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.”

Burned Bald Eagles Draw Federal Scrutiny In Adak

It’s common practice to burn trash in the Aleutians, to keep landfills from overflowing. But it’s not that simple in Adak, where flaming waste has killed or injured at least ten bald eagles in the last few months. It’s now the subject of a federal investigation. Download Audio

New law gives judges more discretion when setting bail

For the second time in six months, there’s a change coming in how defendants awaiting trial must post bail. As of January, most Alaskans charged with misdemeanor offenses didn’t have to post cash bail in order to be released from jail. But due to a new change in state law, this measure is being reversed.
A woman shovels snow from a driveway.

‘Anomaly’ winter storm closes Anchorage and Mat-Su schools, slows traffic

The latest storm brought more than a foot of new snow. The snow again closed schools, tangled traffic and left residents frustrated about unplowed roads.

Climate bill moves ahead in Senate

A bipartisan bill that would cap and regulate human-generated emissions that contribute to global warming moved out of the U.S. Senate Environment Committee today....
AlaskaCare mailers

Retired public employees and state settle long-running legal dispute over medical, dental benefits

The Alaska Constitution says that public employee retirement benefits “shall not be diminished or impaired.” But the state and retirees have differed on how to interpret this guarantee.

Anchorage Police Take 14-Year-Old Into Custody After Sunday Shooting Death

Suspect in custody has been referred to the Department of Juvenile Justice.
Pete Kaiser poses with two of his dogs on a snowy finish line.

Bethel’s Pete Kaiser notches his 6th Kusko 300 win

Three former champions overcame an icy, windy trail to finish at the front of the 2022 Kuskokwim 300. The race also teased at the future of Kuskokwim mushing, with other local mushers also finishing in the top 10.

Oil Spill Commission Says Government, Oil Industry Must Make 'Dramatic Changes'

Steve Heimel, APRN - Anchorage "Both government and industry must make dramatic changes." Those are the words being used by a Presidential Commission investigating the...
a man with an eye patch and glasses talks into a microphone

Oath Keeper founder Stewart Rhodes testifies in Alaska Rep. Eastman’s defense

Would Oath Keepers overthrow the government? Their jailed founder says no.

Progressives make voices heard at Sullivan town hall

U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan held a town hall meeting in Anchorage Saturday. The event drew hundreds of left-leaning constituents and they were not quiet. Listen now
A truck with officers

Two years after Anchorage police and fire departments commit to improving diversity, data shows little change

Police and fire officials say they’re hampered by a tight labor market, limited budgets and recruitment barriers that extend outside of their departments.

Anchorage mayor tackles labor, sex trafficking in Alaska

A new working group in is bringing city, state, and federal resources to combat human trafficking across the state.
Packages of disposable face masks for sale at a grocery store.

Yes, in some cases, two face masks are better than one, Alaska health experts say

Even though there has been just one confirmed case of a new, more infectious COVID-19 variant in Alaska, health officials say now is the time to upgrade your single-layer cloth mask.
am an speaks into a microphone

Alaska Gov. Dunleavy still on track to secure another term with more ballots counted

If Dunleavy’s share of the vote remains over 50%, he will win a second term outright, with no need for ranked choice tabulations.
a man opens a refrigerator door in the dairy aisle at a grocery store

Bird flu in Washington cracks Alaska’s egg supply chain

Alaskans are posting photos on social media of empty shelves and trying to crowdsource where they can buy eggs. Meanwhile, prices are spiking.

White House invites Alaskan to State of Union

Lydia Doza got a text message she nearly ignored. It led to a special White House invitation to honor her efforts inspiring Native American youth to choose STEM careers. Download Audio
an illustration of a person in a military uniform, with text throughout

The Army increasingly allows soldiers charged with violent crimes to leave the military rather than face trial

A federal watchdog called for ending the practice nearly 50 years ago, but the military pushed back. Now, soldiers leave the Army with a negative discharge, avoiding possible federal conviction and with little record of the allegations against them.
a woman in sunglasses

Palin leads the race for cash in Alaska US House election

Former Gov. Sarah Palin is ahead of the field in campaign fundraising. But a rival has surpassed her by tapping his personal wealth.
a person walks across a football field

Anchorage School District Superintendent Deena Bishop will step down next year

Bishop announced her retirement in a letter to the Anchorage School Board on Tuesday.

Johansen’s Answers Haven’t Alleviated Concerns

Maria Dudzak, KRBD – Ketchikan Tuesday night, Ketchikan constituents wanted answers from their representative Republican Kyle Johansen about his reasons for stepping ...