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.”

Abbott pleads not guilty to Sitka murders

Jason Abbott has pleaded not guilty to murder. The eighteen-year-old was arraigned in Sitka Superior court this morning by telephone from Juneau’s Lemon Creek...
underwater archaeology

Archaeologists try to answer new questions about first humans in Southeast Alaska

A recent paper attempts to set a new timeframe of when humans first arrived in Southeast Alaska, using cave remains and animal fossils from the region.
children playing on a playground

Census figures show Mat-Su gained most new residents

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough north of Anchorage gained the most people in the last decade, according to U.S. Census data released Thursday.
a protest

Alaska Native leaders bring light to state-specific challenges in federal MMIP report

“The federal government must act now; not tomorrow; not next week; not next month; and not next year,” the commission said.

Walker signs Alaska state budget day before it starts

Alaska Gov. Bill Walker signed the state operating budget Friday without vetoing any of it. Listen now
Cannabis Plant. (Photo by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

In wave of felony marijuana charges, both sides point at publicity

16 felony charges were filed by the state against three high-profile marijuana businesses operating ahead of finished commercial regulations.
a business

Washington man pleads guilty to selling fake Alaska Native art in Ketchikan

Jessie Halili Reginio admitted to passing off Filipino-made stone carvings and wood totem poles as traditional art made by local Lingít and Haida artisans.

ConocoPhillips pipe rupture leads to spill

Emergency clean-up crews are on the North Slope this evening after more than 4,200 gallons of fuel and water leaked out of a pipeline...
Kenai Police Lt. David Ross addresses the media at Kenai City Hall Monday afternoon. Police believe they have found the remains of Rebecca Adams, 22; Michelle Hundley, 5; Jaracca Hundley, 3; and Brandon Jividen, 37, all missing since May of 2014.

Police Confident Remains Belong To Missing Kenai Family

Police investigators in Kenai are confident they’ve found the remains of a family missing since last May. Download Audio

AK: Southeast researchers are keeping up with the humpbacks

When animals are removed from the Endangered Species List, who keeps tabs on them? Often, the work of monitoring populations falls on volunteers. Listen now
Man in a suit in front of a desk mic

In address to Legislature, Sullivan slams Biden resource decisions

In an address to a joint session in the Legislature, Sullivan said Alaska’s economy benefited from a series of decisions by former President Trump’s administration.

U.S. Treasury Inspector General warns property purchases might not be acceptable use of CARES Act funds

Federal officials cautioned the Anchorage municipality that the plan to purchase properties for a substance treatment center and housing for people experiencing homelessness may not fall within the allowable use for CARES Act funds.

Southeast Divers Must Travel Far For Emergency Care

Scuba diving emergencies can no longer be treated at Bartlett Regional Hospital in Juneau. After more than 30 years, the facility discontinued its hyperbaric chamber program and recently removed the 13-foot chamber. Now, the closest chambers for public use are in Anchorage or Seattle. Download Audio

State clarifies testing rules for incoming travelers

Out-of-state travelers will be required to either have a negative test taken within 72 hours of departing for Alaska, or proof that they have results of a test taken within 72 hours that are pending

Hear Anchorage mayoral candidates discuss youth issues in this virtual forum

On Tuesday, April 6, Anchorage voters will choose the city's mayor. The next person to hold the office faces the continued COVID-19 pandemic, a struggling economy, and other new and legacy city issues.
a man in a suit

Peltola’s D.C. hires include Young’s former chief of staff

Alex Ortiz, who was Congressman Don Young’s last chief of staff, will also work in that role for congresswoman-elect Mary Peltola.
Sarah Palin headquarters

Vibe-check: U.S. House candidates’ campaign headquarters

The ambience at campaign headquarters for Rep. Mary Peltola, Nick Begich III and Sarah Palin.
a map

Hoonah is attempting to form a borough again. Juneau is opposing some of it.

A portion of the proposed borough overlaps with land that Juneau once made an effort to annex.

Permafrost Carbon Takes A Trip to Davy Jones’ Locker

It’s been widely accepted in the science community that melting permafrost means more carbon in the atmosphere. But a new study has identified a quirk in that process. Download Audio
A RIVER CUTS THROUGH TUNDRA

Biden administration blocks Ambler Road, strengthens protections for NPR-A

Both Alaska senators, Republicans Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, expressed outrage even before the decisions were formally announced.