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.”

Salcha area flood threat prompts Fairbanks to act

The Fairbanks North Star Borough has opened an Emergency Operations Center in response to flood danger in Salcha. Libby Casey, KUAC - Fairbanks

Ask a Climatologist: Tracking “green up” in Fairbanks

Trees and shrubs are starting to turn green in much of Alaska. But Fairbanks is the only community in the state with an historical record tracking the green up date. Listen now

Senate passes its version of state budget after charged debate

The vote came after the Senate defeated 24 proposed amendments, including one that would have raised permanent fund dividends to the full amount. Listen now

In tele-rally, Trump calls on Alaska ‘patriots’ to vote Young, Sullivan

In his remarks, Trump called Young and Sullivan “two very special people” and asked “every patriot in Alaska” to get out and vote for them.
Governor Dunleavy, wearing a greenish zip up jacket, gestures as he talks

Dunleavy calls for special sessions on budget, Permanent Fund, taxes and spending

The first 30-day session would begin on May 20, the day after the regular session ends. It will focus on finishing work on the state budget, and on a constitutional amendment intended to protect the Permanent Fund’s earnings reserve, permanent fund dividends and a fund lowering rural electricity costs.

Shockingly High Rate of Violence Against Women Found in Alaska

Photo and Story by Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage Alaska has led the nation in the incidence of sexual assault and domestic violence against...

What they mean when they say ‘immigration problem’

Lawmakers paint different pictures of what the immigration problem actually is and who the victims are. That's true even within Alaska's all-Republican delegation to Congress. Listen now
Seen frm behind, three travelers fill out forms in front of a white fold out table manned by two workers

Alaska eases restrictions on travel into and out of the state during pandemic

The quarantine requirement for people flying into Alaska without a negative test will be five days.

Curbside pickup could be coming to Alaska’s marijuana stores, as control board advances emergency regulations

Right now, sales are only allowed to take place as they normally would -- inside the store. But, if Governor Mike Dunleavy approves the board's emergency regulations, that will change.
A woman smiling at the camera

Sophie Sergie cold case murder trial ends and goes to jury

Lawyers stepped the jury through evidence and testimony in four hours of closing remarks on Monday.

Trump signs defense bill to allow more missile interceptors in Alaska

The law authorizes nearly $700 billion for the military, including $200 million for a new missile field at Fort Greely. Actual spending may vary. Listen now
A man in a suit and a woman with a microphone answer questions at a debate.

Bronson, LaFrance challenge each other’s record during Anchorage Chamber mayoral debate

With two weeks until ballots are due, the candidates are looking to win over more voters after a close race in the general election.
a school in napakiak

Lower Kuskokwim students return to classrooms that served as weekend storm shelters

Lower Kuskokwim School District buildings served as evacuation centers during the storm in Newtok, Kipnuk, Nightmute, Kwigillingok, Kwethluk and Tununak.
A sunny day near the water

Seward plans to welcome back its first cruise ships since 2019

Cruises support an estimated 20,000 jobs in Southcentral every season.

Two major candidates file papers to run for Anchorage mayor

Rebecca Logan is the main challenger taking on incumbent mayor Ethan Berkowitz in the first election to be conducted by mail for the municipality.
a parking lot

No charges against 3 Anchorage officers in fatal shooting of man who drew gun on them

State prosecutors say the officers' body cameras confirmed that Tyler May aimed a pistol at them before they shot him on June 3.

In a trickle of information, fire evacuees learn fate of homes

Residents displaced by the McKinley fire are gradually finding out about their homes and property, as state begins an assessment that will take days.

Kenai Peninsula schools face substitute teacher shortage

The school district voted to raise substitute teacher pay in response to the shortage.

Audio: John McCain introduces Sarah Palin as his VP choice

Today in Dayton, Ohio John McCain celebrated his 72nd birthday by announcing his choice for Vice President on the presumptie Republican Presidential ticket: Alaska's...

Casualty of care: Ex-Marine grapples with VA system

The Department of Veterans Affairs in Alaska has made healthy strides in improving care over the last few years. But some patients still fall through the cracks. In the first of a two-part story, an ex-Marine explains his difficulties navigating care and benefits through the VA, and the effect its had on his life. Download Audio