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.”

Governor sends budget amendments to the legislature

The Palin administration is asking the legislature to make some changes to the budget that was approved last year. While much of the Supplemental...

Yes, Alaska’s volcanoes still dominate in updated threat assessment

The US Geological Survey released an update this week to its volcano threat assessment, first published in 2005. It’s a look at every volcano in the United States and a ranking based on the hazards they pose. This recent update has five Alaska volcanoes in the "very high threat" category, more than any other state. Listen now

Alaska AG joins effort to stiffen penalties for drug companies

Lindemuth joins 37 other attorneys general asking senators for higher fines and continued funding connected to the opioid crisis. Listen now
Screenshot of Louis DeJoy with the insignia of the Postal Service behind him.

Postmaster general considers bringing budget axe down on Alaska’s Bypass Mail

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy says he’s considering cutting Alaska’s bypass mail program to save money.

Governor agrees to reimburse state for children’s travel expenses

Governor Sarah Palin will reimburse the state for costs associated with nine trips taken by her children. The Governor's office says it will...
a man with a plane and coolers

High-end coolers wash up on Alaska beaches after Washington cargo spill

Consumer goods from coolers to bike helmets have been washing up on Gulf of Alaska beaches, after a cargo ship spilled 109 shipping containers off Washington last year.
Bert Stedman

Alaska Senate prepares ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ budget in attempt to finish session on time

If the situation is not resolved by Wednesday, the Legislature or Gov. Mike Dunleavy will be forced to call a special session to continue talks.
Napakiak flooding

Alaska can expect more big storms like September’s ex-typhoon, as ocean continues to warm

The storm that slammed into western Alaska over the weekend was the result of several factors all converging to make it so destructive, including an ocean warmed by climate change.
A row of brown and white cows looking straight at the camera on a background of green grass.

This remote Alaska island is home to hundreds of feral cattle. But should it be?

Some have wondered whether Chirikof Island, trampled by hooves, should instead be returned to seabirds that could desperately use more habitat.

Should Division of Elections count ballots without a witness signature? Judge to decide Monday.

The No. 1 reason mailed ballots are not counted is that voters bungle the witness signature.

Congress let CHIP expire; Denali KidCare OK for now

Funding for CHIP, the low-income children's health insurance program, has expired. Several states are close to running out of money. But the Alaska Division of Health Care Services says the state has enough money to continue funding its CHIP program, called Denali KidCare, until April. Listen now
A nurse in a white suit, mask and clothes holds a vial

Number of active COVID-19 infections among Alaskans now tops 900

State health officials on Monday reported 71 new coronavirus infections: 60 Alaskans and 11 non-residents.

Watch live: Alaska Legislature holds joint session on budget veto overrides

Alaska lawmakers in Juneau have scheduled a joint session between the House of Representatives and Senate to vote on overriding Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s nearly $400 million in vetoes to the state’s operating budget.
A man and a woman in business clothes sit next to microphones.

As Anchorage School Board prepares to approve budget, lawmakers consider increasing state education funding

While the Anchorage School Board follows its timeline for approving its budget — big uncertainty still looms. 
a building

Fairbanks hosts final gathering to remember Polaris Building

The 72-year-old structure will be fully demolished this spring, after it suffered flood damage from frozen pipes in 2001.
a man in uniform

Soldier killed by brown bear on JBER was marking course for navigation training

A bear den was found near the spot where a group of soldiers was attacked by a bear on Tuesday afternoon, killing one of them.

Search Goes On for Missing Plane

Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage The search continues at this hour for a missing floatplane in Katmai National Park and Preserve. The single-engine de Havilland...

Skull found near Canadian border belonged to a man who was likely killed by a bear in the ’70s

Troopers identified the remains as Gary Frank Sotherden of New York. They believe he died in a bear mauling.
a choir performs onstage, outside

Anchorage Juneteenth festivities kick off this weekend

Juneteenth is recognized as the oldest African American holiday in the United States, and marks the anniversary of when the last American slaves were freed in Texas on June 19, 1865.
Goose Creek Prison. Photo by Ellen Lockyer, KSKA - Anchorage.

Grunwald murderer, 12 others charged with smuggling drugs into Alaska prisons

Dominic Johnson, serving 99 years for David Grunwald's death, is among 11 inmates and two visitors indicted on charges of promoting contraband.