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.”

Bright red salmon with green heads swim in shallow waters with small mountain in background.

State now has an opportunity to veto Pebble Mine. Pebble foes aren’t getting their hopes up.

The state of Alaska now has the power to veto Pebble's federal permit. But the opportunity won't last long, and mine opponents aren't hopeful.
a firetruck outside of an apartment

Man charged with second-degree murder, arson in Bethel apartment fire that killed 3

Police have charged 35 year-old Adam Andrew with 11 felony counts and six misdemeanor counts. Among the most serious charges are three counts of murder in the second degree and one count of arson.

In historic vote, Calista shareholders choose to enroll afterborns

Thousands of so-called afterborns will be eligible for shares of Calista Corporation after shareholders voted Saturday. The preliminary results from the annual meeting in Kasigluk dramatically reshapes the ownership of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta’s regional Alaska Native Corporation.

Anchorage Mayor extends ‘hunker down’ order and delays tax day

Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz announced today the city is extending the hunker down order until April 14 in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The seal of the state of alaska as seen from below

Alaska court district to test grand jury by Zoom

Alaska’s courts will test the use of videoconferencing in grand jury proceedings later this summer in the northwest region of the state. The goal is for residents to hear cases and complete jury service while staying home, to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Walker chooses Sutton resident for Senate after Republicans reject top pick

Braund’s posts on Facebook contain potentially controversial material.

Security questioned after grandmother’s alleged assault during courthouse hearing

It took 11 minutes for a law enforcement officer to arrive after a courtroom incident in which a woman says she was punched out. Listen now

State launches $100 million home energy efficiency grant program

Alaskans facing high energy prices can take part in a state program going into effect this week to help lower fuel expenses. The Home...

Congress takes up reform of 19th century mining law

The U-S Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has begun a series of hearings on how to go about reforming the 1872 Mining Law...
assembly members stand for a pledge

Anchorage Assembly urges Dunleavy and Alaska’s delegation to do more to fight COVID-19

In a nonbinding resolution, the Anchorage Assembly voted 9-1 to ask Gov. Mike Dunleavy to implement a statewide mask mandate.
a woman in a mask pulls vaccine from a vial

Another booster? A vaccine for omicron? Here’s what could be next for COVID vaccines.

Federal health officials are convening with outside advisers April 6 to talk about a vaccine plan, whether that's another booster in the fall, an omicron shot or one that targets more than one strain.

BP and ConocoPhillips request FERC gasline approval

BP and ConocoPhillips today formally requested federal approval to begin the regulatory process that could lead to a gas pipeline from the North Slope...

Agencies Grapple With Climate Change

Steve Heimel, APRN – Anchorage Congress is not really focusing on it yet, but behind the scenes a number of federal agencies are...
A man in a blue vest

Alaska governor will let PFD stand that lawmakers passed

Gov. Mike Dunleavy, who has advocated for a roughly $2,350 check, late Tuesday said he would not veto the dividend approved by lawmakers, though he considered it a “partial” dividend. He said Alaskans “need help now.”

Legislators File 104 Bills for Consideration So Far This Year

Dave Donaldson, APRN - Juneau Legislators have already filed 104 bills for consideration in this year’s session that begins on Jan. 18.   On top of...

Alaska’s congressman missed votes last week. He could’ve voted remotely but he doesn’t believe in it.

Rep. Don Young missed all six votes in the House last week. He could've voted by proxy, but he's suing to stop the practice.

Kikkan Randall Finishes Out Of Medals In Olympic Skate Sprint

It was a disappointing day for Kikkan Randall and her fans. The Anchorage skier failed to medal in the Olympic skate sprint in Sochi- an event many thought she would win. Randall missed advancing to the semifinals by a tiny margin- seven-hundredths of a second. Listen Now
a mountain behind boats

Alaska’s Mount Edgecumbe volcano shows more signs of reawakening, scientists say

The Alaska Volcano Observatory is planning to install additional instruments on Southeast Alaska’s most prominent volcano.

Lawmakers see Walker’s potential pension bonds as risky

Governor Bill Walker’s administration wants to borrow money to pay for public workers’ pensions, by selling up to 3.3 billion dollars in what are known as pension obligation bonds. The plan is drawing concern from lawmakers, who say it may be risky. Listen Now