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.”

Meet 4 Iditarod rookies who say they’re putting years of training to the test

Among the 57 mushers, a dozen are rookies competing in the Iditarod for the first time.

State Study Estimates Cook Inlet Gas Supply

Anchorage's Energy Task Force heard a preliminary report from the state on Wednesday saying that the Cook Inlet Natural Gas Reserve will be able...
Niki Tshibaka holds a flower

Anchorage HR director resigns, citing ‘toxic, hostile, and demoralizing work environment’

Niki Tshibaka’s departure is the latest in a series of resignations and firings among top city officials.
A man in a hat and orange hood.

Musher Brent Sass kills aggressive bear while moose hunting near Eureka

Brent Sass says the bear chewed up a pair of boots, climbed a tree where he was in a stand looking for a moose and then later showed up outside of his tent.

Kodiak investigators seize $656K in fentanyl, heroin, meth bust

Two people were arrested in Kodiak, with 11,457 blue fentanyl pills, 3.15 pounds of crystal meth, 89 grams of tar heroin, five handguns and $58,722 in cash confiscated.

US life expectancy falls for 2nd year in a row

Despite the availability of life-saving COVID-19 vaccines, so many people died in the second year of the pandemic in the U.S. that the nation's life expectancy dropped for a second year in a row last year, according to a new analysis.

Mother-daughter duo speak candidly, courageously on abuse

A mother and daughter both experienced sexual abuse and turned to substances for support, but now they're turning to each other and speaking up to stop the cycle. Download Audio

Conservative Kevin Cross poised to replace Crystal Kennedy on Anchorage Assembly

A political newcomer, 48-year-old Cross has worked in construction and real estate, and served as president of the Anchorage Board of Realtors.

Murkowski, Sullivan split as immigration reform mires in Senate

The future of immigration reform was in doubt Thursday, after two proposals failed to win 60 votes in the U.S. Senate. Alaska's U.S. senators split their votes, on both measures. Listen now
A photo of a multi-story building.

Alaska PFD unsettled as special session nears end

Alaska lawmakers have yet to agree on a dividend payout to residents this year though legislative leaders say they hope to do so by the end of this special session, which is Tuesday.

Parnell Announces Cruise Tax Plan

Governor Sean Parnell announced terms of his cruise legislation on Thursday. The bill includes a corporate income tax credit for cruise lines contributing...
a woman

Secret Service director resigns in the wake of Trump assassination attempt

U.S. Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle has resigned from her job, according to a statement released by the White House.
A man in a suit leans toward two elementary-school-aged children in the foreground.

Anchorage’s new schools superintendent confronts bus driver shortage and low enrollment as the academic year begins

Dr. Jharrett Bryantt begins his tenure with a shortage of bus drivers causing reduced bus service -- a crisis, as Bryantt calls it -- as well as other staffing issues and concerns about safety felt nationwide following one of the deadliest-ever school shootings in U.S. history, near the end of last school year in Uvalde, Texas.
High waters surround buildings

Dozens of Manley Hot Springs residents remain displaced after flood

Some Manley Hot Springs residents are frustrated by a lack of guidance and assistance as they begin recovering from last weekend’s major ice jam flood.

In murder of ‘all-American’ Palmer teen, first alleged accomplice goes on trial

Prosecutors say Erick Almandinger, 18, was part of a small group of teenage accomplices in David Grunwald's beating, kidnapping and execution. Almandinger's attorney says it's true his client failed to stop the others, but that he isn't guilty of murder. Listen now

Hearing ends 26 years of litigation over Exxon Valdez oil spill

The state and federal governments have decided not to pursue a final $100-million from ExxonMobil over its 1989 oil spill in Prince William Sound. Download Audio
A cartoon drawing of a persons head looking at germs with clocks on them.

COVID’s endgame: Scientists have a clue about where SARS-CoV-2 is headed

Pandemic predictions have been made — and then things would change. But based on models and studies (including a 1980s test that squirted virus up human noses), researchers have a new endgame thesis.
Rainey Hopson 2

In Anaktuvuk Pass, a gardener brings new life to ancient foods with Arctic agriculture

Getting started wasn’t easy. Hopson spent time in Northern California when she was young, working in her grandmother’s garden. But when she applied that knowledge in the Arctic, it failed miserably...at first.
A profile shot of a man in a suit.

4 things to know about possible changes to your student loan debt

Student borrowers, take note. In testimony before a House subcommittee, the head of the office of Federal Student Aid told lawmakers that his agency is preparing for federal student loan repayments to resume early next year.

'Columbia' suffers piston damage, heads to port for repairs

The state ferry Columbia will be out of commission for the rest of the summer season. The vessel lost its starboard engine Monday because...