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.”

State to repair parallel runway at Bethel airport next summer

The Alaska Department of Transportation plans to repave the runway after repairing the dips caused by melting permafrost.

Troller rolls, sinks in high winds outside of Sitka Harbor

The Safari reportedly became unstable and took on water after encountering high wind gusts near Kasiana Island.

Haines Police ordered to stop responding to calls outside the townsite

The Haines Borough has ordered the police department to stop providing service outside the townsite unless assistance is requested by the state troopers. Listen now

Anchorage’s Danielle Riha selected as 2019 Alaska Teacher of the Year

Today in Anchorage, Danielle Riha, a teacher at the Alaska Native Cultural Charter School, was honored as the 2019 Alaska Teacher of the Year. Listen now
A sign reads "Welcome to UAS" at the University of Alaska Southeast’s Juneau campus.

UAS sees increase in first-year students, career and technical education enrollment

Enrollment is down across the University of Alaska system. But at the Southeast campus, enrollment is actually up for first-year students and students enrolled in career and technical programs. Listen now

Kanakanak Hospital pharmacy puts patients in ‘immediate jeopardy,’ survey finds

A September survey from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services found that the Kanakanak Hospital pharmacy's practices put patients at risk of adverse health effects and death.

Alaskans rally in support of youth climate lawsuit, currently in limbo

“This is no longer a scientific issue, it’s not a scientific question. It’s a moral and spiritual issue,” said Tom Baring of Fairbanks, the father of one of the plaintiffs. Listen now

Sen. Murkowski talks aviation, climate change in Bethel visit

Climate change and rural aviation are major issues in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski addressed both during her visit to the region last week.

In Goodnews Bay, the Pledge of Allegiance is a way to speak Yup’ik in school

There's no Yup’ik teacher in Goodnews Bay, so for now, the students practice by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Yup’ik instead. Listen now

Open enrollment for individual health insurance begins Nov. 1

For the second year in a row, Alaska residents will see cheaper monthly rates. But, insurance rates remain high, compared to most other states in the country. Listen now

Gustavus households offered safe drinking water after latest PFAS scare

It’s a growing national issue: A foam used to suppress oil fires can leach into the environment and contaminate groundwater. Listen now

Amid growing global demand for aircraft mechanics, local training program opens in Y-K Delta

The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta has a severe shortage of aircraft mechanics. A new Bethel training program wants to fill the gap with local workers.

Ask a Climatologist: The colder, snowier Halloweens of yesteryear

Many snow-starved parts of Alaska recently saw the ground finally turn to white. But as for this notion of a “White Halloween,” some places may not reach that benchmark, technically speaking.

Anchorage community gathers to celebrate Bettye Davis’s political legacy

Former lawmaker Bettye Davis retired from the Anchorage School Board at the end of September after more than 35 years in public service. In her tenure on the board and in the state legislature, Davis fought for education reform and helped break barriers for Black Alaskans and women in government. Listen now

Anchorage rabbi: Political polarization threatens to ‘rip us to shreds’

Rabbi Michael Oblath of Congregation Beth Sholom said he asked police to send a patrol car to sit outside Saturday services for his congregation, which is the largest and oldest Jewish congregation in the state. In a phone interview with Alaska Public Media's Casey Grove on Monday, Oblath recounted how he heard the news, and what the congregation was talking about in its wake. Listen now

Feds propose Tongass old growth timber sale

This latest proposed Tongass timber sale on Prince of Wales Island would dwarf anything seen in decades. The public has until mid-December to lodge objections with the U.S. Forest Service. Listen now

Bristol Bay tribes call for significant changes in Dillingham hospital leadership

A survey conducted in September found that practices at the Kanakanak Hospital’s pharmacy put patients at risk for adverse health effects. Listen now

After months of negotiations, SEARHC takes over Wrangell Medical Center

Wrangell Medical Center is being transferred to the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium this week. As of today, the hospital will be run by SEARHC.

With rain in the forecast, Ketchikan switches back to hydroelectric power

The second half of October brought enough rain for Ketchikan’s electric utility to switch off its diesel generators.

A warming Arctic means a change of plans for offshore drilling project

As the Arctic warms, Hilcorp is already having to tweak its proposal to accommodate climate change. And future companies looking to drill offshore in the Arctic may have additional changes to plan for. Listen now