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.”

a creek

New federal program aims to speed restoration of damaged Alaska streams and rivers

A new program has a toolbox of techniques to be used as the Bureau of Land Management seeks to restore waterways damaged by mining.

Environmental watchdogs are raising alarms over Pebble and other projects. But is anyone listening?

A Pebble Mine foe found a video she thought would make headlines. It didn't.

Wave of Morning Car Thefts Hits Anchorage

Colder overnight temperatures lead owners to idle vehicles for longer, raising the risk of theft.
salmon

Alaska’s salmon worth $720.4 million this year

Alaska's 2022 harvests for all five salmon species in all fisheries equaled $720.4 million – $76.5 million more than 2021 and $425.2 million more than 2020.

Alaska communities must adapt as climate change transforms state, federal report says

Declining sea ice, thinning snowpack, thawing permafrost and other climate-driven changes are threatening Alaskans statewide, the report says.
a fishing boat

A salmon glut has sent prices plunging, and economists don’t know when they’ll recover

Processors recently announced a base price of just 50 cents per pound – the lowest price in decades, when adjusted for inflation.

Time pressure makes special session likely

The Alaska Legislature is scheduled to end its session Wednesday, under a deadline set by the Alaska Constitution. But that doesn’t mean its work is over. Listen now
A giganticly obese grizzly bear stands knee deep in a river.

747 wins heavyweight title in Katmai’s annual Fat Bear Week

A park ranger who oversaw the contest said the bear is the biggest he's seen in the park.
A woman with a wedding dress pets a dog.

Our 25 favorite photos from the 2023 Iditarod ceremonial start

Thirty-three teams and dozens of sled dogs dashed down city streets and trails on Saturday, ahead of the official race start Sunday.
a man

Kenai man amasses vast collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia

Some people collect coins. Others collect jewelry or trading cards. But Kenai’s Kelly Bookey collects Coca-Cola memorabilia, and in large amounts.
A dog stands with its paws on a counter. A glass of beer sits on the counter.

Overhaul of Alaska alcohol laws makes progress in Legislature

This year, the most controversial provision has been one that limits the number of tasting rooms for breweries, distilleries and wineries. Right now, there can be one for every 3,000 residents. Under the new law, there could only be one for every 12,000.

Alaska sues PFAS makers as lawmakers seek broader action from regulators

Alaska is suing chemical manufacturers over PFAS, toxic compounds that have contaminated water in more than a dozen communities across the state.

Alaska’s budget, easier to swallow with ice cream and beer

The Alaska legislature has a lot on its plate trying to fix the state’s multi-billion dollar budget deficit, and a couple of budget experts are adding to the menu. They’re inviting the public to weigh-in over ice cream and beer. Listen now
a Kodiak crab boat

Kodiak’s tanner crab fishery is set to open Sunday. But the fishermen aren’t going out.

Fishermen say they won’t go fishing for the prices offered by local canneries, amid a winter fishing season already hit by closures and strikes.

AK: The mystery behind Ketchikan Ghost Tours

Ketchikan is home to plenty of supernatural phenomena. That’s the theory, at least, behind a new venture: Ketchikan Ghost Tours. Listen now

Point Hope Leader Disappointed in Shell, North Slope Borough Agreement

Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage The recent announcement of an agreement between Shell and the North Slope Borough for scientific collaboration on off-shore drilling...
a vigil

Bethel residents light candles for victims of domestic violence

The Tundra Women's Coalition hosted its final event marking this year's Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a Thursday candlelight vigil in Bethel.

Earthquakes Swarm the Brooks Range

An “earthquake swarm” is hitting the Brooks Range. Seismologists do not know why it is occurring or if it will continue. Friday night a 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck 20 miles northeast of Noatak. This is the third 5.5 quake that has struck the same area in the past two months.

Palin's gas line plan in legislative minds on eve of special session

The legislature is gaveling into special session this evening to consider the Palin administration's proposal for a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope...
July 24, 2018 in Washington, DC

Trump vows to campaign for any Murkowski challenger with ‘a pulse’ after she echoes general’s denouncement

Alaska's senior U.S. senator today endorsed a blistering denouncement of President Trump, praised political courage and yet suggested she might still support Trump.