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.”

Video: Artifacts unearthed during TAPS construction remain relevant

Underneath the Museum of the North in Fairbanks are rows upon rows of artifacts from across the state. One group of items, unearthed during the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, still have a role to play in Alaska’s modern development process. Listen Now

AK: Fairbanks Four’s plight inspires musician’s latest composition

The Fairbanks Four’s release from prison last year inspired virtuoso Emerson Eads to compose a piece titled “Mass for the Oppressed.” Eads has lined up some impressive talent to perform the piece next month, and he’s arranged for proceeds from sales of the production to go to an organization that represented the four Alaska Native men in court. Listen Now

How Alaska voted: Precinct by precinct

A precinct by precinct look at how Alaskan voters chose the president.

New House majority names slate of chairpersons

The new House majority will be taking a different approach to legislation next year. That became clear today, as the majority named the committee chairpersons who will guide the agenda. Listen Now

About 120 to leave gas line team as state takes charge of project

At a meeting of the state Gasline Development Corporation board today, corporation Vice President Frank Richards said staff are winding up the project’s first phase, which includes early design and engineering work — called preliminary front-end engineering and design, or pre-FEED. Listen Now

University of Alaska takes sports off the budget chopping block

The University of Alaska has decided not to cut six sports teams. UA President Jim Johnsen Thursday rescinded an earlier cost saving recommendation that men’s and women’s ski teams at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and ski and indoor track programs at the University of Alaska Anchorage be eliminated. Listen Now

Could a Trump presidency impact Alaska resource development?

Now that Donald Trump is set to take over the White House, big changes could be coming for Alaska's oil and gas industry. But even though Trump will see Alaska through a very different lens than Obama, a 180-degree policy shift isn't likely to happen soon.

Alaska Legislative races hold few surprises

In the state Legislature, only two of the 50 seats up for election have likely changed party hands. Anchorage Republican Liz Vasquez lost House District 22 to independent Jason Grenn. Juneau Republican Cathy Munoz lost District 34 to Democrat Justin Parish.

With GOP wins, Murkowski eyes ANWR

Alaska's congressional candidates won re-election handily. Sen. Murkowski says with Republicans in control of Congress and the White House, the odds have improved for opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling,

Lower 48 ivory bans hit Alaska Native carvers

On the heels of stricter federal rules on the ivory trade, several state bans are shrinking demand for ivory, even the legal walrus ivory many Alaskans depend on.

Where to weep or cheer election returns in Anchorage

If your habit on election night was to roll down to the Egan Center and watch the returns projected onto the wall, forget about it. The Alaska Division of Elections has discontinued Election Central, due to budget constraints. But you don’t have to weep or cheer at home alone. In Anchorage, at least, people have options. Listen Now

Edward Itta remembered for balancing two worlds

Former North Slope Borough Mayor Edward Itta died Sunday in Utqiagvik, formerly known as Barrow. Family members said the cause was cancer. He was 71. Listen Now

Alaska Human Rights Commission proposes regulation changes to protect LGBTQ community

Alaska's Human Rights Commission is taking steps to legally protect members of the LGBTQ community from discrimination. Listen Now
A roll of "I voted" stickers with the blue alaska flag nexxt to secrecy folders

Number of registered Alaska voters at all-time high

More Alaskans than ever are eligible to cast ballots this year, thanks to record-high voter registration. Listen Now

Homegrown and hydroponic: Veggies are St. Paul’s new subsistence food

St. Paul’s greenhouse isn’t what you’d imagine. There’s no big glass structure. All the windows are covered from the inside. It’s underneath the city’s grocery store on the first floor of the building. Listen Now

In Alaska, energy policy is key issue for some voters

Alaska’s energy future and its economic one are inseparably linked. But which presidential candidate can best help the state navigate that future? That depends on who you ask.Listen Now

State, Native Corps ask U.S. Supreme Court to enter fray over polar bear habitat

The State of Alaska and a dozen Native organizations have filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court, asking it to overturn a ruling that designated vast swaths of coastal Alaska as critical habitat for polar bears.

Walker: Prostate cancer diagnosis won’t impair ability to perform duties

Gov. Bill Walker announced today he’s been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Following his doctor’s advice, he will have surgery in December to remove it. Listen Now