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.”

Cans on shelves in a grocery store

USDA fines Alaska $11.9M for failing to ensure SNAP recipients are eligible

For the second year in a row, Alaska’s so-called “payment error rate” for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program topped 50%.
A white cruise ship at port

Cruise destinations in Alaska see surge in COVID cases

Communities with some of the state's highest case counts — and sharpest increases — include those frequently visited by cruise ships, like Skagway, Petersburg and Sitka.
an apology

Alaska lawmakers support push to investigate, document forced assimilation in boarding schools 

The widely supported resolution supports a bill championed by U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski in Congress.

JCPenney, Nordstrom property purchases promise to reshape downtown Anchorage

ACDA will pay $1.7 million for the parking garage and $1.5 million for a majority stake in the Nordstrom building.
a highway

No injuries reported after car drives off Seward Highway into Turnagain Arm

Girdwood Fire Chief Michelle Weston said the crash occurred after heavy fog along Turnagain Arm Monday morning.

First Lady Melania Trump makes her first visit to Alaska

First Lady Melania Trump spent some time in Alaska this morning. On her way back from the President’s visit to Asia, the First Lady landed to refuel at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage. Listen now

Drilling foes in House launch bill to close ANWR

Opponents of development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge filed a U.S. House bill Monday that would end the possibility of drilling in the refuge. The bill's prospects are dim in the Senate, but sponsors say they will press on.

New record high oil price based on shortage speculation

Crude oil closed above $80/barrel for the first time today – with West Texas Crude ending up at $80.09 on New York markets. Oil...

Akeela House celebrates 40 years of successful sobriety treatments

The Akeela House in Anchorage turned 40 this year. It's one of Anchorage's oldest substance use treatment facilities. Now it has programs in communities and prisons across the state. Former clients say it still delivers a message of hope. Download Audio

Native Corporations ask to start looking for oil in ANWR

Arctic Slope Regional Corporation and Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation have submitted a 3-D seismic exploration plan for the Coastal Plain, or the 1002 area. Listen now
dog jumps into the air after a toy his handler threw

Dozens of diving dogs test just how far they can jump in Palmer

Dogs and their owners took to the water for the 2022 Alaskan Diving Dogs Qualifier.

Alaska PFD remains unresolved as special session nears end

The Legislature's third special session must end by midnight.

We Are Super Cub Pilots | INDIE ALASKA

Each year pilots from around the state show off their piloting chops in the Valdez fly-in short takeoff and landing competition. For these pilots flying isn't just means of transportation, it's a way of life. These skills aren't just used for bragging rights, they're essential for flying in Alaska--whether they're landing on a remote beach or taking off of a glacier. Meet four talented pilots with one big thing in common, their love of flying their super cub plane.
A handwritten proclamation on two pages, hung on a wall.

Anchorage mayor throws support behind conservative parent rights organization

The group is part of a national trend of conservative advocacy directed at school districts.
a person with a mask on

US, China spar in first face-to-face meeting under Biden

Top U.S. and Chinese officials offered sharply different views of each other and the world on Thursday as the two sides met face-to-face for the first time since President Joe Biden took office.
A grey building with a red roof and wooden stairs leading ip next to a boardwalk

Thanks to the pandemic, Medicaid is covering more Alaskans than ever

While Medicaid enrollment has risen over 5% in Alaska since the start of the pandemic, that's less than the rise in most other states.

Alaska Senate president has new view of COVID-19 threat after senior aide is hospitalized

A senior aide to Alaska Senate President Peter Micciche has been hospitalized with COVID-19. Micciche said the illness has given him a new perspective on the threat the disease poses to the people working in the Capitol.

Mother of teen shot in face speaks out on gun violence

In the end of October, 19-year-old Caia Delavergne was shot in the head by a new acquaintance. Incredibly, she survived. Now, her mother, Chelan Schreifels is speaking out against gun violence. Download Audio
a young woman poses for a photo in a building

How a 12-year-old got an Anchorage street named after a Harry Potter location

In the Harry Potter universe, Grimmauld Place is where Potter’s godfather Sirius Black lives. Now it's a West Anchorage street.

State reports 4 deaths on another day of triple-digit COVID-19 cases in Alaska

Three of those who died are from Anchorage and one is from Juneau, say state health officials.