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 child care center

Fort Wainwright just opened the Army’s largest child care center

Staff hope the new Denegee Child Development Center will help clear the fort's waiting list of children in need of child care.
a wildfire

An Alaska wildlife refuge is changing its wildfire strategy to limit carbon emissions

If blazes break out in parts of the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge, firefighters will protect forest floor and permafrost that hold carbon.
A car parked near trees.

4 Canadians suspected of crimes after boating to Fort Yukon

Troopers say the boaters were questioned Friday after traveling down the Porcupine River. They may face charges including human smuggling.
shops

Ketchikan man agrees not to raise fake totem poles carved by convicted murderer

After meeting with Indigenous leaders, Joseph Machini also agreed not to use the name “potlatch” for his marketplace.
pipeline

Deal to buy North Slope gas boosts Alaska Gasline prospects, but hurdles remain

The Alaska Gasline Development Corp. announced Tuesday it’s signed a deal with a London-based oil and gas firm to supply enough gas to meet demand in Southcentral, and then some. But the project still faces a number of hurdles.
a woman in the u.s. capitol

At Senate hearing, Murkowski reaffirms support for abortion rights

Alaska's senior senator doesn't always vote as abortion advocates would like. Democrats are raising the issue as an election strategy.
A logo is painted on a wall between the Alaskan and American flags.

Anchorage School Board to vote tonight on controversial career academies plan

District leaders say the academies will boost graduation rates. But others, including the head of the teachers union, are skeptical.
a white raven

After winter of wonder, Anchorage’s white raven takes flight

For six months, a rare white raven took up residence in Anchorage. But now it has moved on, leaving locals who loved the leucistic bird in limbo.
a parking lot

Anchorage officers fatally shoot armed man during confrontation, police say

Police say the man, the third shot by officers in less than a month, pulled out a gun as officers tried to detain him Monday night.
images of three people

Pro-Dahlstrom PAC announces $5M ad buy in Alaska’s U.S. House race

A PAC linked to House Speaker Johnson is planning to run ads in Alaska's three largest cities. A dozen candidates are in the race.

Filings in Alaska Legislature races set up key races in August primary and November general

Just three legislative races will feature competitive primaries, but the final slate sets up a number of key contests in November.
boats offload to processing plants

Alaska’s seafood industry is in trouble. Processors and policymakers blame Russia.

Seafood companies and fishermen often target multiple species to reduce their risk, but the current price collapse is happening almost across the board.
an aerial image of a mine

In Northwest Alaska, an economic engine runs low on ore

Red Dog mine has sustained hundreds of jobs and generated billions of dollars for Alaska Natives. It's set to close in 2031 unless its operator gets environmental permits and decides to expand.
a plane crash

No accredited pilot was aboard plane in deadly Nondalton crash, NTSB says

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued its preliminary report on the crash that killed pilot Dave Hedgers, 58, and Aaron Fryar, 45.

Man charged with murder in shooting outside downtown Anchorage bar

Responding officers shot and wounded the man, Kaleb Bourdukofsky, as he ran from the scene with a gun, according to the police chief.
A woman in a prisoner jumpsuit doin crafts.

ACLU says Department of Corrections is illegally limiting access to attorneys in Alaska

The group says staff at Hiland Mountain Correctional Center is reading inmates' letters to and from their attorneys, among other allegations.
a flag

Park Service says Denali National Park employee relayed flag complaint without authorization

According to the National Park Service, a visitor initially complained about the noise from the flag flapping in the breeze.
a sign says "Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation"

Permanent Fund bosses vote to defy Alaska Legislature, keep Anchorage office

One dissenting member of the board of trustees warned that the vote could cause "a fight" with the Legislature.
a woman smiles in front of a mural

Suzanne LaFrance prepares to take over as Anchorage mayor

“It’s still sinking in,” LaFrance said. She takes office July 1 as the city's first elected female mayor.

Anchorage stretch of sub-60 degree days was third longest

But National Weather Service climate researcher Brian Brettschneider says it has not been cold, at least historically speaking.