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.”

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Family says Homer photographer killed in moose attack knew the risks, died doing what he loved

The family of Dale Chorman, who was fatally attacked by a moose Sunday, said the amateur photographer died doing what he loved.

LISTEN: Anchorage-raised journalist still seeking to unmask monsters in Hulu series

"Sasquatch" is the work of former Alaska journalist David Holthouse, who says traumatic events early in his life growing up in Anchorage set him on a path of finding and exposing monsters of all kinds.

As part of Dunleavy administration directive, ADF&G considered selling its hatcheries

When Gov. Mike Dunleavy unveiled his budget proposal back in February, he also issued a directive asking departments to seek out state-owned properties that could be sold in an effort to save money.

Senate votes to take up tax bill, bringing rigs closer to ANWR

Both Alaska senators voted to officially begin debate on a tax-cut bill that would also open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling. Sen. Murkowski says the tax changes will help many Alaska families. Listen now
An aerial view of one of the exploration pads and wells that ConocoPhillips drilled during the 2018 exploration season at its Willow prospect.

Alaska’s largest oil producer asks judge to block release of drilling info from NPR-A

ConocoPhillips Alaska is asking a judge to issue an injunction against the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission that would maintain the confidentiality of records the commission has from Conoco’s wells in the NPR-A.

Two Bucks For A Turkey Huck

David Brabaw is clutching a frozen, 8-pound turkey in a pair of as-seen-on-TV Ove Gloves. He’s got a bowler’s stance as he eyes the pins at the end of the lane over the bird’s rump. There’s a hush as bird strikes the pins, then an eruption of cheers as the pins settle, including an ecstatic, guttural “YEAH!” from Brabaw — he got a strike. Brabaw’s not at a rowdy bowling alley, but on the eighth floor of Juneau’s State Office Building. He was one of a handful of state workers turkey bowling on Wednesday during the lunch hour. That unmistakable sound of bowling pins getting knocked around echoed up several stories of the building. Download Audio
two people hug inside

Mary Peltola visits friends, family and supporters in Bethel ahead of her historic swearing-in

Peltola on Tuesday will become the first Alaska Native person to serve in Congress and the first woman to hold Alaska's sole U.S. House seat.

Retirement Lawsuit Headed to Trial

The state’s $11 billion lawsuit to help cover the shortfall in the Public Employees’ and Teachers’ retirement system will go to trial next...

Dunleavy defenders withdraw from recall case, attacking judicial impartiality

The organization opposing the recall campaign against Gov. Mike Dunleavy has told its lawyers to withdraw its appeal of the recall.

Protests fail to slow tax bill, or Arctic drilling

Republicans say they've reached a final agreement on their tax bill, and it appears to include ANWR drilling. Democrats complain they haven't been allowed to even see the final agreement, and Rep. Young explains the purpose of cowboy boots. Listen now
Goose Creek Prison. Photo by Ellen Lockyer, KSKA - Anchorage.

Alaska prisons to open for visitation after year-long COVID closure

The state Department of Corrections plans to open visitation on Wednesday between fully vaccinated Alaskans in its custody and public visitors like family members.

Village Subsistence Fishermen Call for Bycatch Restrictions

Alaska villagers say it's time to crack down on the Pollock trawl fleet because it is intercepting too many salmon bound for their rivers. ...
A young Yup'ik and Samoan woman wearing a kuspuk and smiling.

A young Yup’ik climate advocate is committed to centering Indigenous knowledge in science

Charitie Ropati, 21, wants to reimagine scientific research to include her traditional values, like community and collective wellbeing.

Key senators skeptical royalty relief proposals would boost Cook Inlet gas output

It’s one of several ideas lawmakers are mulling to ease a projected gas shortfall in the basin that’s powered much of the state for decades.
A person holds an iphone

FEMA assesses issues after national emergency alert test

“Some people didn’t receive it at all. Some people received it multiple times. Some people had their phone on silent and only heard a vibration. Other people didn’t hear anything at all,” a FEMA official explained. Listen now
a firetruck outside of an apartment

Man charged with second-degree murder, arson in Bethel apartment fire that killed 3

Police have charged 35 year-old Adam Andrew with 11 felony counts and six misdemeanor counts. Among the most serious charges are three counts of murder in the second degree and one count of arson.
A book cover illustration with a woman in apurple tnk top and red dress

Sitka artist becomes first Indigenous winner of the ‘Oscars of kids books’

Sitka illustrator Michaela Goade was awarded one of the highest honors in children’s literature this week for her work on “We are Water Protectors.” Goade, who is Tlingit, is the first Indigenous person to win the Caldecott Medal.
A helicopter on a mountainaouus snow field

Tributes paid to Czech billionaire killed in chopper crash

Among those offering condolences was the Czech Republic's prime minister.
Vladimir Putin

After a quarter century in power, Russian President Putin isn’t going anywhere

Vladimir Putin was reelected with 87% of ballots, in a three-day election derided by Russia's opposition and the West as neither free nor fair.

Dividend Checks Pay for Fuel in Rural Alaska

In rural Alaska, dividend checks do more than pay for new sofas. Meera Kohler is the President and CEO of the Alaska Village Electric Cooperative or AVEC. Kohler says, many people in village pre-pay their winter electric bills with their PFD. She says the day checks get deposited is the busiest day of the year for AVEC.