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.”

Sitka Tribe of Alaska sues state, claiming mismanagement of herring fishery

A tribal government is filing suit against the state of Alaska, alleging mismanagement of the Sitka sac roe herring fishery.

Kenai Peninsula, Southcentral brace for high winds, flooding

High wind warnings go into effect Tuesday night throughout the Kenai Peninsula and Anchorage.

Murkowski: ‘Never, ever, ever’ should we see another Jan. 6

Congress passed a reform of the Electoral Count Act, which U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski helped negotiate.

Opt Out Bill Could Cost Alaska $97 Million in Federal School Funding

Senate Bill 89 aims to increase the authority of parents, allowing them to opt their children out of standardized tests, and educational programming dealing with sexual health. Download Audio
a protest

In Anchorage protest, woman’s family says she is convicted killer Brian Smith’s third victim

Cassandra Boskofsky’s family says she is the woman in photos on Smith’s phone released after his murder convictions this year.

Alaska Shoppers Greet H&M With Gusto

Hundreds waited in line Thursday for global fashion retailer H&M to open its new store in Anchorage. Even as the state feels the squeeze of low oil prices, Alaska shoppers are still keen to lay down their dollars on national brands. Download Audio

Alaska’s budget, easier to swallow with ice cream and beer

The Alaska legislature has a lot on its plate trying to fix the state’s multi-billion dollar budget deficit, and a couple of budget experts are adding to the menu. They’re inviting the public to weigh-in over ice cream and beer. Listen now

Alaska tribes, health organizations join opioid suit

Alaska Natives are fatally overdosing from opioids at a higher rate than other groups. Now Alaska Native tribes and health organizations are joining a sprawling federal lawsuit against the prescription drug industry. Listen now

Pete Kott takes the stand

In an unexpected move today by the defense team, former legislator Pete Kott took the stand in his own corruption trial. David Shurtleff, APRN -...

Alaska’s House majority weighs whether to hold open caucus meetings

Last year, when most Democrats were in the minority in the Alaska House of Representatives, they held regular caucus meetings that were open to the public before voting in sessions on the House floor. Most of the Democrats who were out of power last year will be in the majority this year. But it’s not clear whether the majority caucus will hold these pre-session open meetings. Listen now
A plug into the side of a vehicle

Developers hope to open Railbelt electric vehicle charging corridor by summer 2022

Efforts are underway to build a network of electric vehicle charging stations along the Railbelt that developers hope could connect the Kenai Peninsula to Fairbanks by the summer of 2022.

Gourds Fly In Bethel With Pumpkin Trebuchet

Less than 48 hours after trick or treating, the sugar buzz should be mostly worn off. But there’s still thrills to be had in the form of launching pumpkins through the air. Download Audio
A plane in a blizzard leaning on one wing

Grant Aviation plane goes off runway in Chevak

The incident occurred on Friday, March 12 shortly after 5:00 p.m.

Tyonek Fire Grows To 1,800 Acres

Two Southcentral Alaska fires have grown in size since Wednesday afternoon, covering the Anchorage area in smoke Thursday morning. Download Audio
a truck with a giant potato on it

Skagway’s music festival has a special guest this year: a giant fiberglass potato.

The Southeast town is embracing the weirdness. The mayor has declared Saturday "Idaho Potato Day." And two locals will be crowned Queen and King of Potatoes for the day.
a person sits in a makeshift studio next to a mic in a bedroom

Recovering out loud: How one Alaskan created a podcast to support his sobriety and help others too

Through podcasting, music and story sharing, Ralph Sara is working to make people see that recovery from addiction is possible.
fishing boats

Feds working on new plan for contentious Cook Inlet fishery

Federal officials have started working on a new Cook Inlet salmon fishery management plan, months after a court said their plan to completely close the fishery was unjust.

Legislature plans to hand Governor Palin the same capital projects she vetoed last year

The Alaska House is on track to give Governor Palin the first serious challenge to her term in office: giving her a budget bill...

Juneau PD: Intoxicated driver rams Governor’s Mansion

Juneau police arrested a man late Thursday night for driving while intoxicated after finding him and a dog in a vehicle stuck in construction fencing at the Capitol. Download Audio

Skagway’s busiest cruise ship dock at risk of catastrophic rockslide, study says

A new report compiled by geotechnical engineers shows that Skagway’s busiest cruise ship dock is at significant risk for rockslides impacting the dock, moored ships, cruise ship passengers and workers.