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 man in a suit stands at a podium

White House says COVID vaccination for kids younger than 5 could start in a few weeks

COVID-19 vaccinations for children younger than 5 could start right after the Juneteenth holiday.

Homelessness and addressing political divide are among top issues for the 6 candidates vying for new North Anchorage Assembly seat

Ballots went out this week for an election to fill a new 12th seat on the Anchorage Assembly, which would represent Anchorage's downtown as well as some neighboring communities.
A man in a blue shirt puts gas in his car.

Alaskans are rethinking their driving habits this summer as gas prices tick higher

Alaskans are paying around two dollars more per gallon than this time last year, and there’s no clear end in sight.
A man kisses a dog on the cheek

Iditarod dog found months after disappearing from checkpoint

An Iditarod sled dog was found safe after disappearing from a checkpoint in the race three months ago and covering nearly 150 miles.
A man holds a framed photo of George Fox with images of his medals around it.

Unangax̂ soldier honored after decades in an unmarked grave

George Fox is the only known Unangax̂ soldier killed fighting in World War II, or in any war since.
A blond woman with glasses speaks into a microphone flanked by two others

Assembly investigates Anchorage library management following workplace allegations

Assembly members asked the Bronson administration to answer questions about unfilled staff positions and new rules at the library under its deputy director, Judy Eledge.

National advocates push against Alaska OCS spending foster youth social security benefits in new legal filing

Advocates argue the state should foot the bill for caring for foster kids, and the children should receive all of the social security benefits they’re entitled to when they leave the foster care system.
White man in blue blazer

Nick Begich lent his campaign $650,000. Here’s why that makes ethics watchdogs shudder.

Post-election fundraising can look like "legalized bribery," critics say.
A white man in a suit speaks ta a podium

Alaska health commissioner announces COVID emergency order will end in July

The end of the order also means the end of extra SNAP benefits for more than 56,000 Alaska households in the state. Those benefits will continue through August.
buildings stand in front of a snowy mountain range

Average home sale price in Alaska rose 8.9% in 2021

In Juneau and Anchorage, toward the end of 2021, five homes were sold for every one listed, the report said.
A large tan building with a stairwell in the front

As Anchorage phases out its main homeless shelter, providers fear a surge in campers

Some in the homeless services community say the transition plan from the health department has been poorly communicated.

Gov. Dunleavy, lawmakers celebrate passage of Alaska Reads Act

The act aims to improve student reading outcomes across the state by third grade. Some rural legislators are skeptical about the bill’s requirements for school districts.

Anchorage Assembly again postpones vote on ordinance that would allow for removing a mayor

The ordinance was brought forward by Chris Constant, who described it as a way to set boundaries on what is acceptable for a mayor to do.

Celebration set to kick off in Juneau

This year’s theme is “Celebrating 10,000 years of cultural survival.”
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In Alaska’s legal confusion over public funds for private schooling, Law Department says it’s under review

Alaska Beacon reporter Lisa Phu has been following the issue and says her reporting started with what she thought would be a simple question.

A large tundra fire is burning 12 miles away from St. Mary’s

The fire has been burning since the tundra was struck by lightning on May 31, and it is now within 12 miles of the community.
The side of a large cruise ship, with passengers visible on balconies and walkways.

Travelers say staff shortages and COVID-19 outbreaks are spoiling their Alaska cruises

Experienced cruisers want the public to know that lots of passengers are getting infected, and they’re left in the dark about outbreaks on board.
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Alaska Human Rights Commission sues to pause special US House election certification

According to plaintiff Robert Corbisier, the entirely by-mail election discriminates against visually impaired voters.
A black and white photo of children standing in front of a log cabin.

Boarding schools report documenting Native deaths, abuse and loss of culture is a good first step, advocates say

Many see the first volume of the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative Report as just the beginning of the federal government's attempts to document the systemic and forced assimilation of Indigenous children at boarding schools.