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.”

UA President Johnsen shares outlook for university budget

The Alaska House of Representatives passed its version of the state operating budget Monday by a narrow margin. It includes $19 million more for the University of Alaska’s operating budget than Gov. Bill Walker proposed. Listen now

Visa-Free Travel to Russia Reinstated for Eligible Alaska Natives

The Bering Straits Regional Commission says travel restrictions for Alaska Natives to Chukotka have been lifted—leaving many with relatives on the Russian side of the strait feeling relieved, tired of being used as pawns in international disputes.
a person stands in a voting stall

We’re working to improve our elections coverage. Here’s how you can help.

At Alaska Public Media, we’re collaborating with other media organizations to make our elections coverage more voter-centered and voter-driven. This is how you can get involved.

How Port Lions is increasing local food production

https://youtu.be/2mEWnN1uRKM A local food hub has spouted Port Lions on Kodiak Island, bringing with it increased food security. The archipelago is now home to six...

Sinkhole along busy Anchorage road stalls Midtown drivers

Drivers heading west along Northern Lights Boulevard are asked to find alternate travel routes while crews work to fix a large hole in the road.

State capital spending would be down slightly in Senate plan

Senate lawmakers heard public testimony on proposed capital budget, including from tourism industry representatives asking to restore $3 million for marketing the Senate cut. Listen now
A man with two flags behind him

Gov. Dunleavy directs state to take steps to divest from Russia

Dunleavy also requested further actions from the federal government and Alaska businesses and individuals. 
smoldering debris from a fire sits in front of green spruce trees.

Two Rivers Lodge burns as investigation of string of summer arsons continues

So far, public safety officials have not said arson caused the fire at the lodge, seen completely engulfed in flames in videos on social media. But fire marshals are investigating nine other structures that have burned in the area that they say were intentionally set.
A man and his dogs

Hugh Neff scratches from Iditarod halfway into the race

Neff said he was given the choice of being disqualified or scratching because of concerns from veterinarians about his dogs.

Questions about Biden’s approval of Arctic drilling of Willow? We’ve got answers.

What we know about the permit ConocoPhillips won in the National Petroleum Reserve and the new limits Biden is imposing on drilling there.
Four men in camouflage uniforms, each holding a rifle, pose for a photo with a woman in civilian clothes behind a pile of boxes. One is holding a sign that says, "Thank you, Assist Ukraine."

With Alaskans’ help, Ukrainian woman gets much-needed supplies to her war-torn country

Her name is Olga Shpak, and she was recently in Alaska to talk about where the supplies are going and what she's seen as the war in Ukraine has progressed.

Homer couple’s home and business raided by FBI, possibly in connection to Jan. 6 insurrection

A Homer couple say their home and business was raided by the FBI on Wednesday morning. An FBI spokesperson confirmed that agents visited Paul and Marilyn Heuper at Homer Inn and Spa, though described it as “a court-authorized law-enforcement activity,” and not a raid.
Jane Angvik, Vic Fischer's wife of 42 years, sits at a table with Lori Townsend.

The legacy of Vic Fischer | Alaska Insight

On this episode of Alaska Insight, host Lori Townsend and her guests discuss the life and legacy of Vic Fischer, Alaska's last constitutional delegate.
a factory

FAA audit faults Boeing for ‘multiple instances’ of quality control shortcomings

The findings singled out both Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems in the wake of an in-flight door plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet.
trump flags and american flags drape protestors at the Capitol

Far-right web personality ‘Baked Alaska’ faces trial after Capitol riot plea fizzles

“If he wants a trial, he’ll get a fair trial,” said U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan.

Murkowski Holds Town Hall Meeting on Health Care

It was an overflow turnout at a large Anchorage high school auditorium Thursday night for Republican US Senator Lisa Murkowski's town meeting on...

Anchorage police union says it has waited more than a month for city to begin negotiations on body cameras

Jeremy Conkling, the president of the Anchorage Police Department Employees Association, says he put in a request to the city’s human resources department in mid-April, asking for a date to start the negotiations.

NOAA begins process of updating Kachemak Bay nautical charts

The first phase of a project to update the nautical charts of Kachemak Bay is underway. The NOAA ship Fairweather is tied...
railroad tracks through trees

Federal infrastructure dollars will fund an Alaska railroad bridge replacement, with more to come

A $3.1 million grant to help fund a railroad bridge replacement is the start of a "once in a generation" opportunity for infrastructure improvements in Alaska.

Young-Parnell vote still too close to call

The Republican primary race for Alaska's U-S House seat is still way too close to call. With only one precinct left to report, Don...