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.”

an in-air refueling

National Guard delays Alaska staffing changes that threatened national security, civilian rescues

The Air National Guard has delayed personnel changes in Alaska that could have threatened national security and civilian rescue missions.
a panel

Relocation of eroding Alaska Native village seen as a test case

The Newtok-to-Mertarvik transformation is the most advanced of several village relocation efforts prompted by climate change.

Chickaloon tribal policing to expand to non-Native Alaskans under unique state authorization

Chickaloon Native Village's tribal police will fill a policing gap in the Sutton area, east of Palmer in a part of the Mat-Su Borough.
a troller in the water

Alaska Senate proposes $7.5M aid package for struggling fish processors

The program would add to more than $100 million in salmon and Alaska pollock purchases — more than 1,500 truck loads — announced earlier this year by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Crime scene tape.

Confession leads to cold-case arrest in fatal 2009 shooting at Anchorage hotel

John Patrick Dahlquist, 56, was arrested last week after police say he confessed to killing Sang Chun and wounding Monte Howell at the Inlet Inn.
Lori Townsend sits at a desk with Jenn Miller and Chris Rose.

Renewable railbelt energy | Alaska Insight

This Alaska Insight, host Lori Townsend and her guests discuss how realistic a transition to renewable energy is, and how long it could take.
a man

Popular superhero movies fuel lucrative hobby for Kodiak comic collectors

Fan Con, Kodiak's annual culture convention, offers a glimpse into decades-deep collections of comic books in the island community.
A RIVER CUTS THROUGH TUNDRA

Biden administration blocks Ambler Road, strengthens protections for NPR-A

Both Alaska senators, Republicans Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, expressed outrage even before the decisions were formally announced.
a man

Dunleavy says correspondence school decision will have broad impacts. But will it?

A judge recently threw out two laws underpinning key aspects of Alaska's homeschool system. The impact of the decision is up for debate.
a photo of a man and a woman speaking into microphones

Murkowski and Sullivan rail at federal moves to block Ambler Road and preserve parts of NPR-A

Two land-use decisions expected from the Biden administration this week have Alaska's U.S. senators fuming.
a portrait of a man's face

Supporters of Anchorage-area cemeteries say they’re not giving up after $4M bond fails

The bond would've laid the foundations for cemeteries in Girdwood and Eagle River, two communities without public cemeteries.
a walrus

Scientists, Alaska Native leaders say the Arctic faces a growing crisis from plastic waste

The authors of a new report will join representatives from more than 180 other countries to negotiate a United Nations plastics treaty.
a midair refueling

Air National Guard changes in Alaska could affect national security, civilian rescues

The Alaska Air National Guard flew 159 civilian medical rescue missions last year, often during vicious storms that kept air ambulances grounded.
wildfire smoke

Wildfire smoke contributes to thousands of deaths each year in the U.S.

Two new studies show the unseen toll smoke is taking on people across the country. Climate change is likely to make the problem even bigger.
a legislative hearing

Alaska Senate rolls out operating budget with roughly $1,300 PFD plus energy relief check

Sen. Bert Stedman said the state has been "blessed" the last couple of years by high oil prices — but warned high prices won't last forever.
A picture of a building.

Medication is an important tool for people struggling with alcohol addiction in Alaska

There are more options than ever for treating alcohol use disorder in Alaska, including several medications that can make it easier for some people to reduce or stop drinking.
Four caribou swim across a calm river with yellow grasses, trees and mountains in the background.

With a decision on Ambler looming, the Kobuk River makes a list of endangered rivers

Advocates say the Ambler Road and mining projects risk contaminating the Kobuk River watershed and hurting the region’s subsistence species.
a bear

Anchorage asked to be bear aware after Government Hill encounter

Reports of residents surrounding a black bear to take photos Monday have police and biologists urging people to give wildlife a wide berth.
the U.S. Senate

Senate kills articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas

The Senate has rejected both articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, swiftly ending his trial.
a river

Forecast shows breakup on the Yukon and Kuskokwim rivers may be delayed this year

Alaska-Pacific River Forecast Center staff say spring breakup of ice on the Western Alaska rivers could happen a few days later than usual this year.