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.”

Pavlof Volcano Eruption Sends Ash Toward Cold Bay

Pavlof Volcano is erupting on the Alaska Peninsula, sending a haze of ash out above nearby towns. The volcano’s ash plume is up to 18,000 to 20,000 feet Tuesday. That’s put local airlines on alert. Download Audio
a person behind a podium at a press conference

‘Utterly confusing’ campaign reporting leads to $52,650 fine recommendation for Bronson campaign

The Bronson campaign's finance reports were not "even close to compliant" until the day of the run-off election, according to staff from the Alaska Public Offices Commission.

Lawmakers look to the north as Juneau prepares for Arctic Council meeting

On a cold, sunny day in Juneau, about 40 people gathered in the Capitol to eat lunch and learn about the Arctic. Juneau will host an Arctic Council meeting later this week, and state lawmakers got a visit from national and international scientists, policymakers and researchers on Tuesday. Listen now
tents outside

Southwest Alaska school district shifts to subsistence calendar in effort to center Yup’ik culture

The Yupiit School District serves students in Tuluksak, Akiak, and Akiachak.
candidate signs

Election in West Anchorage could be key to control of Alaska state Senate

Two veteran lawmakers running against each other have much in common but one big difference: their views on the value of bipartisanship.
The columns of the alaska state capitol

Alaska candidates promise painless budget cuts, but experts say not so fast

Veterans of state budget battles say that after years of spending cuts, it’s unlikely that further reductions can fill much of the deficit without major impacts to services like schools and the Medicaid health-care system. "The easy choices are gone," said House Speaker Bryce Edgmon.
A rocky, snowy mountain

Group of 12 stranded mountaineers rescued from Wrangell-St. Elias glacier

The climbers were attempting to summit the 16,000-foot Mt. Bona. Three suffered injuries from the stranding.

BP moves to exit Alaska, relinquishing role as operator of Prudhoe Bay

One of Alaska's "Big Three" oil companies is stepping away from its major role in the state. BP is leaving its position as the company that oversees Prudhoe Bay.

Black bear enters camper near Seward, scratches sleeping man’s leg

The bear had entered the man’s camper through an open door, said Alaska State Troopers.
A photograph of homes and a big blue sky.

Dunleavy won’t appeal judge’s ruling that state must fund program for lower energy costs

Gov. Dunleavy said the ruling provided clarity and that the Power Cost Equalization program provides an essential service. 

Here’s which Alaska services would stop if the state government shuts down next week

The House Finance Committee heard on Thursday from industry leaders who expressed concern about the impact of a shutdown on the private sector.

Alaska COVID hospitalizations dip slightly after hitting record high

The number of hospitalizations from COVID-19 in the state dropped by 10 after hitting a record high on Thursday. There are now 232 patients with COVID-19 in Alaska’s hospitals.
A man holds prescription drugs.

Alaska cancer treatment centers struggle with shortage of common chemo drugs

Two common chemotherapy drugs are in short supply in Alaska – cisplatin and carboplatin. Oncology centers across the country are struggling to keep the drugs in stock.

A Bear Walks Into A Bar…

Throwing out visitors who overstay their welcome is a common late night practice in downtown bars. But one guest last night was particularly unwelcome at the Alaskan Hotel & Bar. Download Audio

During Eielson visit, Defense Secretary Mattis highlights Alaska’s strategic military role

Mattis spoke at a news conference this morning at Eielson Air Force Base, after a tour of the missile-defense facility at Fort Greely. Listen now
Donald Trump, wearing a black suit and dred tie, gestures in a rainy lot next to several black SUVs with microphones visible in the foreground

Trump accuses Murkowski of killing ANWR; ‘I will be there to campaign against her!’ he vows

Donald Trump says Sen. Murkowski is responsible for the Biden administration's suspension of drilling leases in the Arctic Refuge.

ANCSA at 50: Who will be included in the next generation of shareholders?

Video: Corporations formed under ANCSA are slowly opening up to new generations of shareholders, allowing younger Alaska Native people to have a voice in shaping the future.
Rocks (ore) separated by wooden planks

Donlin Gold still waiting for big state permits

So far in the permitting process, Donlin Gold's biggest milestone has been the Army Corps of Engineers’ joint record of decision, issued in August. Listen now

Point Lay Celebrating First Whale Harvest in 72 Years

The Chukchi Sea coastal community of Point Lay is celebrating their first whale harvest in 72 years. Lori Townsend, APRN - Anchorage Download Audio (MP3)
an apology

Alaska lawmakers support push to investigate, document forced assimilation in boarding schools 

The widely supported resolution supports a bill championed by U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski in Congress.