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.”

For decades, the government stood between the Unangan people and the seals they subsist on. Now, that’s changing.

The tribal government of St. Paul island, in the Bering Sea, has pushed the federal government for years to relax strict subsistence rules that have blocked access to seals and forced residents to buy expensive groceries. New rules could take effect soon, but they face opposition amid a decline in the seal population.

Cruise Industry Sues to Throw Out Head Tax

The cruise industry is suing the state to throw out most of the passenger head tax. The Alaska Cruise Association filed the...

U.S. Supreme Court will hear case on Kensington Mine tailings

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Monday on a case that decide if the Kensington Gold Mine can discharge tailings in a...
people leaving a building under a sign that says "vote here."

Lt. Gov. Meyer defends handling of Alaska’s last election, as he and governor weigh the next one

Meyer is at the center of criticism from conservative voters in places like the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. The lieutenant governor oversees elections. Conservatives are unhappy with how last year’s election was conducted.

Murkowski unsure Congress can investigate Trump on groping charges

Lisa Murkowski was one of the voices calling for Democratic Sen. Al Franken to resign, but she doesn't know what Congress can do about the allegations against the president. Listen now
two people and a check

Alaskans owe less tax than expected for their PFDs because of energy relief payment

The $662 energy relief portion of the payout is not subject to federal taxes, according to a recent IRS announcement.

Anchorage officials certify vote-by-mail results

About 79,295 ballots were cast, pushing turnout to just over 36 percent, a high figure relative to Anchorage’s normal local election returns. The vote certification upholds preliminary results. Listen now

Iditarod 42 Most Certainly One Of The Toughest

This year’s Iditarod is not only record-breaking, it may have broken some mushers as well. The 42 annual race will not soon be forgotten. It’s being called on of the toughest in the race’s history.

UA president Jim Johnsen withdraws from Wisconsin job

In a press release Friday morning, Johnsen wrote “After deep reflection as to where I am called to lead a university system through these challenging times, it is clear to me and my family that it is in Alaska.”
A man with tatooed arms gets a vaccine while giving a shaka symbol

Anchorage Pacific Islander community brings COVID-19 vaccines to church

A Tuesday vaccine clinic brought 80 vaccines to a Samoan church in Airport Heights, where food and music made for a unique atmosphere.

High school student honored for Gold Creek rescue

A 14-year-old Juneau high school student was honored by the governor’s office today for rescuing a five-year-old boy he saw fall into a fast-running creek. Listen now
A preschool classroom with a few children sitting at tables

The pandemic erased a decade of public preschool gains

An annual review of state-based preschool programs found big drops in enrollment and state funding in the 2020-2021 school year.
People walk on a construction area in fornt of some suburban houses and a snow covered mountain.

Anchorage’s huge development deal for Girdwood draws local ire over lack of affordable housing

That's not because Girdwood doesn't need more housing. Most there agree it does. But the city's plan to develop 60 acres near Glacier Creek into more than a hundred homes does not include any units cheaper than half a million dollars.
former President Donald Trump claps his hands as a crowd around him cheers and holds their cellphones up

Trump announces his pick in Alaska’s U.S. House race: Dahlstrom

The former president chose Alaska's lieutenant governor over fellow Republican Nick Begich. Trump claims Begich has "Democrat tendencies."

Revak stepping down as Peltola’s state director

Josh Revak is a former state legislator. Peltola drew some heat for picking a Republican to serve in a key spot.

Alaska’s popular walrus cam streams again after a decade

A popular webcam showing large male Pacific walruses lying on the beach is once again streaming on the Internet.

Those 20 ‘new’ interceptors Trump wants in Alaska? They’re not NEW new

President Trump highlighted the role of Fort Greely in the missile defense plan he unveiled Thursday. But what sounded like a call for a major expansion at the Interior base isn't breaking new ground.
the alaska state ferry columbia

Alaska state ferry Columbia to stay tied up this winter

The State Department of Transportation has decided to keep the ferry Columbia sidelined this winter, limiting cross-Gulf of Alaska service until May.
Trees eroding from a bluff

Large crack in Haines hillside has geologists worried about more slides

Geologists studying the landslide that swept Beach Road are concerned that more material could break loose. During helicopter flights, they identified a deep crack in the hillside extending south from the crown of the existing slide area.

In Transition: When a Family of Five Calls One Room Home

Juneau charity organization St. Vincent de Paul has a record high number of people staying in its transitional housing shelter. Usually, around 55 people live in the 26 units. At the moment, there are 66 occupants, almost half are children. Download Audio