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.”

Ben Stevens

Former Alaska Senate President Ben Stevens dies at 63

Ben Stevens, a former Alaska Senate president once linked to, but never charged, in the Veco corruption scandal, has died at age 63.
A car parked near trees.

‘We are working on this’: Troopers get significant tip in 2020 Interior missing-persons case

Troopers Capt. Eric Spitzer says this week's break advances one of four cases of Alaska Native people reported missing in the Fairbanks area two years ago.
Sarah Palin headquarters

Vibe-check: U.S. House candidates’ campaign headquarters

The ambience at campaign headquarters for Rep. Mary Peltola, Nick Begich III and Sarah Palin.
An open Parking lot with various cars in it and trees surrounding.

Bronson officials greenlit $4.9M to build East Anchorage nav center without Assembly approval

Public Works Director Lance Wilber said the city gave the go-ahead for building the homeless facility — but city code requires Assembly approval for projects over $50,000.
Two women sit in front of a TV set and a man is in view on a TV monitor.

Bering Sea Storm Recovery: How to get Aid | Alaska Insight

As arctic coastal communities scramble to repair what was lost during last month's Bering Sea storm, Alaska Insight discusses the scope of the storm and resources available for survivors.
Alaska Native dancers

Elders and Youth Conference returns to in-person gathering

The Elders and Youth Conference is underway in Anchorage, back to what it used to be – a time for young and old to make connections through Alaska Native culture.
two renamed Chugach peaks

‘Yuyanq’ Ch’ex’: Chugach peaks get new Dena’ina names

North and South Yuyanq’ Ch’ex peaks, as they’ll be known from here on out, tower 5,000 feet above Turnagain Arm and are popular spots for Southcentral hikers.
A woman sitting in a coffee shop with a red and blue jacket on.

Peltola trounces Palin and Begich in September fundraising, wins over Don Young loyalists

Rep. Mary Peltola raised $2.3 million -- 10 times more than Sarah Palin. Nick Begich III took in $57,000 over the 24-day reporting period.
An Alaska State Trooper cruiser parked on Nome’s Front Street in January 2015.

Missing Nome man seen alive by troopers a day before he was found dead

Bo Adams was reported missing Tuesday but seen later that day from the air by Alaska State Troopers. More than a day later, he was found dead — and his family has questions.
an Alaska ice road

Study tracks reductions in time and space for ice roads in the Arctic, including Alaska

A new study from scientists at Nanjing University in China has quantified shrinking annual times and areas for using ice roads across the Arctic, including Alaska.

Alaska campaign regulators hear complaint against multimillion-dollar pro-Dunleavy group

A Friday hearing revealed no new evidence of illegal coordination between a group backing Gov. Mike Dunleavy's reelection and the Dunleavy campaign.
A helicopter in the sky

Crews trying to reach fatal plane crash near Cordova

Rescue crews were trying Monday to reach a plane that crashed Sunday in mountains near Cordova. The crash left the pilot dead, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Ronald Beyering

Soldotna man wanted after setting home ablaze and shooting at its residents, troopers say

Ronald Beyering, 62, is wanted on charges of attempted murder, arson and criminal mischief.
an APOC livestream

Alaska campaign regulator finds no ongoing illegal coordination by pro-Dunleavy group

Alaska’s political campaign regulator has found no evidence of ongoing coordination between Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s re-election campaign and a third-party group supporting him.
a proposed Alaska state ferry

DOT pursues diesel-electric hybrid design for Tustumena replacement

The aging state ferry Tustumena's replacement is likely to be a battery-powered diesel-electric hybrid, as the state leverages federal funds to green up its fleet.
Anchorage Correctional Complex sign

Administration says Corrections deaths not ‘unusual,’ ACLU says it’s deflecting responsibility

None of the 15 people to die in Alaska Department of Corrections custody in 2022 so far “died as a result of others,” according to Gov. Mike Dunleavy.

Anchorage Assembly leaders condemn racist testimony about Alaska Natives

Assembly leadership said they wanted to ”speak out against the racist and offensive statements made by the member of the public.”
salmon eggs

Kenai Peninsula students raise salmon in the classroom, from egg to fry

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s annual “Salmon in the Classroom” program teaches Kenai Peninsula students about salmon biology throughout the school year.
A sign says Anchorage School District.

Anchorage School District administrators recommend closing 6 elementary schools

Closing all six schools could save the district between $3.5 and 4 million, or around 5% of the district's expected budget deficit.
Angela and Brian Hall

‘A virtual life sentence’ — Prison reform advocates still hopeful about second-look legislation

There are 30 people incarcerated in Alaska today who were convicted of their crimes as juveniles, some still decades away from a chance at parole.