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.”

Alaska Public Safety officials release a draft policy to put body cameras on troopers

The seven-page draft policy covers everything from when troopers should turn on the cameras to how and when the footage will be released.
people in yellow shirts in a meeting room

Contract negotiations to resume after striking Mat-Su bus drivers pack school board meeting

“This bus company does not care about the safety of these children as much as we bus drivers do,” Alice Smith told the school board.
a Chinese surveillance balloon

Chinese surveillance balloon passes over Alaska, Montana

U.S. officials said the balloon flew over the Aleutian Islands and through Canada before it was spotted over Billings, Montana.
The Nome court. (Photo: Matthew F. Smith, KNOM file)

Alaska public defenders to refuse some Nome and Bethel cases due to shortage of attorneys

The head of the Alaska Public Defender Agency notified the judges overseeing the Nome and Bethel judicial districts of the plans Tuesday.
Mike Dunleavy

Dunleavy says he will sue over EPA’s veto of Pebble Mine

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy says he’s going to pursue legal action against the Environmental Protection Agency’s veto of the Pebble Mine.
a musher prepares food outside in a cooler

Yukon Quest sled dog race faces an uncertain future

The once-iconic 1,000-mile race has splintered into separate, shorter races on the Alaska and Canadian sides of the border.
A hand holding naloxone

Anchorage police now carrying overdose-reversing naloxone

Anchorage police were among the last major law enforcement agencies in the state to carry naloxone.
volunteers put together baggies of personal hygiene products and snacks

Why Alaska’s homelessness experts are ambivalent about the point-in-time count

The federally mandated snapshot of people experiencing homelessness is widely publicized, but an existing system offers more robust and up-to-date information.
woman in brown sitting on a chair

When committee devolves to ‘bickering,’ Alaska congresswoman takes her exit

U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola says she’s seen too much inflammatory rhetoric and too little action.
Seen from a hill, a snow-covered landscape almost completely obscured by low, dense fog.

Not everybody’s on board with a Fairbanks utility’s deal to source North Slope natural gas

Interior Gas Utility signed a historic 20-year contract with Hilcorp, but some experts are concerned it wasn’t the best option for Interior residents.
Duke Russell by his Subaru

Duke Russell couldn’t keep walking away from Anchorage’s neediest people. Now he’s feeding hundreds a day.

“Once you see stuff happen, you just can’t walk away anymore, you know?” the Spenard artist said.
Three people sit at a desk talking together.

New developments in Anchorage’s homeless services | Alaska Insight

In late February, Catholic Social Services in Anchorage will open its new 3rd Avenue Navigation Center.
Ketchikan trollers

More Southeast Alaska communities set to oppose lawsuit that threatens king salmon fishery

Southeast Alaska governments are speaking out against a lawsuit that threatens to shut down trolling for king salmon across the region this year.
king crab clusters

Crab crisis in Bering Sea a sign of ‘borealization’ and big changes in the future, scientists warn

In coming decades, the ocean conditions that triggered the snow crab crash and harvest closure are expected to be common.
Kristy and Noah Lincoln

‘Noah Loves Kristy’ brings Toksook Bay laughter to TikTok

Noah and Kristy Lincoln reenact scenes from movies and TV shows online, with a twist of Alaska Native humor.
Renee Trafton

Kale yeah! Sitka chef is among 4 Alaskans nominated for prestigious James Beard awards

Trafton says in the last six years, her culinary voice has strengthened and she’s adapted to the challenges of running a Southeast Alaska restaurant.
A woman shows a flash card of two figures hugging to a room of toddlers.

New Anchorage daycare teaches children in Hmong and English

Chue Hang opened the Hmoob Cultural Center of Alaska in November to help support and educate Hmong people like herself. 
Niki Tshibaka holds a flower

Anchorage HR director resigns, citing ‘toxic, hostile, and demoralizing work environment’

Niki Tshibaka’s departure is the latest in a series of resignations and firings among top city officials.
the view from Wales' school

Polar bear in fatal Wales attack was in poor health

A polar bear that killed a young mother and her baby last month in western Alaska was likely an older animal in poor physical condition.
two men in suits, one behind a podium

It was good to be friends with Anchorage’s mayor. Then the investigations began.

An influential friend of Mayor Dave Bronson is at the center of several of the controversies that have enveloped City Hall.