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.”

Uluao ‘Junior’ Aumavae brings community and personal experience to Anchorage’s top equity job

The former NFL player says strong community ties and diversity and equity programs got him to where he is today. He hopes to provide the same opportunities for Anchorage residents.
A man gesticulating behind a desk

Alaska Senate approves budget that includes $5,500 payments to residents

Sen. Mike Shower, R-Wasilla, said the proposal would give the Senate room to negotiate the final figure with the House.
Seen from above, two people packing various items into overdose kits

Alaska is fighting a surge in fentanyl deaths with stronger overdose kits

Nearly 300 Alaskans died of opioid overdoses last year, and most of those deaths involved fentanyl.
A man installs an antenna receiver inside.

Native organizations win $35M grant to bring broadband home

Unlike traditional infrastructure projects, the grant is aimed at equipping homes and rural health facilities with the devices needed to take advantage of broadband.
soldier boots

JBER soldier dies after bear attack during training in Anchorage

The U.S. Army Alaska soldier was part of a small group training in the area west of the Anchorage Regional Landfill.

Bartlett seniors celebrate graduation after a challenging four years

Monday's ceremony marked the conclusion of a high school experience bookended by two major events: the 2018 earthquake and the COVID pandemic.

Alaska Senate votes for bigger dividend during budget debate

The Alaska Senate has voted for dividends of about $4,200 to residents this year, plus “energy relief” checks of $1,300, as its work on a state budget plan continued.
An excavator dumps dirt from a pile next to a mountain

Dozens of cars are still stuck behind Seward landslide as road clearing begins

Two excavators worked through the day Monday to start removing a 300-foot landslide that cut off the community of Lowell Point on Saturday evening.
A red and white building

Uptick in tuberculosis cases across the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta forces in-school testing

Alaska tuberculosis rates are nearly four times the national average.
The three candidates sit at a table onstage

At Bethel forum, US House candidates address Roe v. Wade, salmon and public safety

Three Alaska Native candidates running in the special primary election for Alaska’s U.S. House seat came to Bethel for a candidate forum last Friday.
a woman sits on the beach

Former Homer resident kidnapped, murdered woman missing since 2019, police say

The charges against Kirby Calderwood are the first public explanation of what happened to Anesha “Duffy” Murnane since she went missing in October 2019.

Alaska Democrats lash out at US House candidate Al Gross — the same candidate they endorsed in 2020

They're calling him a "proven loser" after Gross suggested he might caucus with GOP.

Why some anti-abortion Alaskans say this is the year to vote yes on a constitutional convention

A convention would allow changes to the state Constitution. But people on both side of the abortion issue think it's a bad idea.
A multi-story building

Alaska Senate votes for $1,300 energy payment on top of PFD

The energy payment passed 12-7 as an amendment to the state budget package that senators were debating.
A portrait of a woman outside

Asking the right questions can stop eating disorders from progressing, experts say

“One of the most important things is to identify an eating disorder early before you get the complications,” said Dr. Rachel Lescher.
High waters surround buildings

Residents take stock of damage as floodwaters recede in Manley Hot Springs

As of Sunday, the community’s power, phone lines and cell service were still down. 
A boat leaving a dock

Crew sets sail from Wrangell in search of century-old shipwreck

An eight-person crew of scientists, artists and divers are trying to find one of the deadliest shipwrecks in Alaska history.

From Hawaii to Alaska, candy leis make graduation sweeter

Working in their living rooms and at kitchen tables, Anchorage residents are meeting a growing demand for candy leis for graduations, Mother's Day and more.