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.”

Murkowski now supports a ‘complete exemption’ for Tongass from Roadless Rule

A decision by the Trump administration over exempting the Tongass National Forest from the Roadless Rule is expected soon. That’s according to Sen. Lisa Murkowski who in an interview with CoastAlaska has hardened her stance on the hot-button issue.

Longliner Aground off Alaska Peninsula

A Halibut longliner went aground near Aniakchak Bay yesterday morning and the three crew members were rescued from a lifeboat by a coast Guard helicopter out of Kodiak. The crew of the 32-foot vessel "Bear," out of Homer, was wearing survival suits.

Man dies while being booked at Anchorage jail

Police say a vandalism suspect arrested early Wednesday "went into medical distress" at the Anchorage Correctional Complex.
Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski speaking to the media

Murkowski says she’ll affirm Biden’s win; Sullivan is mum

Presidents Trump’s false claim that he won the 2020 election is dividing GOP senators.
an avalanche

Denali National Park worker killed in avalanche

Eric Walter was caught in an avalanche while skiing in the backcountry, not far from the park’s entrance.

Lawmakers see Walker’s potential pension bonds as risky

Governor Bill Walker’s administration wants to borrow money to pay for public workers’ pensions, by selling up to 3.3 billion dollars in what are known as pension obligation bonds. The plan is drawing concern from lawmakers, who say it may be risky. Listen Now

For mushers who know real-life struggle, Iditarod is only part of a bigger journey

It’s been a week of racing for mushers in the Iditarod, and those in the middle of the pack are struggling. Though, it’s for a variety of different reasons. As Alaska Public Media’s Zachariah Hughes reports, for some the difficulty is the race itself, but for others it’s the challenges inside the lives they’re away from while out on the trail. Download Audio
Image emphasizes home cyber security

Months later, details of Alaska cyberattacks remain a closely held secret

After getting hacked in May, the Alaska health department, along with state technology officials, continue to wage an intense fight to preserve the secrecy of records that could help Alaskans better understand what happened.

Kott and Weyhrauch on trial tomorrow in latest federal corruption prosecution

The corruption trial of two former state legislators begins tomorrow. Pete Kott of Anchorage and Bruce Weyhrauch of Juneau are accused of offering their...

Former PenAir owners say Unalaska crash raises questions about new operator’s standards

Through last week, U.S. commercial airlines -- distinct from the smaller bush planes that carry Alaskans to rural villages -- had gone a full...

Ravn to end all service, layoff all staff and file for bankruptcy

The decision comes after several other progressive cuts to service around the state.
Fort Wainwright sign

2 soldiers dead, 12 hurt in military-vehicle rollover near Salcha

The two soldiers who died were among 17 in a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle that crashed Monday amid the region's first snowfall.

Dunleavy says restaurants and other retail businesses can reopen Friday

Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced on Tuesday restaurants and other retail businesses can begin offering more services on Friday, if they follow certain health guidelines.

Donald Trump Jr. is headed to Juneau for a hunting trip. The cost to join him: $150,000.

Donald Trump Jr. and his son will be embarking on a weeklong hunt for Sitka black-tailed deer and ducks in Southeast Alaska — and a spot to join them was auctioned off to the highest bidder.
candidate signs

Election in West Anchorage could be key to control of Alaska state Senate

Two veteran lawmakers running against each other have much in common but one big difference: their views on the value of bipartisanship.

Diversifying Salmon in Bristol Bay

Annie Feidt, APRN – Anchorage Salmon stocks and investment stocks may have a lot in common, according to a new study. Long term, the returns...

Republicans, Democrats Disagree on Reasons No Deal Has Been Made

Libby Casey, APRN – Washington DC Congress is no closer to compromising on a deal to keep the federal government running – meaning a shut...

A Bear Walks Into A Bar…

Throwing out visitors who overstay their welcome is a common late night practice in downtown bars. But one guest last night was particularly unwelcome at the Alaskan Hotel & Bar. Download Audio
Photos of two men side by side

RUNNING 2021: Runoff for Mayor of Anchorage

Hometown Alaska is hosting a mayoral candidates' discussion between Dave Bronson and Forrest Dunbar.

Dunleavy halves vetoes to University of Alaska, spreads cuts over three years

The University of Alaska will see a $25 million cut in funding for this budget year, which began on July 1st. The next two years would see cuts of $25 million and $20 million for a total of $70 million.