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.”

Two big wooly bison in the grass.

Alaska biologists say wood bison reintroduced to the wild are thriving

State biologists completed an annual survey of the Innoko-Yukon River wood bison population earlier this summer, and they say the results show the animals are doing well six years after a seed group of bison was released in the area.

Alaska-based vets reflect on Afghanistan, resurgence of Taliban

The withdrawal of the U.S. military from Afghanistan has been watched closely by veterans of the 20-year war, who’ve expressed a range of emotions and opinions as the Taliban have once again swept into power.
A person holds out a shot.

Pfizer’s COVID vaccine gets full approval from the FDA

The Food and Drug Administration has formally approved Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine. The widely anticipated decision replaces the emergency use authorization granted by the agency last December.
A white and blue building in the middle of the road that says Canada on the side.

A trip through Canada’s newly-reopened border: ‘So empty for so long’

To get through the border, you’ll need your passport, your vaccination card, proof of a negative COVID test within 72 hours and a completed ArriveCan application.

Vaccinated parents are catching COVID as schoolkids bring the virus home

But the fact that kids are transmitting the coronavirus to family members is unnerving many parents all over the U.S. and putting extra stress on many households as children head back to school.
children playing on a playground

Bus driver shortage caused by COVID-19 disrupts service at several Mat-Su schools

The district’s busing contractor said Sunday that it didn’t have enough drivers for numerous routes because of a COVID-19 outbreak.

Troopers arrest Anchor Point man in connection with officer shooting after overnight search

Alaska State Troopers say an officer was shot in downtown Anchor Point around 1 p.m. Monday, and they're now asking for the public's help locating a man who they say is wanted "in connection" to the incident.
smoldering debris from a fire sits in front of green spruce trees.

Two Rivers Lodge burns as investigation of string of summer arsons continues

So far, public safety officials have not said arson caused the fire at the lodge, seen completely engulfed in flames in videos on social media. But fire marshals are investigating nine other structures that have burned in the area that they say were intentionally set.
Two whale tales in blue-gray water.

Southeast Alaska whales bouncing back after marine heat wave

Remember “the blob?” That two-year heat wave had a three-year hangover: The humpback population stayed low until 2020. But lately, there's a glimmer of hope in the dat.
A man and a girl stand on a river shore with boats in the background.

How low chum runs changed the lives of these Western Alaska fisheries workers

For decades, Kwik’Pak Fisheries in the Western Alaska village of Emmonak has provided reliable summer employment in one of the state’s most unemployed regions. But with salmon runs low and commercial fishing closed, it’s offering few jobs this summer. Commercial fishermen and women are feeling the economic stress, and those who are still working at the plant have had to transition to new roles.
figures on a beach under blue sky

Hawaii’s governor asks tourists to stay away because of COVID

HONOLULU — Hawaii's governor asked Monday that visitors and residents reduce travel to the islands to essential business only while the state struggles to control COVID-19 as the highly contagious delta variant spreads in the community.
Students sit on the carpet wearing face masks and reading books.

How to find the best face mask for your kids

This year, face masks are on most parents' list of back-to-school supplies. But which ones are most effective? Here's how to choose the right one for your child.

Troopers say Anchor Point man fired at officer during arrest attempt

Alaska State Troopers say an officer first encountered Bret Herrick at a business in Anchor Point on Monday. Herrick opened fire and then fled.
The seal of the state of alaska as seen from below

Alaska to pay ACLU attorneys after losing lawsuit over abortion-related court funding vetoes

The state of Alaska has been ordered to pay nearly $87,000 in attorneys fees to the American Civil Liberties Union after losing a lawsuit over the governor’s vetoes of court funding in 2019 and 2020.

A frustrated Mat-Su doctor implored Alaskans to get vaccinated. The surprise: They listened.

An emergency room doctor in the Mat-Su gave an emphatic speech last week about the "soul-crushing" workload that doctors are facing amid the latest surge in COVID-19. He was deluged by messages afterward, including a dozen that reported he'd changed people's minds about vaccination.
A man wearing a jacket in a boat looks out over sea ice.

Declining sea ice in Kotzebue Sound is shortening subsistence hunt for seals, study finds

The study found that the ugruk hunting season is ending an average of 26 days earlier than normal.

To cope with COVID overload, Anchorage hospitals delay surgeries

"Hard discussions" about postponing cancer and bypass procedures to preserve hospital resources.
A narrow road cuts through valleys and mountains.

Landslide forces Denali National Park to close road near halfway point

Climate change “has taken what was previously a problem solved by maintenance staff performing road repairs and made a challenge too difficult to overcome with short-term solutions,” said park officials.
A woman in a red plad dress smiles in front of a computer screen

The Anchorage Assembly voted down Bronson’s pick for lead librarian, then he appointed her chief of staff

Sami Graham’s appointment to library director was denied by the Assembly on Tuesday in a 7-4 vote. Mayor Dave Bronson then immediately appointed her as his administration’s new chief of staff.