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.”

Man at table wearing a tie and outdoor vest

Alaska lawmakers land on $1,100 PFDs, Dunleavy calls another special session

Gov. Mike Dunleavy called the Legislature into a fourth special session starting on Oct. 1. He issued the call on Tuesday after the Legislature passed a bill setting the PFD amount for this year. 
a lecture

Persily perforates Alaska natural gas line’s prospects in ‘Gasonomics’ talk

Longtime energy observer Larry Persily thinks Alaska will import natural gas to meet its needs, rather than building an in-state gas pipeline.
a high school graduate shakes principal's hand

‘Showing off who I am’: Anchorage seniors graduate in sealskin, kuspuks and other regalia

Service High graduate Jade Wren said she felt proud to show her Inupiaq heritage during the ceremony.

Attack Ads…With A Twist

It seems to be fairly universal that everyone is growing weary of the constant barrage of attack ads. To help us lighten the mood a bit as we race to the November 4th finish line, KSKA’s Dave Waldron found a way to bring levity to the attack. Download Audio

Former Goose Creek prison corrections officer sentenced in drug conspiracy

A former Department of Corrections officer convicted of smuggling drugs into Goose Creek Correctional Center was sentenced Tuesday to eight months in federal prison. Listen now

Alaska an important Special Operations training ground, as Arctic sees interest from Russia and China

U.S. Special Operations forces like Navy SEALs and Army Green Berets were training in Kodiak and Fairbanks this past winter.

Alaska Guard soldiers back in the U.S.; almost home

A welcome home ceremony for Alaska Army National Guard soldiers in the 297th infantry was held this morning at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. The group...

Government to Limit Halibut Charters in 2011

The federal government will start limiting the number of halibut charter boats in Alaska next year. The national marine fisheries service on Monday announced...

For one brief day, women run the U.S. Senate

In Washington, the side streets of Capitol Hill look suitable for running the Iditarod. But the U.S. Senate did meet this morning. For all of 10 minutes. Only the female senators from two northern states participated. Download Audio

Platinum Opens New Processing Plant

A huge crowd gathered last week near the Bering Sea village of Platinum for the grand opening of the Goodnews Bay Processing Plant....
Host, Lori Townsend, talks to election officials.

Alaskans prepare for state’s first ranked choice election cycle | Alaska Insight

Lori Townsend talks to election officials to discuss the new Ranked Choice voting system.

Alaska-bound fuel barge runs into trouble in Canadian waters

A fuel-laden barge bound for Alaska ran broke free from its tug in stormy seas. Canadian officials say the U.S. vessel is back under control but the incident reignites a debate over petroleum shipments in the Inside Passage. Listen now

Senate Energy Committee grills nominee for Energy Secretary

Senator Murkowski helped welcome President-elect Obama’s Energy Secretary nominee to Capitol Hill today.  As her party’s ranking member on the Energy Committee, she was...

Gourds Fly In Bethel With Pumpkin Trebuchet

Less than 48 hours after trick or treating, the sugar buzz should be mostly worn off. But there’s still thrills to be had in the form of launching pumpkins through the air. Download Audio
a trooper car

Troopers fatally shoot driver in Parks Highway chase near Healy

It's the second time this week that a trooper has fatally shot someone in the Interior.

Last day for Y-K Delta residents to apply for Fansler’s seat

Today is the filing deadline for potential candidates who hope to replace Zach Fansler as House District 38's State Representative. Fansler resigned after being accused of domestic violence related to alcohol. Listen now

Bear mauls woman near Kenai Princess Lodge

State troopers are reporting that last night a  911 call was received from the Kenai Princess Lodge stating employee Abby Sisk, 21, of Odgen,...
a family on a couch watching tv with antlers in the background holding up ski goggles

After more than a decade, overcrowded Shaktoolik is finally getting new homes

Alaskans are twice as likely to live in an overcrowded household than the national average. Rates are highest in small, off-the-road-system communities like Shaktoolik.

Federal Workers in Alaska Could Get “Locality Pay”

Federal workers in Alaska may soon start getting what’s called “locality pay” instead of a COLA, or Cost of Living Adjustment. Libby Casey, APRN...

Cheering from Alaska: Women’s relay 5th at the Olympics

The U.S women’s cross-country ski team didn’t win their first medal but they finished 5th, their best relay result ever at the Olympics. Listen now