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.”

Melissa Hutchinson is a waitress and the dayshift supervisor at Gwennie's Old Alaska Restaurant. She's standing behind the bar at the Anchorage restaurant.

Anchorage Assembly passes $15.4 million relief package

The last of the city's CARES Act funding will go toward rental and mortgage relief, small business grants, and food and voucher programs helping Anchorage families cover the essentials.
A treed flat area

Alaska DEC commissioner upholds controversial permit for Donlin gold mine

The decision comes after an administrative law judge recommended that the DEC should not uphold the certificate in April.

New equipment helps scientists keep tabs on Bogoslof now and study it later

There aren't many volcanoes like Bogoslof. But with an improved monitoring network, scientists are relishing every last eruption. Listen now

Alaska GOP Gov. Dunleavy seeks to oust Democratic chair of oil and gas watchdog agency

A two-page letter from Dunleavy last month charges French with “neglect of duty and misconduct,” and levies five charges to justify the governor’s bid to remove French from chairmainship of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission.
A man in an orange shirt lifts up his sleeve to get a shot.

Breakthrough infections might not be a big transmission risk. Here’s the evidence.

Are vaccinated people who get COVID as likely to spread the infection as unvaccinated people? Scientists don't think so.
Olympic ice skaters

‘A deep depression after the Olympics’: The challenges facing athletes at home

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee formed a mental health task force ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
a person behind a podium at a press conference

Anchorage mayor blames vaccine mandates for hospital staff shortage. Hospitals say he’s wrong.

Hospitals say they're swamped with COVID patients now. Mandates aren't in effect yet.
People stand with signs that spell impeach. white dome of capitol visible behind them

‘Pretty damning’: 2nd Trump impeachment case is compelling, Murkowski says

Alaska's U.S. senators say watching videos of the Jan. 6 violence reignited their anger.

What is the future of the Bush Caucus?

The outcome of the disputed primary contest between Representative Benjamin Nageak and Dean Westlake is uncertain. Whoever wins, it may unsettle what’s been a unique tradition in Alaskan politics.Democratic legislators have a long history of joining Republican-led legislative majorities.

Rep. Laddie Shaw selected to fill seat of late Sen. Chris Birch

Less than a year into his freshman term as a Representative, Laddie Shaw has been selected to fill the Senate seat of the late Chris Birch.

University of Alaska regents vote to declare financial exigency

University of Alaska regents have adopted a declaration of financial exigency, enabling immediate budget cutbacks, including expedited faculty layoffs. Regents approved the declaration at a meeting in Anchorage today in response to an over 40 percent reduction in state funding.

Wilderness Society and UAF Release New Water Report

A new study conducted by scientists with the Wilderness Society and the University of Alaska Fairbanks examines how water resources in Alaska will...
dogs

CDC amends new rules for dogs entering U.S.

The new rules will still introduce some novel requirements starting Aug. 1.
a highway

Man crossing Seward Highway fatally struck by SUV near Dowling Road

Police say the man was hit by a vehicle headed north on the highway Thursday evening. He was treated by medics, but died at the scene.
a woman in a home under construction points

Alaskans can skip the down payment in this housing program. Instead, they put in sweat equity.

Families commit to work 36 hours a week building a block of homes. Their labor covers the down payments, and they get access to low-interest and subsidized mortgages.
a woman

Anchorage woman missing after Turnagain walk found safe

Police said Tuesday that 39-year-old Faith Rasmussen was found safe after being reported missing from an Oct. 5 walk in Turnagain.
A campaign sign supporting Mayor Dave Bronson's reelection vandalized with "Free Palestine"

Anchorage woman charged with vandalizing Bronson campaign signs

Police charged a 27-year-old East Anchorage woman with two felonies and a misdemeanor in connection with 14 vandalized campaign signs.

‘These Fs are tied to the pandemic’: Thousands of Anchorage students start summer school

The Anchorage School District is prioritizing re-building kids' relationship to in-person learning and starting to address learning loss.
A man speaks on the floor of a chamber around other men at wooden desks

Alaska House takes no action against Eastman for Oath Keepers membership

The Alaska House did not take action on a proposal to punish Eastman for his membership in the Oath Keepers, a far-right paramilitary organization whose leader was recently charged with seditious conspiracy for his role in the Jan. 6 riots.

Fish and Wildlife Service Begins Review of ANWR

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is starting to review the conservation plan for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The process is stirring debate...