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 man in a black hoodie and black rubber gloves cuts through marbled bowhead whale meat with a knife.

For one Utqiaġvik family, spring bowhead whaling marks an important milestone

The Aaluk Crew landed Utqiaġvik's first bowhead whale of the spring season last week. It was also 17-year-old striker Donald "Button" Adams' first catch.
headshots of a man and a woman

Anchorage mayoral runoff election: Q&As with Dave Bronson and Suzanne LaFrance

Here’s what incumbent Mayor Dave Bronson and Suzanne LaFrance had to say about many of the issues Anchorage voters said they care about most.
A man and a woman ask each-other questions at a podium.

Bronson, LaFrance offer different views and priorities in Alaska Public Media-ADN mayoral runoff debate

Bronson centered homelessness in his debate remarks, while LaFrance focused on providing basic city services.
A sign reads "Nesbett Courthouse," behind the sign, pedestrians walk on the sidewalk.

Homeschool ruling is on hold — but only through the end of June, judge rules

The judge’s order denying the state’s motion for a longer stay of the ruling also clarifies key aspects of the case.
2024 Anchorage Mayoral Runoff Debate broadcast or stream. Love on Facebook and YouTube. Logos: Anchorage Daily News and Alaska Public Media. Image of moderators Tom Hewitt and Lori Townsend.

Watch our 2024 Anchorage Mayoral Runoff Debate

Incumbent Dave Bronson and challenger Suzanne LaFrance shared their plans for Anchorage during our live mayoral debate.

Dunleavy says lawmakers shouldn’t pass bills to address homeschool decision. Lawmakers say that’s risky.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy is calling on lawmakers to pause their efforts to address a court ruling that threatens the state’s homeschool system, saying they...
a crash site

Burning engine fell from plane just before fatal crash near Fairbanks, NTSB says

The NTSB's Clint Johnson says video and witness reports of the fire are "a key piece of evidence" in the April 23 crash, which killed both crew members.
Two cars side by side getting a touchless car wash.

Car wash companies expand in Anchorage amid national boom  

According to Bloomberg, there are about 60,000 car washes in the country, and some forecasts show that number could double by 2030.
women

Juneau parents petition to recall school board leaders in response to district’s consolidation plan

The petitioners are worried about the impacts of closing and rearranging schools for students, as the board addresses a $7.9 million deficit.
a forest

U.S. Forest Service seeks public input in revising its long-term plan for the Tongass

The federal agency will spend the rest of this year gathering public input and then take the next couple of years to finalize a new plan.
lawmakers

Alaska Senate passes draft budget, confirming $175M in bonus public-school funding

Gov. Mike Dunleavy told reporters that he's "open to the increase" proposed by state lawmakers in the draft budget bill.
a doctor

After downsizing health care for years, Pentagon says medical readiness was a casualty

After a decade of downsizing, Defense Department officials admit they need to rebuild the medical force and the general health of active duty troops.
Anchorage

Alaska lawmakers juggle late-session bills addressing Southcentral natural gas crunch

Bills to make storing gas easier, reduce royalties and spur new gas production, as well as energy transmission and renewable energy, are moving forward.
woman in striped jacket

Peltola reverts to pro-fish stance with a new anti-Pebble Mine bill and a surprise vote on Alaska drilling 

She voted “present” on a bill she co-sponsored, illustrating the difficult line she walks as a pro-subsistence, pro-energy Democrat.

Dunleavy signals support for $175 million one-year education funding boost

The funding increase approved by the House and Senate would provide a one-year increase of roughly $680 per student.
An empty classroom.

Is your child enrolled in a correspondence program? We want to hear from you.

A recent Anchorage Superior Court ruling has left families of students in correspondence programs in limbo.
a protest

University of Alaska announces initial agreement with graduate workers on contract through 2026

The university described the pact as a tentative initial agreement that must go through more steps before it goes into effect.
Seward Harbor

Cruise company backs Alaska Railroad’s plan to replace Seward dock

Royal Caribbean International has signed a 30-year agreement to use the proposed passenger dock, as bonds are being secured for the project.
Sitka

Sitka site among nation’s most endangered historic places

Sitka's Tlingit clan houses are one of America's 11 most endangered historic sites, according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation's annual list.
A giant snowy mountain

Preparations underway for 2024 climbing season on Denali

More than 900 climbers have registered to attempt a summit of Denali this season, with 300 more registered for backcountry climbs.