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.”

Hooligan Run Lowest in Years on the Chilkoot

Hooligan fishing is a tradition for many people in the Upper Lynn Canal. But this spring, those who fish in the Chilkoot had disappointing results. Researchers say the mysterious fish seem to have turned right instead of left into the Taiya, near Skagway, instead of the Chilkoot. And there’s no way to know exactly why. Download Audio:

House bill would pay roughly $900 PFDs under new formula

Leaders of the Alaska House majority have introduced a bill that would set permanent fund dividends at roughly $900. That’s a little more than half of the $1,600 dividends paid out the last two years and significantly less than the roughly $3,000 Gov. Mike Dunleavy wants under the formula set in state law.
a wolf seen on a game camera

Southeast Alaska wolves eat over 60 prey species, study finds — including sea otter

Southeast Alaska’s wolves tend to favor deer and moose at mealtime, but in a pinch they won’t say no to black bear – or even sea otter.
man standing at a microphone

Sullivan attempts to break fellow senator’s blockade on military promotions

Sen. Sullivan says Sen. Tuberville is hurting the military with a misguided objection to an abortion-related policy.

Climate task force begins work — and push-back begins, too

Gov. Bill Walker's climate change task force met for the first time Monday. But the team is facing questions before it even begins work. Listen now

Money management at Mental Health Trust raises concerns

Congress set up the Alaska Mental Health Trust in 1956 to make sure the state could provide mental health care programs to its residents far into the future. But the Trust has had a tumultuous history, and now, some state leaders fear it could be in danger once more. Legislators are considering a special audit of the Trust and how the trustees are investing its money.Listen Now

Tourists seeking southeast halibut will be limited to one fish per day

Southeast Alaska's charter halibut season will likely kick off with a major change. A one-fish-per-day limit for customers could be in place by June...
A man uses a snow blower on his driveway.

Anchorage leaders reexamine snow removal, question ‘new norm’

The city’s in-house snow removal team has shrunk over time and its target time to plow out neighborhoods has gotten longer.

Police say there’s ‘nothing to indicate’ East Anchorage homicide and missing man are connected

Police say there are no signs of a link between Wednesday's death of Juan Wright, 25, and 28-year-old Juan Toscano going missing nearby.

AK: Sitka’s Wild Foods Potluck

Every November, the community gathers for its Wild Foods Potluck, bringing together family and friends from near and far. Listen Now 

Security footage calls into question Anchorage police account of fatal shooting

Police have said Kristopher Handy pointed a gun at officers before they opened fire. A neighbor with security footage of the incident says otherwise.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy

Vaccines and safety measures hang in the balance as Alaska lawmakers allow COVID-19 response power to expire

Lawmakers are allowing Alaska's emergency authority to respond to COVID-19 to expire. But the pandemic isn't over — so what's the plan now?
Dave Bronson speaks with the media

Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson reflects on first year in office, homelessness and testy relationship with Assembly

Alaska Public Media’s Wesley Early spoke with Bronson last week about his first year in public office, and his future goals for addressing homelessness and navigating a stark divide with the local Assembly. 
A person with a shirt that says DMAT PA-1 sits at a desk looking at a presenor at the front of the room

At a crucial time in the pandemic, dozens of emergency workers arrive at Anchorage hospital

Alaska Native Medical Center's Dr. Bob Onders said that the influx of new workers will hopefully give exhausted staff a break.

New record high oil price based on shortage speculation

Crude oil closed above $80/barrel for the first time today – with West Texas Crude ending up at $80.09 on New York markets. Oil...

Conservation group warning fishing industry of ocean acidification impacts

A statewide group of conservation-minded fishermen is calling on the industry to take action against ocean acidification. The Alaska Marine Conservation Council has been...

Arctic Village Hosting Refuge Celebration

Arctic Village is hosting a celebration this weekend to mark two decades protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.  The events, including a unique art...
A nasal injector for Naloxone

Anchorage student fentanyl use prompts school district response, including more kits to reverse overdoses

The Anchorage School District is ramping up efforts to educate students, staff and parents about the dangers of fentanyl amid an increase in use of the synthetic opioid by students.
Two dogs jump in the snow.

Our favorite 30 photos from the 2024 Iditarod ceremonial start

Dozens of mushers and hundreds of sled dogs dashed down city streets and trails Saturday for the 11-mile event.

State Will Certify Election on Thursday

Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski will be sworn in as Alaska’s Senator come January.  According to the state, the results...