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.”

With GOP wins, Murkowski eyes ANWR

Alaska's congressional candidates won re-election handily. Sen. Murkowski says with Republicans in control of Congress and the White House, the odds have improved for opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling,
lawmakers

A look at some of the bills that failed to pass the Alaska Legislature this year

Parts of a long-term plan to bring state revenue and expenses into line again failed to advance through the Capitol.

Permanent Fund Corp. headquarters to undergo $4 million renovation

The renovation will open up space. Some internal walls will be torn down. And the new space will let the corporation hire more workers, so more of fund is managed by corporation employees. Listen now
An open gym with cots on the floor

Hospital overflow sites remain at ‘ready,’ but officials worry about staffing

The hospital overflow site at Alaska Airlines Center can be ready to use within 48 hours, according to a state health official, but it’s not preparing the facility just yet.

‘Sometimes we get bored’: Unalaska fish processors work back-to-back seasons to keep their jobs

Managers decided that keeping workers on the island would help prevent new arrivals - many of whom come from other countries - from bringing in the coronavirus.
Barack Obama

‘Cozy’ relationship between Boeing, feds draws scrutiny amid 737 Max 9 mess

Boeing's latest safety lapse renews concerns about its Beltway influence, and federal regulators' delegation of oversight authority to its employees.

Anchorage voters opt for bonds, more liberal Assembly

Progressive candidates and incumbents win, along with former law-maker in Eagle River and an upset in south Anchorage. Taxi proposition and ambulance bond measure fail. Listen now

AK: Mod Carousel brings boylesque world premiere to Juneau

For eight years Seattle-based boylesque collective Mod Carousel blurs gender expression in Alaska. It’s newest show, Gilded makes its world premiere in Alaska. Juneau residents will be treated to the world premiere of a dance production this weekend. Listen now
Woman in committee room

Lawmakers clash over Permanent Fund dividend amount as House debates budget

The PFD is one of the most hotly-debated issues in the Legislature every year — and it’s not necessarily a party-line issue. 

The ACLU is suing Nome, alleging a pattern of civil rights violations against Native women

The lawsuit alleges violation of state and federal civil rights protections stemming from mishandled police investigations of sexual assaults.

Violations of Open Burning Suspensions Continuing

Despite fire officials' best efforts and the biggest wildfire on the Kenai Peninsula in two years, people continue to violate the open burning suspension...

Juneau Has New Senator

The capital city finally has a new senator. Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell administered the oath of office to Dennis Egan last night, after the Senate had...
Solar panels stretching off into the distance connected by electrical wire.

Railbelt electric utilities are facing a major energy crunch. Renewables may be the answer.

The region’s electric grid needs to find a replacement for Cook Inlet natural gas. One study suggests over the long term, the cheapest option is to ramp up renewable energy. 

Protesters gather at Murkowski’s Alaska offices asking her to torpedo Trump’s Supreme Court pick

Across Alaska today, hundreds gathered at Sen. Murkowski’s satellite offices - rallying against Kavanaugh's nomination. Listen now

Amid turmoil, international Inuit group gathers online to promote protecting Arctic

The Inuit Circumpolar Council, meeting virtually for its quadrennial assembly, celebrated achievements made despite unusual challenges.
A white man in a gray suit

Rep. Eastman is sole lawmaker to vote against honoring black soldiers

Yesterday new legislation was passed that named Oct 25th as African American Soldiers’ Contribution to Building the Alaska Highway Day. All 19 senators who were present and 39 of the 40 House members voted for the bill. Listen now
a volcano

Earthquakes recorded near Alaska volcano dormant 800 years

Hundreds of small earthquakes have been reported near a volcano in Southeast Alaska believed to have been dormant for at least 800 years.

Murkowski’s latest Pebble action disappoints mine opponents

Opponents of the Pebble Mine are underwhelmed by Sen. Murkowski's latest bill to fund federal resource agencies.

Industry launches campaign to rid ocean of plastic. Is it for real?

The plastics industry has a new billion-dollar campaign to get plastic trash out of the ocean. Sen. Dan Sullivan and a close ally are working on a bill to enhance that campaign. But is industry really suited to clean up the mess its products create?

Palin preparing for speech as national Republicans defend McCain’s choice

Governor Sarah Palin is preparing to accept the GOP vice presidential nomination at the party's convention and will speak to convention goers -- and...