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.”

Caribou, access concerns vs. mining’s economic promise — BLM releases public input on Ambler Road

"I was impressed with the range of comments that we got," La Marr said. "Comments from the mining industry, comments from environmental groups, a lot of comments from the tribes... comments from people throughout Alaska and people in the lower 48 as well." Listen now

‘We crossed a line today’: Dunleavy orders statewide shelter in place, limits travel

People can still go outside, under the new mandate, but they must remain six feet or more away from individuals not in their households.
a rally

Alaska school districts got a one-time funding boost. It came too late for many teachers.

Many school boards opted for conservative budgets that included layoffs of teachers before the governor signed the budget this year.
earthquake damage

In seismically active Alaska, plans for statewide residential building codes are on shaky ground

Pending state bills are supported by earthquake experts and homebuilding organizations, but they have also generated skepticism.

House leaders aim for compromise, early school budget this year

The second session of the 30th Alaska Legislature began Tuesday, with the caucus leaders expressing hope that this year will be more productive than 2017. Listen now
Crystal Worl

A formline salmon Alaska Airlines plane makes its inaugural flight

The Boeing 737, bearing a design by artist Crystal Worl depicting the salmon's life cycle, is named Xáat Kwáani, or Salmon People.

Per diems driving special session costs

The cost to taxpayers of going past the 90-day legislative session set by state law is roughly $1 million – and rising. Listen now

Swine Flu Contributes to Seward Death

The State is reporting another death from H1N1 flu. The person is a middle aged woman from Seward who had a combination of...

Iditapod: A deep dive into Mitch Seavey’s record-setting run

In Episode 16, we talk about the Iditarod's top-20, and take a deep dive into the strategy behind Mitch Seavey's record-breaking run.

Walker hopeful plan to pay off oil tax credit debt with bonds will pass this session

What the state owes in tax credit payouts varies wildly from year to year. By paying off the tax credit debt with bonds, the repayment rate would theoretically become predictable. Listen now
Treg Taylor

Alaska attorney general wants access to medical information about out-of-state-abortions and gender-affirming care

The letter is a response to the Biden administration’s proposed protections of patient privacy when crossing state lines for medical care.

Fire destroys Selawik church

The Friend's Church in the village of Selawik was destroyed by a fire this morning. David Shurtleff, APRN - Anchorage

Kodiak Pacific Spaceport Complex participates in missile defense test

Kodiak Island’s rocket launch facility was one of the players in a missile defense test this week. Listen now
Outside of the Alaska State Capitol

An update on Alaska’s legislative session

As with many recent sessions, discussions largely center on the state’s finances, while a number of social issues have come up as well.

‘Disturbed’: Murkowski didn’t mean quite what you thought she meant

To partisans, Murkowski's ways don't satisfy. They say she zig-zags. But Murkowski sees herself on a straight line called "process."

The mysterious case of Alaska’s strange sockeye salmon returns this year

From exceptionally strong to exceptionally weak runs, sockeye salmon leave scientists scratching their heads this year in Alaska. Listen now

Alaska to Challenge Constitutionality of New Health Care Plan

Governor Parnell on Tuesday announced that Alaska is joining 19 other states in challenging the constitutionality of the new Federal Health Care legislation. Dave...
Alaska 2022 gubernatorial candidates

Candidates for Alaska governor differ on how to handle deaths in state corrections custody

Contenders laid out positions on tribal recognition, housing affordability and public safety during a forum at the Alaska Federation of Natives convention in Anchorage.

Dunleavy administration being sued for withholding $20M in education funding

The Dunleavy administration is being sued by education nonprofit Coalition for Education Equity over his refusal to release $20 million in funds that were delegated to public schools last year by the Legislature. 
A woman standing outside the entrance of the state capitol

Education committee considers bill banning transgender girls from female sports in Alaska

The bill looks similar to an Idaho law that didn’t go into effect. A federal judge considering that bill has said it’s likely unconstitutional.