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.”

Nakeen Homepack: Processing Salmon With A Little TLC

Many fishermen in Bristol Bay dream of packing and selling their own fish, but challenges. One four-year-old startup in Naknek shows how those challenges can be overcome with some grit, humor, and attention to detail. Download Audio

A Pilgrimage To Minidoka: ‘We Can See The Memories Slipping Away’

Living witnesses to the forced relocation of West Coast Japanese-Americans during World War II are growing fewer every year. Many who were incarcerated are in their 80s and 90s now. Download Audio:

Metlakatla’s Tourism Industry Blossoms

Metlakatla, the Annett Island town of about 1,400 has recently seen more visitors through the community’s tourism department. This year may be the first that tourism pumps some noteworthy money into the Tsimshian community, in Alaska’s only Native reserve. Download Audio

Off Their Rockers At Juneau’s Senior Prom

Every year, the senior citizens living at the Juneau Pioneer Home throw a "senior prom."

On A Mission In Australia, News of Army Cuts Trickles in Via Family, Social Media

The Army will be cutting thousands of positions from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, with the majority expected to come from the 4-25th Airborne Brigade. This week hundreds of troops from that unit are currently in Australia on a training mission. Many of the soldiers heard about the cuts for the first time from family or on social media. Download Audio:

Dept. of Revenue Report: Oil Tax Credits Are A Poor Investment for Alaska

Are North Slope oil tax credits a good investment for the State of Alaska? That’s the question asked by a recent report from the Department of Revenue. The researchers answer: No, not compared to other options. But some experts say the paper doesn't give the tax credits a fair shake. Download Audio:

A $23M Military Exercise: A Last Hurrah for JBER’s 4-25th?

This week, U.S. Army Alaska troops based at JBER have been taking part in a massive training exercise stretching from Alaska to Australia. Training exercise Talisman Saber involves over 33,000 military personnel from three continents. The airborne unit playing lead in one of the several on­going exercises in the Pacific theater is slated for cutbacks that exemplify the Army’s changing global mission. Download Audio

In historic vote, Calista shareholders choose to enroll afterborns

Thousands of so-called afterborns will be eligible for shares of Calista Corporation after shareholders voted Saturday. The preliminary results from the annual meeting in Kasigluk dramatically reshapes the ownership of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta’s regional Alaska Native Corporation.

Calista Shareholders Vote to Enroll ‘Afterborns’

The prospect of enrolling the younger generation of Y-K Delta Alaska Natives has been discussed for years. Now after the historic vote, Calista communications manager Thom Leonard says it too will take time to bring on the tens of thousands of new shareholders, That’s expected to start in the first half of 2017. Download Audio:

Haines Sees A Spike in Birds Needing Rescue

The American Bald Eagle Foundation in Haines has seen such a dramatic increase in bird rescues that they’re asking for the public’s help. The foundation plans to form a volunteer Avian Rescue Team to help respond to the unusually high number of injured birds. Download Audio:

Coast Guard Gears Up for Shell’s Chukchi Season

Coast Guard Commandant Paul Zukunft says if Shell is allowed to drill in the Chukchi Sea this summer, the Coast Guard will be there with five ships and two aircraft. But, the admiral says, nothing about the Arctic is easy. Download Audio:

Falling debris from decrepit apartments closes Juneau park

The burnt-out Gastineau Apartments will finally be demolished by the end of November, according to Juneau’s city attorney. In the meantime, the city says the downtown buildings are a public safety concern. It’s temporarily closed the neighboring park due to falling debris. Download Audio:

Ocean Acidification: A Grim Reaper For Wild Shellfish Stocks?

According to a recent NOAA study, Alaskan shellfish hatcheries risk becoming unsustainable by 2040 because of ocean acidification. Over the last week, we’ve heard how a hatchery in Oregon is dealing with changes in ocean chemistry and about groundbreaking genetic research on shellfish adaptability. But the big questions still remain- how far-reaching will the effects be and can we mitigate them before it’s too late? Download Audio

Short $1B, Icebreaker Advocates Consider Leasing, Sharing

Nothing illustrates American disinterest in the Arctic as much as its tiny inventory of icebreakers. Alaska leaders, among others, say the country can’t assert its national interests, or see the economic benefits of a melting Arctic, without more icebreakers. But some now ask, why buy when you can lease? Download Audio

Alaska Shoppers Greet H&M With Gusto

Hundreds waited in line Thursday for global fashion retailer H&M to open its new store in Anchorage. Even as the state feels the squeeze of low oil prices, Alaska shoppers are still keen to lay down their dollars on national brands. Download Audio

Dirt-Bike Dermatology: For Army Medics, Real Specialty is Adaptability

Amid the Army's downsizing of forces in Alaska, the role of doctors int he military continues changing.

Bust a move: International duo brings breakdancing to Juneau

A visiting breakdance duo has been teaching Juneau residents some new moves. They’re featured in a documentary that’s playing in town over the weekend about hip hop culture and social change in Uganda.

It’s Official: Obama to Visit Anchorage Aug. 31

The White House announced today that President Obama will visit Alaska at the end of next month. On Aug. 31 Obama will visit Anchorage to address a State Department conference focused on climate change that is expected to draw foreign ministers from Arctic and non-Arctic countries.

Shell Rigs Leave Dutch for Chukchi, To Wait

Shell is still moving its drill rigs into the Arctic, even as one of its icebreakers prepares to head back south for repairs. The unexpected crack in the hull of the Fennica has added uncertainty to the start of the short Arctic drilling season.

Four Survive, One Dead in Juneau to Hoonah Plane Crash

The U.S. Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter crew has so far transported three survivors from the plane crash to Juneau. “Ground crews are still searching to locate and assess the status of the other two from the airplane,” says Coast Guard spokesperson Grant DeVuyst.