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.”

Alaska Senate revamps leadership structure

The Senate today reorganized its leadership structure following Anchorage Republican John Cowdery’s resignation as Chairman of the powerful Rules Committee. Cowdery has been ill...
a crash site

State decides against cleanup at site of fatal fuel plane crash near Fairbanks

State officials say they plan to monitor the site, where nearly all of the 4,700 gallons of liquid fuel aboard the Douglas C-54 burned in the crash.

After Dunleavy administration loses recall case in court, judge orders payment of $190,000 legal bill

The ruling can be appealed to the Alaska Supreme Court. It comes after Dunleavy's administration, at the advice of former Attorney General Kevin Clarkson, refused to certify the recall campaign's application, saying it did not meet legal requirements.

Kenai River land deal nets ethics complaint against Murkowski

The National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC) filed a complaint against Senator Lisa Murkowski today with the Senate Ethics committee. The complaint says Murkowski's...

Alaska lawmakers struggle with dividend debate

Alaska lawmakers are running out of time this session to pass legislation aimed at resolving the annual debate over what size dividend should be paid to residents from the state’s oil wealth fund.

Congress poised to approve $15M for village relocation in Alaska

The spending bill would double the budget of the Denali Commission, which funds infrastructure in rural Alaska. The commission says virtually all the new money will go to relocating the eroding village of Newtok. Listen now

Lawmakers, open meeting advocates criticize conditions for attending Dunleavy meetings

Dunleavy’s office described the events as discussions of the governor’s budget plan and amendment proposals. The next day, Americans for Prosperity Alaska posted online that it was hosting the events, along with terms and conditions for attendees.
Eagles sitting in a line at the dump

Unalaska woman breaks the internet with eagles TikTok video

Eryn Whitter's viral video opens with a dirty bald eagle, milling around by itself. Then she pans to another eagle. And another. And another. And another.
the Alaska State Capitol

Alaska governor to introduce sales tax bill amid several tax proposals to close budget gap

There are other tax bills filed, including a different sales tax proposal, an income tax proposal and two bills to change to how oil companies are taxed.

Fire Crews Work to Fend Off Fire Near Tanacross

Fire crews and village residents fended off the advance of a wildfire approaching Tanacross yesterday.  State Fire Information officer Pete Buist says local firefighters,...

Medicaid cuts, while aimed at access, still raise concerns

As Gov. Mike Dunleavy seeks to close a $1.6 billion budget gap, the administration looked to Medicaid, where it could cut a lot of costs: $249 million.

Sealaska finances improve, but losses continue

Sealaska, Southeast’s regional Native corporation, continues its financial recovery. But its operational side is still losing money and even its investments are in the red. Sealaska just released its 2015 annual report, which illustrates its financial ups and downs.

Coalition of Alaska Native Groups Plan to Sue Over Critical Polar Bear Habitat

Jake Neher, KBRW – Barrow A coalition of Alaska Native groups say they plan to file suit against the Federal Government over...

Anchorage Mayor Vetoes Gay Rights Ordinance

Mayor Dan Sullivan issued a written statement that he has vetoed the gay rights ordinance passed last week by the Anchorage Assembly. Len Anderson,...

Senator David Wilson says he’s not running for Lt. Governor, he filed by accident

On Wednesday, State Senator David Wilson filed a letter of intent to run for lieutenant governor. Later the same day, he amended that filing, saying he is not running. Listen now
An aerial view of one of the exploration pads and wells that ConocoPhillips drilled during the 2018 exploration season at its Willow prospect.

Biden administration can’t have it both ways by shrinking Willow project, Murkowski warns

Alaska’s U.S. senators say half measures won’t suffice as they push for ConocoPhillips’ drilling proposal in the western Arctic.

For some teams, Iditarod’s final miles make the biggest difference

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog race is 1,000 miles long, but for a couple dog teams, the most competitive stretch of trail came down to the final mile.
children

Alaska officials echo federal push to promote healing after boarding schools report

Sen. Lisa Murkowski and state lawmakers have pushed for a Native-led documentation effort, saying the report underscores the need.
Inside the permafrost tunnel, a walkway that is framed on all sides by frozen dirt, two people wearing hard hats examine ice formations.

White House officials are working directly with Alaskans on the issues around climate change

As national interest in the Arctic grows, White House officials visit Alaska to learn more about the issues Alaskans endure in the face of climate change.

Holly Brooks Hopes To Ski Past Her (Younger) Competitors

Anchorage resident and U.S. Ski Team Member Holly Brooks is in the middle of her World Cup Season. And she just made her second Olympic team.  Four years ago, Brooks had just started pursuing her long-shot Olympic dream. Now as she prepares for Sochi, she's in a very different position, with several years of international experience behind her. Download Audio