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 woman checks on a dog in a vet's office

Alaska’s rural animal shelters are struggling to keep up: ‘Everywhere has no room’

Animal shelters around the state have seen a recent uptick of stray and surrendered animals.

Alaska’s new Senate delegation meets in Washington

Photo by Libby Casey Alaska's Democratic Senator-elect Mark Begich spent today walking the halls of Congress. Begich won't be sworn-in until next month but he's...
People waitiing in line at a counter at the PFD office

PFDs will start going out to Alaskans on Sept. 20, says governor’s office

This year’s $3,200-per-person payout includes a $650 payment meant to offset high energy costs.

Urged by Alaska veterans, Sullivan supports cannabis research at VA

Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan is co-sponsoring a bill that calls on the Department of Veterans Affairs to look into the "efficacy and safety" of cannabis in the treatment of veterans diagnosed with "chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder" and other conditions. Listen now

Court continues to sort out irregularities in Stevens trial

The Justice Department got back on track in court today in the case of former Senator Ted Stevens. At their last court...

Paramo selected as new Anchorage Schools superintendent

Deena Paramo, the current superintendent at the Mat-Su Borough School District, is chosen to lead the state's largest school district.

Rural Schools Bill Clears First Hurdle

A bill aimed at revamping construction funds for rural schools has passed its first hurdle in the Legislature. Shane Iverson, KYUK – Bethel Download Audio...

US House calls for more research on ocean acidification

The change in ocean chemistry is alarming to subsistence communities and the fishing industry.
Dr Anne Zink, a white woman with brown hair and dark rimmed glasses speaks in front of an American flag.

Alaska Natives, Pacific Islanders have a disproportionate number of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations

Alaskans of Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander ethnicity make up 4% of the cases in the state, while they’re only 1% of the population.

Alaska’s largest rural airline will go on the auction block Tuesday

Fourteen bidders intend to participate in the auction, Ravn said in a prepared statement Monday, though it did not reveal their names.

Hill visits: It’s all about access in DC

Conventional wisdom has it that politicians only grant access to donors or lobbyists. Does the phenomenon of the "Hill visit" prove the cynics wrong? Listen now

Former state lawyer sues over being fired, saying she couldn’t sign Dunleavy “pledge of loyalty”

Former assistant public advocate Kelly Parker filed the lawsuit in Anchorage Superior Court on October 8th, against Dunleavy, his former chief of staff Tuckerman Babcock, and the state.

Board of Game considers expanding predator control

The state Board of Game has begun work on a stack of proposals - many of which involve predator control. Among other things,...

Murkowski, Sullivan resign GOP posts after denouncing Trump

Alaska's two U.S. senators resigned leadership posts in the state Republican party in denouncing GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump. Listen Now
the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court leaves Indian Child Welfare Act intact

By a 7-to-2 vote, the court upheld the Indian Child Welfare Act's preferences for Native tribes when Indian children are adopted.

U.S. investigates ‘unprofessional interactions’ after Russian military confronts Bering Sea fishermen

Vessels reported being buzzed by Russian aircraft and ordered out of the area on a specific heading. The incident has now drawn the attention of both of Alaska’s U.S. senators and an investigation by three federal agencies into what they’re calling “unprofessional behavior” by the Russian military.
Dozens of teachers with signs gather. Some say: No contract, still working.

Mediator to solve dispute over Anchorage teachers’ contracts

A federal mediator is expected to help resolve differences over key terms of contracts for Anchorage teachers after the union and the state’s largest...

House and Senate agree on energy rebate bill as the special session ends

State House and Senate leaders today appeared to have found common ground in their two versions of the bill helping Alaskans meet high...

Convicted lawmaker Kott appealing case

Kott was found guilty of conspiracy, bribery, and extortion in September, and was sentenced earlier this month to six years in federal prison. David Shurtleff,...

Is Anchorage America’s most diverse city? Depends on who you ask

Anchorage boasts some of the most diverse neighborhoods in the country. But, is it the most diverse city in America? Listen now