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.”

people stand outside of a food bank

Millions of American families struggle to get food on the table, report finds

Seventeen million U.S. households were food insecure in 2022. That's 3.5 million more than the prior year.

McGrath Gets Socked with Big Gas Increase

McGrath residents got a shock at the fuel pump this morning. The price for gas increased more than three dollars a gallon...
a person sitting at a table

State senate bill would require schools to post all curriculum related to race, LGBTQ topics online

The bill also prohibits teaching that someone is inherently racist, sexist or oppressive because of their race, gender, religion or nationality.

Alaska reports more than 1,700 cases and dozens of deaths from backlog

The state of Alaska, contending with the nation’s highest rate of COVID-19, reported a new single-day case record Friday, plus dozens of deaths over the past few months that were linked to the coronavirus.

Newtok to Congress: thank you for saving our village

The $15 million in this year’s spending bill is just a fraction of what Newtok needs to fund its relocation. But village leaders say it’s crucial seed money that will make everything else possible. Listen now

Fishing towns object to Alaska’s mandate overruling local COVID-19 restrictions

Fishing towns are asking for more say in regulating who is allowed into their communities during the coronavirus pandemic.
People at a table wearing masks looking at a computer

Sitka enacts its first mask mandate as community wrestles with its largest COVID-19 outbreak yet

In an attempt to curb the community’s largest COVID-19 outbreak of the pandemic, the Sitka Assembly voted 6-0 at an emergency meeting on July 29 to require masks in public spaces.
A black and white photo of eight men in suits sitting around a table with papers.

Alaska is one of 26 states that picks judges through a council. Here’s why some voters want a change.

They say the Alaska Judicial Council is responsible for a “liberal” judiciary.
A black and white photo of a man pointing to a map.

Unsettled: A podcast examining the legacy of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act

Fifty years ago, U.S. Congress passed legislation that permanently terminated Alaska Natives' land claims. On its anniversary, Alaska Public Media and the Anchorage Daily News, with Indigenous leaders from around the state as guests, examine the legacy of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and its impacts on subsistence, culture and the state's economy.

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.

Mining reforms debated in Congress

Don Young and other critics argued today that the latest round of proposals to reform the 135-year-old federal law covering mining on public lands...

Records reveal DOT planning Berners Bay ferry terminal on Lynn Canal

The Dunleavy administration is considering a new Juneau ferry terminal 30 miles north of the existing one to accommodate the short-range of the new Alaska-class ferries. It’s part of the plan to ensure day boats can connect Juneau with Haines and Skagway.
Cars in a line with a person in a blue gown talking to someone through the window

Anchorage’s multi-million-dollar testing, vaccination contracts in limbo as Bronson administration considers its options

Officials from Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson’s administration say they’re examining their options for continuing the city’s COVID-19 testing and vaccination programs as key contracts are set to expire at the end of the month.

Alaska firefighters sent to battle California wildfires

Some Alaskans are helping with the California wildfire response. Listen now

Japanese naval band drums for Anchorage middle-schoolers

In a first, Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force brought its prestigious band to perform for Anchorage students. Listen now

Dept. of Revenue Report: Oil Tax Credits Are A Poor Investment for Alaska

Are North Slope oil tax credits a good investment for the State of Alaska? That’s the question asked by a recent report from the Department of Revenue. The researchers answer: No, not compared to other options. But some experts say the paper doesn't give the tax credits a fair shake. Download Audio:

With some sci-fi tech, Kodiak has almost 100 percent renewable power

It's like a dance, or an orchestra: Each piece of the grid watches the rest and responds second by second, millisecond by millisecond. Listen now

Federal furlough drives Alaskans to the unemployment line

Hundreds of furloughed federal workers in Alaska are filing unemployment claims. They'll have to pay back any benefits they receive once they get retroactive pay.

Top ten mushers finish in Nome

The top ten teams have arrived in Nome, filling out the upper ranks of the 2017 Iditarod Sled Dog Race. Listen now

LISTEN: Alaska eating disorder experts see greater need for treatment, few options

That's according to recent reporting by Anchorage Daily News health reporter Annie Berman, who spoke to both providers and former patients who've battled with eating disorders in the past.