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 post office envelope with COVID tests inside

You can order free COVID tests from the government again

More than half of U.S. households have ordered at-home COVID-19 tests to be shipped to their homes. Now they can get more.

2 bills propose significant change to education funding formula

The first hearings are now on the schedule for two bills the House and Senate Task Force on Education produced over the summer. They...

For now, Hurricane Harvey not expected to impact Alaska’s oil and gas

Hurricane Harvey has caused nearly 100 oil and gas production platforms in the Gulf of Mexico to temporarily shut down, but that drop in production doesn't necessarily translate to a higher demand for Alaska's oil. Listen now
A man in a fuzzy orange hoodie and a mustache kneels next to a dog, petting it

This Eagle River nurse has seen a lot of trauma this year. His Iditarod quest has helped him cope. 

Matt Paveglio will start the Iditarod after watching dozens of patients die during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also had to bury his mother.
Gillnet boat in the ocean with mountains in the background

Worry for commercial fishermen and Peninsula communities after Cook Inlet fishery closure

Federal managers voted Monday to close a huge swath of Upper Cook Inlet to commercial salmon fishing, capping a two-year fight over the fate of the fishery and its 500 permit-holders.

AVTEC To Offer Nation’s First Ice Navigation Course

Recent federal and state focus on Alaska's role in Arctic Ocean shipping has raised concerns over regulations, safety and oil spill response, among other issues.  But, one teaching institution in our state is already dealing with the most basic question: who's going to be driving the boats? Seward's Alaska Vocational Technical Center plans to start the nation's first ice navigation training course next spring. Download Audio
a woman in a meeting room talks into a microphone

Legislative aides call Anchorage Democratic Rep. Tarr’s behavior troubling

In a series of interviews, they describe a decade-old pattern of behavior.

Passenger on Unalaska flight recounts crash landing: ‘He’s not going to stop — we’re going into the water’

Patrick Lee, 57, was on the plane returning home with his wife, daughter and granddaughter Thursday night. He said the approach was bumpy, though the pilot managed to get the plane on the ground.

Veterans from Kotzebue have war stories archived online

From World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars and both Gulf Wars, more than 70,000 veterans have served in the armed forces. Now, more of their stories can be heard online. Listen now

U.S. House passes budget deal; Young votes no

The U.S. House today approved a two-year budget deal. Alaska Congressman Don Young, like a majority of House Republicans, voted no. His primary objection is that it cashes out part of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Download Audio

Borrowers have questions about student loan forgiveness. We have answers.

Beneath President Biden's seemingly straightforward student loan forgiveness plan is a mountain of uncertainty about how it will work.
a sperm whale

Alaska fisherman pleads guilty to federal charges after ordering crew to shoot whale

It isn't clear whether the whale survived the encounter, which federal prosecutors have labeled a misdemeanor.

Official Hears Testimony on Oil Spill Response Capabilities in Arctic Ocean

Photo and Story by Annie Feidt, APRN – Anchorage The new director of the agency that replaced the Minerals Management Service made his first...
A person in drag stands on stage raising their hands

Haines residents split over planned Juneau Drag performance at the Southeast Alaska State Fair

What started as an online ripple became a wave of public comments at the last borough assembly meeting in Haines.

New house bill sets permanent fund dividend at $1600

The House Finance Committee raised its proposal for the permanent fund dividend to sixteen hundred dollars. A new version of a House Bill 2001 setting the dividend amount would also restore funding for most items vetoed by Governor Mike Dunleavy.

Murkowski, Young respond to Chinese tariff on American seafood imports

Alaska’s economy could suffer as a result of China’s 25 percent tariff on American seafood imports and that worries U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski. In a written statement, Murkowski urges President Donald Trump to reach a trade policy with China that protects the export market. Listen now

SeaLife Center Release Pup, Milky Way

Last week a male harbor seal pup that was found abandoned on a beach near Homer in June was released back into the...
a helicopter

Half of U.S. military bases in the country are in ‘health care deserts’

For hundreds of thousands of U.S. troops and their families, when the Pentagon orders them to find health care off base there is none.
A ochre and white concrete building in a greay cloudy day

Alaska legislators seek to change campaign contribution limits, permanent fund trustees

One bill would prevent legislators from receiving per diem payments if they fail to pass a budget by the 121st day of regular session.
Man in car. Subtitle quotes him saying "you aren't held to your promises"

Alaska’s US attorney is investigating something about Pebble, but the target is unclear

The mining firms suggests the case involves the "Pebble tapes." But is the alleged crime the recordings, or what executives said on them?