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.”

UPS Plans Alaska Layoffs

Anchorage stands to lose close to 300 pilot jobs at its UPS hub.  The unwelcome news came recently to scores of pilots who make Alaska...

Judge: case of slain Mountain Village woman shows how Alaska’s justice system is failing

In a blistering order, a Fairbanks judge has declared a crisis in the state’s courts, saying that turnover among public defenders is delaying criminal trials and denying justice for victims and defendants alike.

Alaskans Among Medal Hopefuls in Sochi

The winter Olympics in Sochi Russia began today with qualifying rounds in some sports. Seven athletes competing in the games call Alaska home or have roots in the state. The most talked about are the cross country skiers from Alaska Pacific University, Kikkan Randall, Holly Brooks, Sadie Bjornsen and her brother Erik. The winter Olympics in Sochi Russia began Thursday with qualifying rounds in some sports.

Public testimony closes on city discrimination ordinance

Under discussion is an ordinance that extends legal protections to residents on the basis of sexual orientation and gender expression. Download Audio

Alaska’s new Senate delegation meets in Washington

Photo by Libby Casey Alaska's Democratic Senator-elect Mark Begich spent today walking the halls of Congress. Begich won't be sworn-in until next month but he's...
Clouds hang over forested bay, where some boats and buildings are visible in the distance.

Third year of abysmal salmon runs leaves Chignik looking for answers

Chignik’s early run of sockeye this year is the lowest on record, and it failed to meet its lower-end escapement goal for the third year in a row. With commercial fishing at a standstill, the community is struggling to make ends meet.

After pandemic leads to shortage, animal rights groups send 8,000 pounds of dog food to rural Alaska

The food will be shipped to Bethel, from where it will be distributed around the region.
An arch in the snow made from giant whale ribs

Utqiagvik passes unique punishment for violators of COVID rules

Rule breakers are required to produce a public service announcement about how to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
the Alaska Supreme Court

Alaska Supreme Court confirms: ‘Hoverboard dentist’ is banned from dentistry in Alaska

In a separate criminal case, former dentist Seth Lookhart was sentenced to 20 years in prison with eight suspended.
a protest

University of Alaska announces initial agreement with graduate workers on contract through 2026

The university described the pact as a tentative initial agreement that must go through more steps before it goes into effect.

Miller Stays Ahead; Murkowski Waiting on Absentee Ballots

Photo and Story by Annie Feidt, APRN – Anchorage With all but two precincts reporting, Joe Miller is holding his lead in the Republican...

Ask a Climatologist: Will May gloom bring summer doom?

May weather can't tell us much about what the rest of the summer will hold in Southcentral Alaska. Listen now
a walrus

Scientists, Alaska Native leaders say the Arctic faces a growing crisis from plastic waste

The authors of a new report will join representatives from more than 180 other countries to negotiate a United Nations plastics treaty.

Pilot, passenger on downed aircraft near Pilot Point evaced Monday night

Both the pilot and passenger of a Van Air plane crash survived, and they were successfully rescue by Coast Guard and transported for medical care Monday night. Listen now
boats

Wrangell installs anodes to protect corroded harbor pilings

Divers will install 830 pieces of "sacrificial metal" to divert electric currents at three harbor locations in the Southeast Alaska community.
a young person in a prison jumpsuit

In Anchorage teen’s 2019 murder, catfished killer pleads guilty

Denali Brehmer and two other teens were tricked by an out-of-state man who offered them money to sexually assault and kill Cynthia Hoffman.

House passes deep cut to per diem allowances

The House voted to cut the money to pay for lawmakers’ daily expenses during the legislative session by three-quarters. Listen now
a Southeast tribal values poster

Trial digs into use of tribal values in Ketchikan schools

A trial will determine if traditional values including “reverence for our creator” posted in Ketchikan schools violates the First Amendment.
Senator Dan Sullivan speaking to the media

New poll finds Sullivan ahead in race to keep U.S. Senate seat

U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan is leading challenger Al Gross in a new poll of likely Alaska voters.

ASRC, after backing Dunleavy’s campaign, blasts his oil tax redistribution plan

ASRC president and CEO Rex Rock Sr. said: “Trying to balance a state budget on the backs of the Iñupiat people across the Arctic Slope is a wrongsided attack on our region.”