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.”

Airline employee who stole and crashed Horizon Air plane had Wasilla roots

The airline worker authorities say stole a commercial plane Friday at Sea-Tac International Airport before crashing on a Puget Sound island is a former Alaskan and 2008 graduate of Wasilla High School. Listen now

Donlin Mine nabs two major permits at Army Corps signing

The Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Land Management gave the proposed Donlin mine two permits along with their joint record of decision during a signing ceremony on Monday. Listen now

What’s going on with Alaska’s 17 wildfires?

Though there are blazes across the state, their location and size make for a relatively low threat. Listen now

The mysterious case of Alaska’s strange sockeye salmon returns this year

From exceptionally strong to exceptionally weak runs, sockeye salmon leave scientists scratching their heads this year in Alaska. Listen now
Political Candidate Alyse Galvin smiles at the camera in front of trees

Galvin runs as Alaskan everywoman, vying for US House

Education advocate Alyse Galvin is running for Congress as a mom and "someone who is like all people." That's part of her campaign message: "I'm in touch. I've been there." Listen now

Alaska crime up 6 percent, officials say

Across Alaska, crime is up. That's according to data released today by the Department of Public Safety comparing 2017 to 2016. In its Uniform Crime Report, the department said that statewide, crime rose by 6 percent last year. Listen now

Democrat hopes to unseat Young with ‘Medicare for all’ campaign

Dimitri Shein was born in the Soviet Union and immigrated to Anchorage when he was 12. He says the experience helps him appreciate what makes America exceptional. "And now I see all these values under attack." Listen now

Cash from Congress will boost Alaska-based system that protects planes from volcanic ash

A $12 million budget boost from Congress will help modernize the instruments that protect transcontinental jet planes from threats posed by volcanic ash. Listen now

Protesting lack of new contracts, Anchorage teachers’ union hosts walk-ins

Today was the first day of school in Anchorage, and for the second year in a row, teachers are starting the year without a new contract. Listen now

New study says global models sharply underestimate permafrost emissions

Some scientists said the study, published in the journal Nature Communications, underscores the limitations and uncertainties of climate modeling – and how policymakers might need to take more aggressive steps if they want to keep global temperatures under control. Listen now

New symposium brings military’s attention to the Arctic

Three-day conference brings together experts to assess new military approaches to the Arctic in coming years. Listen now

By substantial margin, Mike Dunleavy claims victory in Republican primary for governor

Dunleavy built his reputation as a staunch conservative. But he said he has something to offer independents and Democrats. Listen now

Galvin wins US House primary; now takes on Rep. Young

Independent candidate Alyse Galvin soundly defeated Dimitri Shein in the Democratic primary for the U.S. House seat held by Congressman Don Young. Listen now

Turnout is third-lowest in Alaska state primary history

Of registered voters, 18.2 percent cast ballots, with five precincts and some absentee ballots left to count. Listen now

Voters may have ousted two of Alaska’s top legislators, as House remains up for grabs

Tuesday’s primary election didn’t answer one of the biggest questions about the future of the Alaska Legislature: whether the state House will stay under the control of a mostly-Democratic coalition next year. But it did yield several surprises, including three stunning upsets that could send two of the state’s most powerful legislators packing.

Alaskans press Murkowski on Kavanaugh

Sen. Murkowski met Thursday with Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. They smiled for the cameras, but she's keeping her cards close to her vest. Those who don't want Kavanaugh confirmed are pinning their hopes on Murkowski to vote no. Listen now

ACLU of Alaska and Dunleavy for Alaska file lawsuit challenging state road advertising ban

The lawsuit follows the state Department of Transportation recently removing political signs. Listen now

Fairbanks North Star Borough offices closed due to alleged threats

Fairbanks North Star Borough’s administrative center remains shut down due to what officials describe as threatening communications. Listen now