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.”

Climate change may have driven gray whale up Kuskowkim

Climate change may be responsible for pushing Alaska’s Gray Whales up into estuaries and rivers like the Kuskokwim. Listen now

New roads in the Tongass? Forest service signs off on state’s ask

On Thursday, the U.S. Forest Service announced it signed an agreement with the state -- officially kicking off that process. Listen now
tents scattered in raining park

Anchorage Mayor Bronson announces plan for sheltering homeless during the winter

Bronson's plan includes using up to 20 portable buildings to house people.

California entrepreneurs launched a business to fly over L.A. traffic. Now, they will operate Ravn’s routes.

Float Shuttle was the brainchild of a pair of California entrepreneurs, Tom Hsieh and Arnel Guiang, and it is a wholly different enterprise than the Alaska airlines that face rugged terrain and foul-weather flying. It outbid a team of Alaskans that included Lynden chairman Jim Jansen.
Black smoke biillows from the skeleton of a building in a snowy parea

3 weeks later, Tuluksak is without running water or disaster relief

It’s been three weeks since a fire destroyed Tuluksak’s only source of drinking water. Since then, the village has been living on donations of bottled water from...

Dunleavy says second special session could happen on the road system, listing Mat-Su as an option

Governor Mike Dunleavy’s office is considering sites in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and elsewhere on the road system for a possible second special session.

Judge in Stevens trial considers defense request to dismiss

Several times now, Ted Stevens' legal team has asked Judge Emmett Sullivan to dismiss the case, contending that federal prosecution has been deliberately witholding...

Legislature passes two bills aiding children in foster care

The Legislature took three actions this week that will help foster care children -- passing two bills aiming at finding kids adoptive homes and adding money to the budget to help keep struggling families together. Download Audio

Next election may delay plan to fund state government

Candidates have been announcing plans for governor, lieutenant governor and the Legislature since July. And they’re taking positions that could make a budget deal more difficult. Listen now

AK: Wave Energy

The northern Southeast city of Yakutat is gearing up for a wave-energy experiment. If it’s a success, the community of about 650 residents could lower its high, diesel-fueled power costs. The system could also be a model for some other isolated Alaska cities. Download Audio
a cold-water crash simulator

‘It saves lives’: Kenai center trains aircraft crews for cold-water crashes

The Challenger Learning Center of Alaska is training aviators at a Kenai pool on how to escape a helicopter crash in the state's frigid waters.
The Anchorage Assembly chambers at the Z. J. Loussac Public Library in Anchorage.

Assembly passes sweeping CARES Act spending plan

On Wednesday evening, the Anchorage Assembly passed a wide-ranging spending plan for more than $100 million in federal CARES Act funding allocated from the state. Among other things, it includes money for housing assistance, child care, jobs programs and small business and nonprofit relief.
A white man with a suit and red tie

Alaska Gov. Dunleavy’s administration says it’s ensuring “ethical transition” of chief of staff to ConocoPhillips job

Ben Stevens’ last day in the governor’s office was Friday, Feb. 26, and he started work as vice president of external affairs and transportation at ConocoPhillips the following Monday.
A woman speaking at a podium

Alaska’s Sen. Murkowski says she can’t rule out voting for Trump’s Supreme Court pick

Sen. Murkowski said Tuesday she could not rule out that she would vote to confirm a Trump nominee if the Judiciary Committee approves of one before the November election.
a possum

Homer police take Grubby the opossum into custody

Homer police confirmed the Wednesday capture of the “wanted fugitive and somewhat local celebrity” on Facebook.

Nikiski LNG Plant Closing in Spring

Ben Stanton, KDLL – Kenai Workers at the Liquefied Natural Gas Plant in Nikiski will be looking for new jobs. The LNG plant, co-owned by...

Fires burn from Homer to Mat-Su, stalling traffic, as evacuees wait for news

Fire crews and additional resources are pouring in to Alaska to help contain multiple blazes burning on and off the road system. And while cooler, calmer weather has helped, there's still no rain forecast for the days ahead.
A pregnant woman's belly

Are you pregnant? The CDC really wants you to get vaccinated against COVID-19

The agency warned Wednesday that failing to get vaccinated puts a pregnant person and their unborn baby more at risk if they were to get the coronavirus. A low percentage of pregnant people in the U.S. — only 31% — have received the COVID-19 vaccine.

Vote to draw from state savings account to pay for capital projects falls short

With large differences remaining over permanent fund dividends, that means the special session will likely end Thursday or Friday with more work left to do.

Anchorage candidates vie for progressive bona fides ahead of primary

As Alaska's primary elections get closer, there are a handful of contests that will likely be decided in August, far ahead of the November general election. Listen now