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.”

cars lined up and a sign that reads "COVID-19 TESTING SITE"

Alaska records 28 more COVID-19 deaths

The deaths reported Tuesday happened in regions around Alaska and were mostly people in their 60s or older.

Juneau Assembly passes emergency mask mandate

The move follows an COVID-19 outbreak at a Juneau seafood plant that infected dozens.
A window in a sparse cel

COVID-19 outbreak at Goose Creek prison grows

The state has reported 110 cases at the facility, which is the state's largest prison.

Two planes collide north of Anchorage; one dead upon Susitna River crash

Two airplanes collided in the skies over Alaska north of Anchorage. Listen now

Without safety net of mandates, Anchorage’s overtaxed, understaffed hospitals brace for more patients

As Alaska hospitals near capacity, health care experts say they're not sure the latest COVID surge will peak quickly, as it did in other countries. They point out that thousands of unvaccinated Alaska children are returning to classrooms this week — many in school districts where masks are optional.

Yes, independents can run in Democratic primary, says Alaska Supreme Court

The decision would allow Gov. Bill Walker to run in the primary if he chooses to. It may affect some Republican primaries, too, for legislators the party doesn’t want on their ticket. Listen now
A white, fluffy headed alpaca looks directly into the camera.

Wild brown bear killed after fatal attack on Alaska Zoo’s alpaca, Caesar

A brown bear in Anchorage has been killed after breaking into the Alaska Zoo and killing an alpaca, according to a statement from the zoo.
An outdoor sign reads: James M. Fitzgerald United States Courthouse & Federal Buildling

Kindred’s former clerk claims she lost her Justice Department job after she complained of his misconduct

The U.S. Attorney's office didn't answer detailed questions from Bloomberg reporters but said the office was mindful of its employees' rights.
a person holds a bowl of butter garlic shrimp

Anchorage’s small international eateries, used to take-out, found a growing market in the pandemic

Smaller, family-owned eateries have done better than established fine-dining restaurants, adapting quickly to social media marketing and online ordering for take-out.

Former Fairbanks Mayor Comes Forward With Information About Miller

Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage Former Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Jim Whitaker has come forward with some new information regarding U.S. Senate candidate...
a man

Permafrost expert, military pilot among 4 dead in North Slope helicopter crash

Ronald Daanen, 51; Justin Germann, 27; Tori Moore, 26; and pilot Bernard “Tony” Higdon, 48, all died in last week's crash during a scientific mission.

House and Senate get down to brass tacks on new oil taxes

The House and Senate Finance Committees are opening deliberations on new taxes for the oil industry -- and they could push he special legislative...

Pete Kaiser wins third consecutive Kuskokwim 300

His was the team to beat and no-one could. Sunday morning for the third year in a row, Pete Kaiser won the 2017 Kuskokwim 300 Sled Dog Race, crossing the finish line in Bethel at 10:37 a.m. to loud cheers from his hometown crowd. His leader Palmer brought home the nine-dog team, 28 minutes faster than last year. Listen now

Palin Stars at Right to Life Dinner

Governor Sarah Palin is speaking during a right-to-life dinner in Indiana tonight. Its her first out-of-state trip for a political cause since the presidential...
A white man with grey hair and a grey suit

Despite the pandemic, Alaska’s primary and general elections to follow normal voting process

Many were pushing for a move to mail-in ballots, but the Lieutenant Governor said that the current voting system, including absentee ballots, will be able to meet the demands of voters should a sharper outbreak of the coronavirus occur.
A nurse wearing a face sheild pokes a person

Poll: Nearly half of Alaska Republicans won’t get COVID-19 vaccine

A statewide poll from late November shows that 45% of Alaskans who identify as Republicans said they won’t get the COVID-19 vaccine when they become eligible. That’s compared with just 13% of Democrats.

Alaska’s child care crisis | Alaska Insight

On this Alaska Insight, host Lori Townsend is joined by Sen. Löki Tobin and Stephanie Berglund, CEO of Thread Alaska, to discuss the scope and possible solutions to the child care crisis.

U.S. Army Corps releases Pebble Mine’s draft EIS

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' release of Pebble Mine's draft environmental impact statement is a major step in the federal permitting process.

Gasline bill ready for House vote

The House tomorrow  will take up – and vote on -- the bill authorizing a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope to North...

Alaska Native leader and former Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott dies at 77

Byron Mallott, the Alaska Native leader who served as lieutenant governor under former Gov. Bill Walker, died unexpectedly at age 77.