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.”

students playing at a playground

Anchorage School Board seeks public comment on new race and equity policies

School board members say the policies will guide the superintendent’s work to address unequal student outcomes.
An Iditarod musher poses with two dogs wearing yellow flowers.

Iditapod: A familiar champ for a unique Iditarod

Dallas Seavey has won the 2021 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, tying Rick Swenson's five first-place finishes for the most ever. Will he be back next year to vie for a sixth? That is the question... Also, a sleepless but not tired Alaska Public Media reporter Tegan Hanlon fills us in on the scene at the finish, including interviews with Seavey and Aaron Burmeister, who took second.
A man with a beard and mustache wearinga gray baseball hat and hoodie

Wasilla man arrested, charged with participating in U.S. Capitol siege

The FBI says it has arrested Anchorage resident Aaron James Mileur after people in his Facebook circle told authorities he had posted videos and photos of himself inside the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 siege.

Natural but deadly: Huge gaps in US rules for wood-stove smoke exposed

The government spent millions subsidizing new wood heaters supposed to burn more cleanly. But an investigation has discovered critical flaws.
A vial of vaccine on a table

‘It’s a risk either way’: Pregnant women in Alaska grapple with vaccine decisions

Pregnant women face a dilemma: they are considered at high risk for serious medical complications from COVID-19, but the vaccines haven’t been tested on pregnant women because they’re a vulnerable population.
A large table with some official looking people sitting at it

With rising oil prices, Alaska’s government projected to receive millions in revenue

Alaska’s state government is forecast to receive $791.3 million more in revenue over this year and next year than was projected last fall.
A baby swaddled in a blanket

More babies are being born too early in Alaska, health department says

In 2019, almost 1 in 10 births in Alaska was preterm. That’s as high as it’s been in the last two decades. Preterm birth and low birth weight can cause infant death or developmental problems.
a vial of covid-19 vaccine

As Mat-Su vaccine appointments go unfilled, fears grow about misinformation and hesitancy

When Mat-Su public health officials organized a mass COVID-19 vaccination clinic Tuesday at the Alaska State Fair grounds, one-third of the 1,000 appointments went unfilled — even after some providers launched a last-minute blitz to promote the event.
A boxy building covered with snow

Alaska House staff member is third positive COVID-19 case at state Capitol this week

An Alaska House of Representatives staff member on Wednesday became the third person who works in the State Capitol with a positive COVID-19 test this week.
A white man in front of an america flag

Troubled US-China ties face new test in Alaska meeting

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States and China will face a new test in their increasingly troubled relations when top officials from both countries meet in Alaska.
Large white boxes that read "Vote by Mail Ballot Drop Box" sit in a warehouse.

Anchorage Election Q&A: Here’s what’s on the ballot and options for voting

Anchorage is less than a month away from its next municipal election. Residents will decide who the next mayor and school board members will be, plus vote on several smaller seats and propositions. Here are some answers to common questions about this year’s spring ballot.
A line coming up to a boat attached to some buoys with kelp hanging down

In Alaska, interest in kelp farming is on the rise, but bureaucracy’s still catching up

Before kelp farmers can put lines in the water, kelp farmers have to apply for state and federal permits, which include opportunities for public comment. The whole process can take up to two years, and a lot of money, time and expertise
Stacks of money

Federal COVID-19 relief dollars are coming to Alaska’s economy. Here’s where the money’s going.

Aside from $1,400 direct payments, unemployed Alaskans, and Alaskans with children could also get a big cash boost. That could bring 12,000 Alaskan children out of poverty.
people withs masks on and mostly wearing suits in a hotel hallway

Global powers face off in Anchorage, Alaskans barely take notice

The talks made headlines around the world, and Alaska had a stake in the outcome, given its location on the Pacific Rim and its economic links to China in industries like fishing, tourism and aviation. But in the state's largest city, the event barely drew notice.
a person with a mask on

US, China spar in first face-to-face meeting under Biden

Top U.S. and Chinese officials offered sharply different views of each other and the world on Thursday as the two sides met face-to-face for the first time since President Joe Biden took office.

LISTEN: Economic Impact Payments are beginning to hit bank accounts. Here’s what you need to know.

The American Rescue Plan, which includes another round of federal relief money for Americans impacted by the pandemic.

Domestic violence bill passes US House with program to expand tribal powers in 5 Alaska villages

Five Alaska tribes would get gain power to prosecute violent crime in villages if VAWA bill becomes law.

Alaskans address violence against Asian Americans and racial bias in tech | Alaska Insight

Racial bias permeates government policy and justice systems. It's also ubiquitous in the technology that we engage with on a daily basis.

Alaska educators breathe sigh of relief as hundreds of millions of federal dollars roll in

The money is enough to support schools through the next few years but doesn’t address the state’s long term education funding problems
A sign over the point mackenzie farm

Alaska prisons remain closed to visitors as mistrust undermines vaccination effort

With COVID-19 infections - as well as misinformation about the disease - still running rampant in surrounding communities, it's not clear when prisons will reach a level of immunity where it's safe to reopen.