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.”

A map showing a red dot on the peninsula of ALaska

Why a major Alaska earthquake triggered warnings but no major damage

It was the largest earthquake in the United States in 50 years, a classic Alaska subduction zone earthquake, where the tectonic plate beneath the Pacific Ocean is subducting - or sliding under - the North American plate upon which Alaska sits.

A CDC document gives new details on just how dangerous the delta variant really is

In addition to being more contagious, the delta variant likely increases the risk of severe disease and hospitalization, compared with the original strain.

Infrastructure bill is ‘once in a lifetime investment,’ Murkowski says

It’s impossible to say how much of the trillion dollars in spending would go to Alaska. A lot of it will be awarded as grants. But U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski said some would be allocated by formula, such as $4.3 billion over five years for Alaska’s highways.
A killer whale stranded on a rocky beech as seen from above

Killer whale stranded on Prince of Wales Island frees itself

A killer whale that beached itself on Prince of Wales Island on Thursday has freed itself, according to federal biologists.
a small vial sits on a table

Biden orders tough new vaccination rules for federal workers

President Joe Biden on Thursday announced sweeping new pandemic requirements aimed at boosting vaccination rates for millions of federal workers and contractors as he lamented the “American tragedy” of rising-yet-preventable deaths among the unvaccinated.
a woman stands at a podium

Anchorage superintendent to announce fall mask policy by next week

The superintendent says the delta variant is creating a rapidly changing situation and she’s heard feedback from families on both sides.
A white man in a black suit

COVID is spiking and hospitals are filling up. But Alaska leaders aren’t bringing back mandates.

The last time case counts were this high, Anchorage’s city government had a mask mandate, and Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s administration required COVID testing for visitors. But even as cases spike again, officials aren't reinstating those measures, citing the vaccine's availability.

Alaska’s gold medal swimmer looked like a winner even before race, dad says

While much of the pre-race attention was focused on two other more experienced, record-holding swimmers, Richard Jacoby says he knew his daughter had the training to be able to win and that her mind was in the right place, too.
A map showing a red dot on the peninsula of ALaska

Major quake hits off the coast of Alaska, triggers tsunami warnings but no large waves

A major earthquake struck near the Alaska Peninsula at 10:15 p.m. Wednesday, triggering tsunami warnings for much of the Gulf of Alaska coastline but no major waves.
street scene in front of Capitol

They have a deal: Murkowski, bipartisan senators’ group, get infrastructure bill to square 1

Sen. Murkowski was part of a bipartisan group that reached deal with the White House on a $1t bill.
two people sitting behind a computer

Assembly approves plan for shelter talks with Bronson administration

The Anchorage Assembly says it has a plan to work with the Bronson administration to find a way to shelter the city’s homeless residents but finding a way to move people out of the current Sullivan mass shelter is months away.
A hand-drawn sign at a downtown that says 'masks required'

Should you be wearing a mask indoors in your region of Alaska? Here’s what the CDC says.

The answer is probably yes, according to the new federal guidance that says fully vaccinated people should wear a face mask in indoor public settings if they’re in a place with “substantial” or “high” virus transmission.
Some bopats on a sandy shore under some low clouds

Kotzebue couple charged with assaulting and starving children in their care

A Kotzebue couple has been arrested and charged with two dozen felonies for allegedly assaulting children in their care, according to court documents.
The seal of the state of alaska as seen from below

Alaska assistant attorney general out of job after social media post inquiry

An assistant attorney general in Alaska identified by a news outlet as the person behind a social media account that posted racist and antisemitic comments no longer works for the state Department of Law, an agency spokesperson said.
A peak shrouded in mist

Troopers identify 2 people killed in Chugach small plane crash

The wreckage was found in a steep, mountainous area of Eagle River Valley in Chugach State Park. Recovery efforts were underway throughout the day Tuesday.

Seward swimming in hometown pride for its Olympic champ

As Alaska's first-ever gold medal swimmer traveled to the Tokyo Olympics to win and beat record holders at the 100 meter breaststroke, her hometown city of Seward followed on an emotional journey all its own.
A man with a white beard gets a shot in the shoulder

‘If it’s so good, why are you bribing me?’: The quandary of vaccine incentives

Cash has a way of lowering vaccine hesitancy, but not for everyone.
A woman in a white suit holds a blue surgical mask.

Leaders of Alaska’s largest hospitals issue stark warning as COVID-19 surge continues

One Anchorage hospital has postponed non-emergency surgeries, and health care executives around the state pleaded with Alaskans to get vaccinated during an unusual news conference Tuesday.
A blue cruise ship in front of a large mountain

How Alaska cruise towns are handling COVID-19 arriving on ships

The cruise tourism restart after a nearly two-year hiatus is bringing hope for a revived economy, but also concerns about the safety of the tourists and Alaskans alike.
a vial of covid-19 vaccine

White House considering vaccine mandate for federal workers

The White House is strongly considering requiring federal employees to show proof they’ve been vaccinated against the coronavirus or otherwise submit to regular testing and wear a mask — a potentially major shift in policy that reflects growing concerns about the spread of the more infectious delta variant.