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.”

an orca

Orcas challenge the Bering Sea’s black cod industry

Orca depredation isn't just a costly headache for fishermen — it can be dangerous for orcas, too.
a drilling rig

Small Cook Inlet producers say they need state government help before drilling for new natural gas

One company says it needs more support after $7 million of its loans were forgiven. Another wants a royalty reduction to drill a well.
a broken telephone pole

Ketchikan residents describe a chaotic scene in the hours after fatal landslide

Marty Gillet was in his home in the White Cliff neighborhood when he said he heard something that sounded like a freight train. 

Anchorage leaders hope proposed parental leave and telework policies will bolster city workforce

“The level of vacancies that we find ourselves with now is historically very out of the norm and high,” said chief administrative officer Bill Falsey.
a heat pump

Heat pump incentive program aims to lower home heating bills in Gustavus

Gustavus was one of a dozen U.S. sites chosen for the National League of Cities' Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant program.
a family

Siblings of Juneau man killed by police demand answers

Jason, Monty and Dawn Kissack flew from Florida to attend a weekend memorial for their brother, Steven Kissack.
an illustration of two hands around two kidneys

There’s a severe kidney shortage. Should donors be compensated?

More than 90,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for a kidney transplant.
Alaska National Guardsmen

U.S. Air National Guard reverses staff changes at Alaska National Guard after warnings

About 80 people would have been affected by the changes, and many said they would quit rather than take a pay and benefit cut.
Sean Case

Suspect in Anchorage homicide shot and wounded by police

Anchorage Police Chief Sean Case said the man fired twice on police and a civilian vehicle, causing an officer to fire on him twice.
Two stores side by side.

Bellwether trial in Kroger-Albertsons merger begins Monday

Most Alaskans live in a community where the companies’ Fred Meyer and Safeway or Carrs stores directly compete with each other.

In rural Alaska’s Starlink revolution, new opportunities abound and flagship telecoms see cause for competition

Reporter Jenna Kunze says the shift in many far-flung communities to satellite internet has been profound.
A woman in a blazer smiles at the camera.

Nancy Dahlstrom drops out of Alaska’s U.S. House race

Dahlstrom announced the end of her candidacy after placing third in the primary, behind Democrat Mary Peltola and fellow Republican Nick Begich III.
airraq

Yup’ik storyteller spins a good yarn with airraq

Matthew Nicolai uses a simple loop of string to create connections and tell traditional stories.
Jeff King

White spruce log to become Iditarod’s new Burled Arch in Nome

Veteran Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race musher Ramey Smyth is leading the effort to build the new arch, replacing one that collapsed in April.
a man

Matt Salisbury is the No. 4 candidate in Alaska’s U.S. House voting. Who is he?

After primary election day, Salisbury was in line to join Mary Peltola, Nick Begich and Nancy Dahlstrom in Alaska’s final four.
James Cockrell

Troopers’ union condemns commissioner comments on violent Kenai arrest

The Alaska Public Safety Employees Association said James Cockrell “pronounced the guilt of these two troopers" to reporters.
a wolf

Fish and Game searching for wolf that bit 2 people on Dalton Highway

Fish and Game sent two staff members to find out more about what caused the animal to attack the stopped motorists Monday.
A sign says AIDEA

Alaska’s embattled economic development agency signs contracts with 7 law firms

The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, or AIDEA, is pushing an array of controversial projects across the state.
pins

Alaska Supreme Court upholds ranked choice repeal initiative, now bound for November vote

Ballot Measure 2 would end ranked choice voting and the state’s open primary election system.
a person on a bike wearing black

Suspect wanted in Anchorage shooting death near camp

It’s unclear what connection, if any, the suspect, victim and homeless camp off 5th Avenue have to each other.