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.”

C-17 Crashes at Elmendorf

An Air Force C-17 cargo plane carrying four crew members crashed at Elmendorf Air Force Base Wednesday evening, according to the Air Force. The crash occurred...

Walker, Begich supporters eye withdrawal deadline

It’s nearly unprecedented for conservative and Republican candidates to share less of the vote than former Gov. Sean Parnell had four years ago. Listen now
A cat looks out the window

A man threatened to kill himself. Juneau police shot at him, and hit two nearby homes instead.

State and local authorities say they're investigating the shooting.
Blue and red police lights.

Wasilla woman struck and killed by Alaska Railroad train

Wasilla police say Diana Wilson, 48, was lying in the freight train's path Friday night, but investigators haven't determined why.
a woman in sunglasses

As some question her commitment, Palin says she’s never left Alaska

Few political insiders doubt that Palin will win enough votes in Alaska’s new nonpartisan primary system to finish in the top four, which would advance her to the August general election to finish Young’s term.

Fire Season's Activity is Unprecedented

Annie Feidt, APRN - Anchorage A fire official with 20 years experience in Alaska says he's never seen such an early and dramatic start to...

After car trouble on a rural road, an Unalaska teenager dies of hypothermia

The state medical examiner has ruled hypothermia as the cause of death of Alexis Magalong, an 18-year-old high school senior who was found dead Saturday near Unalaska's Summer Bay.

Judge Suspends Controversial Union Ordinance

A state Superior Court judge has sided with Municipality of Anchorage employee's unions in a dispute over a city labor law. Judge Eric Aarseth heard arguments from union and city attorneys yesterday, and made his decision from the bench only minutes after their conclusion. Listen for Full Story
Young Black man smiles slightly while standing next to a blue sign that reads "Benny Benson Alternative High School Congratulations Graduates Class of 2022."

How to help people understand the complexity of mental health

An Anchorage teenager made major shifts in his approach to life and is about to graduate high school. He never saw a therapist, never thought about mental health. But mental health is tied to all of it.

Judge overrules state, says salmon initiative can go forward

A controversial ballot initiative intended to protect salmon habitat has cleared a major hurdle, setting up what could be an intense political fight. Listen now

Sitkans, police review tasing event in community ‘talking circle’

While police issues continue to divide communities and make national headlines, the Sitka Police Department is trying to restore confidence locally, after disturbing video from the Sitka jail surfaced on social media this fall. Download Audio
a woman in an orange scarf

Permanent Fund Corp. board member resigns after email controversy

In May, a series of leaked emails suggested some corporation employees felt pressured by investment suggestions offered by Ellie Rubenstein.

Feds agree to shore up Alaska’s insurance market

The U.S. Health & Human Services Department has agreed to send federal money to the State of Alaska for reinsurance, which lowers costs for people who buy their own health insurance. Some see it as a model to prevent market "death spirals." Listen now
police

Juneau police detain man after 3-hour downtown standoff linked to drug investigation

Police said that two people exited the home early on in the search, but one refused to leave the building.
A man in a suit leans toward two elementary-school-aged children in the foreground.

Anchorage’s new schools superintendent confronts bus driver shortage and low enrollment as the academic year begins

Dr. Jharrett Bryantt begins his tenure with a shortage of bus drivers causing reduced bus service -- a crisis, as Bryantt calls it -- as well as other staffing issues and concerns about safety felt nationwide following one of the deadliest-ever school shootings in U.S. history, near the end of last school year in Uvalde, Texas.

The Blind Spot: A System of Order Over Chaos

This week Alaska Public Media is exploring the Blind Spot – how youth who are part of and outside of the juvenile justice system are getting help for substance abuse. One option is residential treatment, like the kind offered through the ARCH program in Eagle River, which Anne Hillman toured with one young resident. Download Audio

Amid sexual harassment claims, Rep. Westlake says he’ll resign

“It shows that more and more so, people who do these kinds of things are going to be held accountable for their actions,” said Olivia Garrett, a former legislative aide and the first person to come forward publicly with allegations. Listen now
a sunrise

Summer officially arrives with the earliest solstice in more than 2 centuries

The summer solstice — the exact moment when Earth’s north pole is most tilted towards the sun — happens at 12:51 p.m. Alaska time Thursday.

Watch: Dunleavy signs off on $1,600 PFD, agrees to restore funds to multiple budget items

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy signed a bill Monday that provides permanent fund dividends of $1,600. He says he expects to call a third special session this fall, solely to pay another roughly $1,400 per Alaskan in PFDs. Watch the video address here.

Petersburg Volunteers Free Whale from Fishing Gear

A team of volunteers from Petersburg freed a young grey whale that was tangled in what appeared to be foreign gillnet gear Friday. The animal was 20 to 25 feet long and looked to be in bad shape but rescuers are hopeful it will at least be able to feed again, now that it’s no longer entangled.