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 ochre and white concrete building in a greay cloudy day

Alaska legislators seek to change campaign contribution limits, permanent fund trustees

One bill would prevent legislators from receiving per diem payments if they fail to pass a budget by the 121st day of regular session.
the corner of the City Hall building

Anchorage anti-panhandling signs cite unconstitutional law

The city of Anchorage has spent nearly $9,000 on new anti-panhandling signs, but the law the signs refer to was found unconstitutional nearly a decade ago.
A person wearing a mask

Mat-Su schools prepare to reopen Monday after storm damage

The district said power outages and cold temperatures led to water line breaks, boiler failures, broken sprinkler systems and other maintenance issues. But on Friday, Superintendent Randy Trani said the district is on track to fully reopen on Monday.
A person in a hospital gown walks around a parked car in a snowy parking lot

Omicron drives Alaska to new daily record in COVID cases

Daily case counts hit 1,843 on Wednesday.
a sign that says "free covid-19 testing" at an airport

Here’s some tips for how to get tested for COVID in Anchorage

While some drive-thru sites are reporting long wait times — sometimes stretching over two hours — there are some ways to get tested faster. 
An emergency sign outside a hospital.

More Alaska health care workers are out sick or in quarantine as omicron hits

The head of the Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association says it’s unclear whether omicron will cause as many hospitalizations as delta did. But, already, it's forcing health care workers off the front lines.
a Covid-19 swab specialist in medical gown, face mask, and face shield prepares to swab a traveler

Omicron wave hit Alaska this week, state health leaders say

Over the past five days, between 80% and 95% of COVID-19 cases screened by the state public health lab have had a marker associated with omicron.
A large Trump flag waves in front of the U.S. Capitol

Our Washington, DC, correspondent reflects on the Jan. 6 Capitol riot

It’s the one-year anniversary of a dark day in America’s political life — the storming of the U.S. Capitol, by a mob of former President Donald Trump supporters trying to keep him in the White House despite his election loss.
A person in a mask.

What we know about the symptoms — and the severity — of the omicron variant

Researchers are looking at data from U.S. cases to determine if the variant causes milder disease. Even if the answer is yes, they say, rates of hospitalization could be high during the surge.
Five Alaska Airlines planes parked at gates

Alaska Airlines to reduce flights due to omicron staffing shortage

Alaska Airlines will reduce departures by 10% through the end of January due to omicron-related staffing challenges, the company said in a statement Thursday.
A line of cars snaking through a parking lot with some mountains in the background

Anchorage Assembly members concerned over city’s communication, readiness for omicron

Assembly members have been increasingly vocal about concerns the city isn’t doing an adequate job communicating about how to get tested as cases rise quickly. The lack of attendance at the meeting added to a wider concern that the city’s health department isn’t prepared for the anticipated omicron surge that has already caused significant problems for schools and businesses in other cities. 
Three students play with a ball outside.

State prioritizes new construction for Napakiak school threatened by erosion

Napakiak’s existing school is within 64 feet of an eroding riverbank.
A mass of people with signs that say Trump and Trump Won.

They believe in Trump’s ‘Big Lie.’ Here’s why it’s been so hard to dispel

The resilience of the "Big Lie" is prompting consternation and creative efforts to reach those who remain adamant — despite all evidence to the contrary — that the 2020 presidential vote was rigged.
A portrait of a man

Ed Rasmuson remembered for putting Alaska ahead of politics

Alaska lost a champion and a colossal philanthropist when retired banker Ed Rasmuson died Tuesday at age 81.
A man plays guitar and sings

Bethel residents donate food and music to a new batch of stranded travelers at Grant Aviation

Many travelers who had been stuck in Bethel for weeks over the holidays have finally made it home to their villages on Grant Aviation flights. But now, there's a new batch of passengers stranded.
A man snowblows

Southeast Alaska’s ever-deepening snow ‘a real problem and a real hassle’

Winter weather is in full effect across Alaska, but unusually high snow accumulation is testing Southeast. Usually some snow melts between storms, but that’s not happening this winter.

Authorities locate mother of baby found in box in Fairbanks

Authorities have located the mother of a baby found abandoned in a cardboard box in frigid conditions in Fairbanks last week, Alaska State Troopers reported Wednesday.
A small plane is flipped upside down.

12 photos of the wreckage from Mat-Su’s powerful windstorm

As winds subside, Alaskans in the Mat-Su are assessing damage and cleaning up the wreckage. Here's what that looks like.
A man looks at the snowy ground.

As winds subside, Mat-Su residents take stock of devastation

Finding food and supplies is still challenging for residents, many who have been without power for days.