the governor is again pushing for a higher PFD, plus an additional payment to boost last year's PFD. Legislators have other ideas.
a building

Federal energy grants help lighten Alaska nonprofits’ load

Nonprofits typically run on a shoestring, and energy — which the $4 million in federal funding assists with — is usually their second-highest expense.

AFN Conference Opens; President Pleased About Upcoming Meeting with Obama

Photo by Patrick Yack, APRN - Anchorage The AFN Convention is a celebration of Alaska Native art. Ursula Paniyak of Chevak proudly displayed...