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.”

Lieutenant Governor will run for Don Young's U.S. House seat

At the Republican convention in Anchorage this morning, Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell announced his intention to run for Alaska's single U.S. House of Representatives...
a permanent fund seal in window

Alaska heading toward fiscal ‘brick wall’ that could force end to PFD formula debate

Alaskans are set to receive $1,312 payouts, but the Legislature still can’t agree on how to determine that number in the long term.

Walker bill aims to curb opioid epidemic

A new bill is aimed at curbing opioid addiction and overdose deaths. The bill lets patients tell health care providers and hospitals to not give them opioids. It also requires health care providers receive training in opioid addiction. Listen now
a director and an actor

Director of new film ‘Till’ got her start in Fairbanks

Chinonye Chukwu produced her first feature film in 2012 as a University of Alaska Fairbanks student.
A burned and destroyed plane.

NTSB: Plane in Bethel was ‘immediately engulfed in flames’ moments after passengers got out

The National Transportation Safety Board is continuing to investigate what caused a Yute Commuter Service plane to catch fire and burn on the Bethel runway on Nov. 20.

Group seeking Dunleavy recall isn’t stopping at minimum as it continues to gather signatures

A Recall Dunleavy organizer says the campaign isn’t slowing down after the veto reversals.
A musher sleds below a spruce tree covered mountain. Dogs are in orange vests

Race officials say the 2021 Iditarod is still on

The Iditarod says it will work with an infectious disease epidemiologist to develop a plan for holding the 1,000-mile race during the coronavirus.

Governor meets with legislature over capital projects disagreements

House Speaker John Harris is working directly with the governor and with Senate leaders to resolve a dispute over some $50 million in capital...
a broken arch

Iditarod’s iconic Burled Arch collapses in Nome

The arch, which marks the end of the Iditarod Trail, collapsed Saturday. It was last renovated in 2013.

Pebble Mine ownership goes 50-50; may push project to final development

The much-debated Pebble Mine project near Iliamna just received a huge infusion of capital from mining giant Anglo American, the third-largest mining company in...
A snowy landscape with mountains in the background

Denali’s historic, lingering snow season is affecting the park’s wildlife

Denali National Park is still melting out from its snowiest winter season in 99 years of record keeping.

Turnout is third-lowest in Alaska state primary history

Of registered voters, 18.2 percent cast ballots, with five precincts and some absentee ballots left to count. Listen now

Pollock Fleet Asks, “Where Are The Fish?”

UnAlaska Dutch Harbor is the busiest fishing port in the world. And the fish that fuels that distinction is pollock. But this pollock season has been a bust so far. And many boat owners have started sending crews home.
three men pose for a photo together

Anchorage teen’s accused killer on trial 45 years after her murder

Prosecutors say DNA links an Oregon man to the killing of 16-year-old Shelley Connolly. The defense says it also points to other suspects.

State House searches for oil tax solution

The Minority and Majorities in the State House of Representatives today opened talks on an alternative tax plan that might get enough support to...

Amid coronavirus fears, who decides if a cruise ship can come or not?

Alaska’s cruise ship season begins in April, and that’s making a lot of people anxious in port towns that have, so far, been untouched by the COVID-19 virus.
A woman speaks into a microphone.

Bill would draw funds for Alaska schools from Permanent Fund earnings, along with PFD

For some lawmakers, the primary use of the Permanent Fund earnings is clear: to pay PFDs. But other lawmakers say the fund can help settle one of the state issues that it’s been debating even longer than the PFD: how to pay for public education.

Judge in Stevens trial holds Justice Department lawyers in contempt

A federal judge has found a team of Justice Department lawyers in contempt for failing to turn over documents to attorneys for former Senator...

Revenue commissioner outlines a new direction for Alaska’s gas pipeline project

That direction looks a lot like a previous version of the project: one that was led by the oil companies on the North Slope.

C-17 Crashes at Elmendorf

An Air Force C-17 cargo plane carrying four crew members crashed at Elmendorf Air Force Base Wednesday evening, according to the Air Force. The crash occurred...