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.”

A man in a beanie pours hot water into a mug.

Is Anchorage buying into the latest push to improve services and shelter for the homeless? 

Turnout was thin at a recent series of town halls on shelter concepts, and a goal to open a new shelter with higher standards by Nov. 1 is slipping.
the Alaska Capitol

Alaska Legislature to face familiar challenges this year

The Alaska Legislature convenes for a new session Tuesday with a bipartisan coalition controlling the Senate for the first time in years.

ADN reporter allegedly slapped by legislator in a stairwell

The Alaska Dispatch News is reporting its legislative reporter was lightly hit during the brief encounter with a lawmaker at the capitol. Listen now
A woman in a blue shirt feeds documents into a beige machien atop a table in an office.

Alaska’s ballot count continues, two House races shift

Democratic Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins took the lead in his race, while Liz Snyder cut Republican Rep Lance Pruitt's lead down to just 56 votes in a race that looks to be a nail-biter.

Is 'threatened' status of polar bears being held up for Chukchi oil & gas leases?

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service director Dale Hall was back before another congressional panel today answering questions about why a decision on whether to...
APD headquarters

Anchorage police to publicly disclose all officer arrests under new directive

An off-duty officer was charged with driving drunk in December. At least two other off-duty officers have been arrested on similar charges since 2022.

Izembek land swap vote delayed to 2009

Senate Majority leader Harry Reid of Nevada said today that an anticipated lands package will not be taken up in this week's lame duck...

Papa Pilgrim's death leaves family both sad and relieved

Papa Pilgrim's children are reflecting on their father's life. Robert Hale died in the Anchorage Correction Complex Saturday night. He was 67 years old...

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.”
A woman in sunglasses and a mask holds a sign that says "Be the solution!"

Scientists say even moderate COVID restrictions can slow the spread of the virus — if they’re timely

Mask mandates and other interventions can help stop a surge, even where vaccination rates are low, say scientists who've reviewed states' data. When the measures start and how long they last matters.
A tan building

Anchorage Assembly rejects mayor’s library board picks in latest culture war skirmish

Assembly member Anna Brawley said the candidates were engaged in a national, partisan effort against LGBTQ people and freedom of speech in libraries.

Swan Lake Fire pushes Cooper Landing’s smoky air quality off the charts, literally

Cooper Landing is registering some of the worst air quality readings in the country this week, due to smoke from the Swan Lake fire.
the Soldotna Walgreens

Walgreens’ decision not to carry abortion drug in Alaska could be felt well beyond its stores, doctor says

Homer-based Dr. Robin Holmes said going to a provider’s office to get a pill can be hard in parts of Alaska with few doctors.
a woman holds boxes of kits

Opioid reversal drugs save lives in Alaska. But people are often skipping a crucial step

Use of the opioid reversal drug Naloxone is increasing in Alaska. Naloxone is safe and easy to administer, but public health professionals say it’s essential to get people to the emergency room after using it. In practice, though, people often aren’t calling 9-1-1. And that’s concerning to public health experts.
A cop car sits in front of crime scene tape in a parking lot.

Woman fatally injures 3-year-old boy and herself in parked Mountain View car

Police said the woman had called dispatchers and told them she was going to harm herself.

First 3 Subsistence Fishermen Found Guilty

Trials began yesterday for two dozen Kuskokwim subsistence fishermen who allegedly fished with salmon nets when they were restricted this past summer. The first three fishermen were found guilty at the Bethel District Court House today. The politics of subsistence rights versus state restrictions weighs far heavier on the trials than the violations themselves, worth $250 each
Merbok debris

FEMA extends Merbok aid application deadline

Western Alaskans have an extra two weeks to apply for state and federal disaster assistance as recovery efforts from ex-Typhoon Merbok continue in some communities.

Crews Continue to Battle Funny River Fire; Rain Forecasted

Video by Sonya Wellman - Alaska Public Media The Funny River Fire continued to burn the central Kenai Peninsula this week. As of Monday afternoon, it’s estimated to have burned more than 158,000 acres with 30% containment. Funny River Road from Mile 7 to the end was evacuated on Sunday afternoon. The Kenai Keys were put on evacuation alert.
an aerial image of a mine

In Northwest Alaska, an economic engine runs low on ore

Red Dog mine has sustained hundreds of jobs and generated billions of dollars for Alaska Natives. It's set to close in 2031 unless its operator gets environmental permits and decides to expand.

7.2 magnitude quake rocks the Aleutians

A 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit the Western Aleutian Islands at about 11:30pm last night. Charles Homans, KIAL - Unalaska