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.”

Spending gap could hurt Alaska Permanent Fund, budget director says

Alaska’s state government will have a roughly $600 million gap between how much it spends and how much it raises, State budget director Pat Pitney says. Listen now

Federal Requirements Burden Small Medical Practices In Alaska

EHR, ICD-10 and PQRS may sound like alphabet soup to you. But most doctors around the country know exactly what those acronyms stand for. They are programs championed by the federal government to improve quality and bring medicine into the electronic age. But in Alaska, where small medical practices are the norm, the new requirements can be a heavy burden. Download Audio
the construction of a new home in a neighborhood

Alaska construction employment statistics show uneven post-pandemic recovery, wage deflation

Construction employment in Anchorage, Mat-Su and Southeast Alaska is back up to or even exceeding pre-pandemic levels, but Fairbanks and the Interior lag.

Suit Filed to Prompt New Support for Seniors

Four people who believe they could qualify for state assistance under the state’s Seniors and Disabilities Services have filed what they hope...

Sparc! Gives Artists A Way to Communicate When They May Otherwise Be Silent

Sparc! studio blends in with the line of shops and galleries in downtown Anchorage, but behind the displays of vivid paintings and sculptures, artists are learning more than just creative expression.
A white woman in a blue blouse speaks in front of a podium in front of several other men

Kelly Tshibaka, backed by Trump, officially files for Senate run

Trump has said he would campaign for Tshibaka after vowing revenge against Murkowski, who voted to convict him in his second impeachment trial.
An oil rig at Prudhoe Bay.

Using data as a carrot, Alaska hopes to entice interest in oil lease sale

The state of Alaska is offering oil companies a sneak preview on three North Slope areas it’s putting up for bid at this year’s oil and gas lease sale. Listen now
Julie Kitka

Alaska delegation nominates longtime Native leader to be co-chair of the Denali Commission

Julie Kitka, who served for decades as president of the Alaska Federation of Natives, was tapped to be the federal co-chair of the agency.

Department of Labor employees in Juneau file health grievance against State

Roof repairs are under way to stop leaks and mold at the Department of Labor and Workforce Development's building in downtown Juneau. But building...
Hand holding at-home COVID test

Why rapid COVID tests aren’t more accurate and how scientists hope to improve them

Recent research and anecdotes suggest some people are testing negative on rapid tests even after they have symptoms, then later testing positive. Here's what researchers think is going on.
a landslide

Husband of sole Wrangell landslide survivor found dead in search

The Thursday recovery of 65-year-old Otto Florschutz's body brings the Nov. 20 disaster's official death toll to five. Derek Heller, 12, is still missing.
High waters surround buildings

Dozens of Manley Hot Springs residents remain displaced after flood

Some Manley Hot Springs residents are frustrated by a lack of guidance and assistance as they begin recovering from last weekend’s major ice jam flood.

Light on Trump, Sullivan aims for optimism

U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, in his annual address to the Alaska Legislature, barely mentioned President Trump, and he did not bring up the issues that drove demonstrators to the steps of the state Capitol today: Trump’s policies on immigration and refugees, and the Affordable Care Act. Sullivan did, though, directly quote a different president - Teddy Roosevelt. Listen now
a woman smiling and standing between several COVID-19 piñatas

This Anchorage piñata maker is crafting giant COVID germs for smashing

The orders for coronavirus piñatas have helped fill a slow spot for Carolina Tolladay Vidal's business, with Alaskans eager to get their hands on a version of the germ they can easily destroy.

Miller Lawsuit to be Heard in Juneau

Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage Fairbanks judge Douglas Blankenship ruled this afternoon that Republican U.S. Senate candidate Joe Miller’s lawsuit against the state division...
damaged boats and sheds in chevak

A storm is on track to hit a portion of Western Alaska pummeled by last month’s typhoon remnants

The new storm developing in Russia is anticipated to move north of the Siberian Peninsula toward Alaska midweek.
An emergency sign outside a hospital.

Alaska hospital leader hopeful about virus hospitalizations

The leader of Alaska's hospital association cited a recent decline in hospitalizations related to COVID-19 as a possible turning point following a prolonged period in which resources at health care facilities in the state were stretched thin.

Fairbanks Voters Consider Air Quality Ballot Proposition

Fairbanks Borough voters will consider a ballot proposition aimed at reducing wintertime fine particulate pollution. A public meeting on the proposition was held Monday. As KUAC’s Dan Bross reports, the measure targets emissions from wood and coal fired heaters.
Interior: An empty classroom

Weeks from restarting, schools across Alaska are struggling to find teachers

The national teacher shortage, which pre-dates the pandemic, is uniquely felt in Alaska, which has historically relied on recruiting teachers from the Lower 48.

LeDoux jumps ahead of primary opponent after initial absentee count

Anchorage Republican Representative Gabrielle LeDoux jumped to a big lead over her primary challenger after an initial count of absentee ballots this morning.