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.”

Protests continue outside LIO over education funding and medicaid expansion

Alaskans express their frustration at the legislature about education funding through song. Download Audio:

Army wounded being treated at Elmendorf

Wounded Iraq war Army personnel based at Fort Richardson are receiving care at the Elmendorf Air Force Base hospital so they can be close...

Alaskan Greens: Obama’s Words, Actions Conflict On Climate Change

President Barack Obama’s visit to Alaska this week, aimed at highlighting his push to fight climate change, comes just two weeks after his administration approved drilling for oil in the Arctic Ocean. Some Alaskan environmentalists see a disconnect between the president's rhetoric and his actions on climate change.
A statelite with two panels orbiting over the earth

Satellite internet promises fast, cheap service in rural Alaska, but remains out of reach so far

Questions remain about technologies made by Elon Musk's company about whether the satellite internet service will work in inclement weather that is common in some parts of Alaska.

State and police investigating accident that led to North Slope worker’s death

According to the North Slope Borough chief of police Jeffrey Brown, Shawn Huber died in an accident at the Milne Point facility on Friday, December 7. Huber was 36.
a hat

2 dead after fast-moving fire destroys Wasilla home

Alaska State Troopers say Terry Mason, 73, and Emma Mason, 67, died in the late-night Saturday blaze on Wasilla's Terrell Drive.
A board room with a u-shaped wooden desk and 3 people at the end

Federal rescue package complicates annual Alaska Permanent Fund dividend debate

With thousands of dollars in direct payments to Alaskans already coming from the federal government, lawmakers have to decide whether to fight for a hefty PFD for Alaskans that would drain state savings.

Fire Burns Bethel Alcohol Treatment Center Construction Project

Officials are investigating a large fire in Bethel that started just after 8 o’clock Monday night, behind the Bethel post office. The Fire destroyed an alcohol treatment center under construction by the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation. Download Audio

The Senate confirms Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court

The Senate has voted 53 to 47 to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the 116th Supreme Court justice. When sworn in this summer, Jackson will be the first Black woman to serve on the nation's high court.
Hands in purple gloves pull a dose of vaccine from a vial.

What you need to know about COVID boosters

You've seen the headlines about COVID boosters. But what does it all mean for you? Here's how to sort through the science and figure out if and when you need a booster and which one to get.

Kikkan Randall Dominates Sprint in Sochi

Kikkan Randall won the world cup skate sprint near Sochi, Russia today, on the same course that will serve as the Olympic venue next year. The Alaska Pacific University skier won all three heats.

Lawmakers question Palin’s Attorney General Pick

Wayne Anthony Ross today (Wednesday) had his first hearing before state lawmakers. He is Governor Sarah Palin’s pick for Attorney General. Ross reiterated his...
Children in a classroom with face masks put their hands in the air.

How to keep your child safe from the delta variant

Some public health experts are also parents of little kids, and have to strategize to keep those too young to be vaccinated safe from getting or spreading the delta variant. Here are their tips.
A large black boat

Inquiry into the fatal Scandies Rose sinking to begin in Seattle

A two-week federal inquiry into the fatal sinking of the F/V Scandies Rose — lost on New Year's Eve 2019 west of Kodiak Island — will open on Monday in Seattle.

Latest oil and gas tax credit aimed at gaining majority

Lawmakers are continuing work in Juneau. The House Rules Committee on Tuesday unveiled the latest attempt to rewrite tax credits for the oil and gas industry. The bill would save the state more money over the next three years than a previous version. But the savings are much less than what Governor Bill Walker proposed. Download Audio
A photo of a multi-story building.

Alaska PFD unsettled as special session nears end

Alaska lawmakers have yet to agree on a dividend payout to residents this year though legislative leaders say they hope to do so by the end of this special session, which is Tuesday.
Two men talk over a gun counter

At a Soldotna gun shop, national news drives local sales

A gun shop owner says that whenever there’s unrest or something big in the news in the Lower 48 — even if it has little or no connection to Alaska — people come in and start stockpiling.

Russian intimidation of Bering Sea fishermen shows gap in Arctic investment, Sullivan says

It was a bad day at work for Bering Sea fishermen harassed by Russian military planes and warships, when the U.S. Coast Guard failed to warn the fleet of military exercises in the area last August
a woman in the u.s. capitol

At Senate hearing, Murkowski reaffirms support for abortion rights

Alaska's senior senator doesn't always vote as abortion advocates would like. Democrats are raising the issue as an election strategy.
Two people carry a large box into a walk-in freezer.

Biden administration’s shift to equity over speed could bring more clarity to Alaska vaccine response

Two weeks into the Biden administration, the emphasis has shifted to equity instead of speed.