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.”

Ukrainians arrive in Anchorage, with hundreds more expected in coming weeks

Twelve people from Ukraine arrived over the weekend, and hundreds more are expected in the coming weeks thanks to the local non-profit and a new federal program.  
kids in Ketchikan

Ketchikan celebrates Filipino American history, culture at 2nd annual Fil-Am Festival

Community members in Ketchikan came together last weekend to celebrate Filipino American History Month at the second annual Fil-Am Festival.
Two people walk through a prison.

3 Alaska prison inmates die in 2024’s opening weeks

In the first 15 days of 2024, Alaska prisons have seen nearly a third of the entire statewide inmate death toll recorded last year.
A gravel road next to a mountainside

Denali Park Road landslide slumping prompts closure and search for long-term fix

Underneath a 100-yard section of road going through Polychrome Pass is a thawing rock glacier, causing the road to slump. And the rate at which it's slumping has increased in recent years, making it harder to maintain for bus traffic —the most popular way for visitors to access Denali National Park.

Senate Race Certification Put On Hold

Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage The outcome of Alaska’s U.S. Senate race is in question again. Republican candidate Joe Miller filed a lawsuit in...

Why does a barrel of Alaska oil cost less than a pizza?

Economists at the state’s Department of Revenue were working to identify what drove the price down and what they could expect going forward.
A man works on building a Sugpiaq Alutiiq Kayak and includes historical image of kayak

How kayaks (qayaqs) are rejuvenating Alaskan Sugpiaq culture | INDIE ALASKA

Jonathon Sawden normally works in HR, but sees an importance to tell the world that his people, the Sugpiaq (Sookh-pee-ahk) and other Native peoples are still here. Here, Jonathon and another young apprentice artist are working together with a Master Kayak builder to learn the techniques to build traditional boats and be the next generation to keep the craft and culture alive.

Ted Stevens says goodbye to the Senate

Senator Ted Stevens made his final remarks on the Senate Floor today, closing out his forty year career representing Alaska in the nation’s capital. ...

Recall moves to the fore the second day of the AFN convention in Fairbanks

Groups that do not usually wade into contentious state political battles are taking a stance on recall effort.

Should I shovel my roof? (And answers to 7 other questions on Anchorage’s snowpocalypse) 

With more than 40 inches of snow in less than two weeks, there’s a lot to dig into.
Building with flowers out front under a blue sky

Federal judge temporarily halts sale of Seattle National Archives building

A federal judge temporarily stopped the sale of a National Archives building in Seattle, Washington.
bouquets of red roses

20,000 roses, inflation and night terrors: the life of a florist on Valentine’s Day

It's the biggest day of the year for the $8 billion global flower industry, but it's not all that profitable. Why? Blame the roses.
A white biulding with an american flag waving next to a stairway and ramp

All but 6 Bethel city employees got vaccinated before deadline

The city of Bethel’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate took effect on Sept. 27, and five city employees are set to be fired for refusing to get vaccinated. One unvaccinated police officer received a religious exemption.

US Senate to debate bill on cutting greenhouse gases

Next week, the US Senate plans to start debate on a major bill aimed at curbing human-generated greenhouse gas emissions. Today, the federal government...

Alaska tribes, health organizations join opioid suit

Alaska Natives are fatally overdosing from opioids at a higher rate than other groups. Now Alaska Native tribes and health organizations are joining a sprawling federal lawsuit against the prescription drug industry. Listen now
Spring Creek Correctional Center. (Department of Corrections photo)

Judge orders state to allow in-person visits for lawyers and jailed clients, whether vaccinated or not

A judge has ordered the Alaska Department of Corrections to allow in-person visitation between lawyers and their clients in jail, regardless of an inmate’s COVID-19 vaccination status.
Vivek Murthy

The surgeon general declared gun violence a public health crisis. What does that do?

The nation's top doctor has issued an advisory declaring gun violence a public health crisis and prescribing policy changes to treat it as such.
An album cover says 2022 Holiday songs with a tree on it

Proceeds from new holiday album will help rural Alaska domestic violence shelters

Each song on the Bright Lights album is a fresh take on holiday music.

New Exhibit Puts An Alaska Twist On A Familiar Building Block

Legos—the small, colorful plastic blocks—have grown into the most common place toy in the world, with more than 5.2 million manufactured every hour. And they are not purely for toy-stores and playroom carpets anymore. A new exhibit at the Anchorage Museum focuses on Lego fine arts, and how the building blocks fit in with Alaska's own artistic traditions. Download Audio: