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 hat pushes a snow blower spraying snow.

December was Anchorage’s wettest and second snowiest on record

Climatologist Rick Thoman says climate change is driving this more extreme winter snowfall.
An animated still image of two people sitting side by side on swings while holding cans of beer.

A new documentary film project will focus on Alaskans’ relationships with alcohol

Scott Burton's film called "Earnest Drinker" will include interviews with experts and people in recovery, plus a lot of his own stories.
children with fishing nets

Alaskans invited to tell Congress what climate change means for them

Alaskans can submit their input on a draft of the upcoming National Climate Assessment until Jan. 27.
Seward's railroad terminal

Alaska’s job recovery is expected to continue this year

Alaska will continue to recover jobs in 2023 from its significant losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a job forecast from the state Department of Labor.
a man assembles a tent fram outside

Homer activist works to bring thousands of meals a month to Ukrainian refugees

Lucas Wilcox's non-profit organization, Altruist Relief Kitchen, is using salvaged materials to build off-grid kitchens to feed Ukrainian refugees.
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.
an orange sky with a big rig in front

Alaska’s permit for road to major oil project leads to ConocoPhillips lawsuit

ConocoPhillips and Australian oil company Santos are in a dispute over the use of a North Slope road built by ConocoPhillips for access to Santos' Pikka Project.
woman at helm of boat

Mary Peltola and the art of Yuuyaraq’ing

Yup'ik Alaskans say Rep. Mary Peltola has embraced a handed-down code of conduct which encourages interconnectedness, balance and respect for others.
a husband and wife

Woodworking couple builds little boats for the first baby born in Juneau each year

Dr. Lindy Jones and his wife Colleen — who’ve been woodworking together since college — make one of the little, rocking boats for the first baby born in Juneau each year.
a man and woman pose, smiling, for a selfie

Seattle ice storm caused a North Pole man to miss his heart transplant

“I don’t wanna ever miss another chance,” said Patrick Holland, who's now moving to Seattle to wait for another suitable heart.
A bunch of people near a dog yard

Alaska’s population steady amid COVID, departures

More people left Alaska in 2022 than moved here, and COVID-19 led to higher death rates.

Joey Sweet to take over Forrest Dunbar’s Anchorage Assembly seat

Sweet, 30, is a former student regent for the University of Alaska, appointed by Gov. Bill Walker. He also served as a legislative intern for former state Sen. Berta Gardner.
A four story concrete building

Alaska joins more than a dozen states banning TikTok on state devices

Gov. Mike Dunleavy cited security and privacy concerns regarding use of the app.
A woman holds a "Mary Peltola for Congress" sign outside

Finally, Peltola is sworn in for a full term in Congress

Along with the entire House of Representatives, Mary Peltola took the oath of office early Saturday morning.

Skagway’s dog bus is an internet sensation

Mo Mountain Mutts' videos have gone from viral posts to national news.
Merbok debris

FEMA sent ‘unintelligible’ disaster relief information to Alaska Native people impacted by Typhoon Merbok

FEMA hired a California company to translate Typhoon Merbok aid material into Alaska Native languages. But speakers say they aren't accurate.
a map

Three Bears Alaska to build North Pole grocery/retail complex

Wasilla-based grocery chain Three Bears Alaska will build a new store in North Pole, the latest in its statewide expansion plan.
soldiers in white uniforms hold a tow rope. They are in bunny boots strapped to skis

Alaska Army suicides drop as leaders push programs to improve soldiers’ lives

Last year's total of six suicides among Alaska-based soldiers is down from 17 in 2021, and the lowest since 2018.
Cans on shelves in a grocery store

Alaska’s State Public Assistance director is no longer in her post following news of months-long waits for food stamps

The news comes as the division has been under fire for its failure to issue food stamps and Medicaid benefits in a timely manner.
Tuklung River fire

‘The most extreme of all the extremes’: What’s behind Bristol Bay’s record-breaking fire season

Last year was Bristol Bay's largest wildfire season on record, as fires in the region trend larger and more numerous amid a warming climate.