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.”

a portrait of a woman in a sweater

Alaska Supreme Court to hear arguments in Armstrong residency case

Republican Liz Vazquez has appealed a ruling that Democratic state House candidate Jennie Armstrong met residency requirements to take office.
From behind, a young boy is pictured reading a picture book.

Anchorage School District is again considering changes to class start times

The school board voted down a proposal to change start times in 2018, but officials say the issue has remained important post-pandemic.
a crashed Kodiak rocket

Kodiak rocket crashes at spaceport after launch

A spokesperson for ABL Space Systems said no injuries were reported in the crash, and that "fires have subsided" at the Kodiak Pacific Spaceport.
A car parked waiting for a Covid test at the former Golden Lion Hotel in Anchorage

Former Golden Lion Hotel will become low-income housing, says Anchorage mayor

The Golden Lion building was purchased by the city in 2020 under acting Mayor Austin Quinn-Davidson, and was intended to be used as a drug and alcohol misuse treatment center.
soldiers in white uniforms hold a tow rope. They are in bunny boots strapped to skis

Alaska Army suicides drop as leaders push programs to improve soldiers’ lives

Last year's total of six suicides among Alaska-based soldiers is down from 17 in 2021, and the lowest since 2018.
Tuklung River fire

‘The most extreme of all the extremes’: What’s behind Bristol Bay’s record-breaking fire season

Last year was Bristol Bay's largest wildfire season on record, as fires in the region trend larger and more numerous amid a warming climate.
Cans on shelves in a grocery store

Alaska’s State Public Assistance director is no longer in her post following news of months-long waits for food stamps

The news comes as the division has been under fire for its failure to issue food stamps and Medicaid benefits in a timely manner.
a map

Three Bears Alaska to build North Pole grocery/retail complex

Wasilla-based grocery chain Three Bears Alaska will build a new store in North Pole, the latest in its statewide expansion plan.
Merbok debris

FEMA sent ‘unintelligible’ disaster relief information to Alaska Native people impacted by Typhoon Merbok

FEMA hired a California company to translate Typhoon Merbok aid material into Alaska Native languages. But speakers say they aren't accurate.

Skagway’s dog bus is an internet sensation

Mo Mountain Mutts' videos have gone from viral posts to national news.
A woman holds a "Mary Peltola for Congress" sign outside

Finally, Peltola is sworn in for a full term in Congress

Along with the entire House of Representatives, Mary Peltola took the oath of office early Saturday morning.
woman at helm of boat

Mary Peltola and the art of Yuuyaraq’ing

Yup'ik Alaskans say Rep. Mary Peltola has embraced a handed-down code of conduct which encourages interconnectedness, balance and respect for others.
A four story concrete building

Alaska joins more than a dozen states banning TikTok on state devices

Gov. Mike Dunleavy cited security and privacy concerns regarding use of the app.

Joey Sweet to take over Forrest Dunbar’s Anchorage Assembly seat

Sweet, 30, is a former student regent for the University of Alaska, appointed by Gov. Bill Walker. He also served as a legislative intern for former state Sen. Berta Gardner.
A bunch of people near a dog yard

Alaska’s population steady amid COVID, departures

More people left Alaska in 2022 than moved here, and COVID-19 led to higher death rates.
an orange sky with a big rig in front

Alaska’s permit for road to major oil project leads to ConocoPhillips lawsuit

ConocoPhillips and Australian oil company Santos are in a dispute over the use of a North Slope road built by ConocoPhillips for access to Santos' Pikka Project.
a husband and wife

Woodworking couple builds little boats for the first baby born in Juneau each year

Dr. Lindy Jones and his wife Colleen — who’ve been woodworking together since college — make one of the little, rocking boats for the first baby born in Juneau each year.
a man and woman pose, smiling, for a selfie

Seattle ice storm caused a North Pole man to miss his heart transplant

“I don’t wanna ever miss another chance,” said Patrick Holland, who's now moving to Seattle to wait for another suitable heart.
a man opens a refrigerator door in the dairy aisle at a grocery store

Bird flu in Washington cracks Alaska’s egg supply chain

Alaskans are posting photos on social media of empty shelves and trying to crowdsource where they can buy eggs. Meanwhile, prices are spiking.
a man assembles a tent fram outside

Homer activist works to bring thousands of meals a month to Ukrainian refugees

Lucas Wilcox's non-profit organization, Altruist Relief Kitchen, is using salvaged materials to build off-grid kitchens to feed Ukrainian refugees.