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 artist’s new film captures ‘slow motion tsunami’ of plastic marine debris

It's called "If You Give a Beach a Bottle," it's by Max Romey and it incorporates scenes of volunteers cleaning up Alaska shorelines littered with marine debris, coupled with images from Romey's watercolor sketchbooks.
Drift wood in the foreground of a photo of a beach, greenish ocean water and jagged cliffs in the background

LISTEN: Here’s how it feels to go to the most remote place in Alaska

Writer Sarah Gilman went to St. Matthew last year on the research vessel Tiĝlax̂, and her piece, "The Island That Humans Can't Conquer" appeared recently in Hakai Magazine.

You don’t have to suffer to benefit from COVID vaccination — but some prefer it

Roughly half of those vaccinated with the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, and in particular women, experience unpleasantness — from hot, sore arms to chills, headache, fever and exhaustion. Some boast about the symptoms. They often welcome them.
Southeast Alaska Indigenous Transboundary commission members

15 Southeast tribes seek involvement as sovereign nations in Canadian mine permitting processes

More than a dozen Southeast Alaska tribal governments and councils are asking British Columbia for a seat at the table when development could impact communities downstream.

Anchorage stretch of sub-60 degree days was third longest

But National Weather Service climate researcher Brian Brettschneider says it has not been cold, at least historically speaking.
ca

Trump Administration finalizes plan for oil drilling in Arctic Refuge

The decision opens up the entire coastal plain -- 8 percent of the refuge -- to drilling.
A squat, beige-colored one story building with a Village Public Safety Office sign.

For years, Aleknagik’s 911 calls have gone through the Dillingham police. That’s finally changed.

Aleknagik residents have reported difficulties summoning help in emergencies, and nearby Dillingham officials no longer want to be caught in the middle. Now, the police department’s long-standing practice of fielding 911 calls from outside city limits is ending.

From Hawaii to Alaska, candy leis make graduation sweeter

Working in their living rooms and at kitchen tables, Anchorage residents are meeting a growing demand for candy leis for graduations, Mother's Day and more.
an avalanche

Chugach forecasters warn of dangerous avalanche conditions after 1 death, 2 close calls

A heli-skier died after a slide pushed him into rocks. A snowboarder captured a separate avalanche on video.
a grave

King Cove man charged with killing parents in Anchorage house fire

Joshua Gould, 46, is charged with murder and arson in the February deaths of James and Kathryn Gould.

Alaska prepares to sue feds over contamination on Native corporation land

Much of the contamination dates to the Cold War or World War II.
A blond woman with glasses speaks into a microphone flanked by two others

Assembly investigates Anchorage library management following workplace allegations

Assembly members asked the Bronson administration to answer questions about unfilled staff positions and new rules at the library under its deputy director, Judy Eledge.
(Photo via http://www.thesamuraimusher.com)

AK: Samurai Musher

If you didn't hear the rendition of the Alaska Flag Song by a Japanese choral ensemble last week at Anchorage's Alaska Performing Arts Center, you missed something special. The finale of the musical play, "Samurai Musher" brought the audience to its feet to sing along with the cast.  The play told the story of Japanese musher Jujiro Wada, and although the curtain has come down on the play, Wada's story is still unfolding. Download Audio

Rep. Young votes for health care bill, says he won pledges for more

A bill to replace the Affordable Care Act squeaked through the U.S. House today, with help from Alaska Rep. Don Young. He denounced a prior version as bad for Alaska. Now he says he's won assurances there'll be more for the state. Listen now
the Alaska State Capitol

Anchorage Democrat alleges governor threatened Republicans before veto vote, prompting denials

Fairbanks’ school board president amplified a version of the claims, but targets say the allegations are baseless.
a musher and a small child arrive to Nome

Pete Kaiser finishes 5th in the 2022 Iditarod, followed by Richie Diehl in 6th

Pete Kaiser and his dog team raced across the Iditarod finish line at 9:45 p.m. Tuesday in fifth place. Family and friends from Anchorage, Aniak,...

Anchorage aims to re-brand troubled transit center

The early plan offers a preliminary vision of a revitalized downtown, but few specifics about what happens to many of the people there now. Download Audio

Palin selects replacement for Alaska House representative Vic Kohring

Governor Palin announced today she's found someone to fill Vic Kohring's seat in the State House. She's appointing Wes Keller, who's currently chief of...
flooding around a series of homes

‘Unusual for sure’: Excessive rain triggers flood warning in Unalaska

The city has closed several roads and public buildings.