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.”

Demonstrators carrying signs with slogans like "abortion is health care"

Here’s what could happen if Roe v. Wade is overturned

More than 20 states have laws that could restrict or ban abortion soon after the Supreme Court overturns Roe.

Leaders Meet About Suicide Prevention

Shane Iverson, KYUK – Bethel Political and Tribal leaders met with Yukon Kuskokwim residents for a roundtable talk on suicide prevention yesterday in...

‘We’re never going to surrender’ — Sarah James on a life fighting oil drilling in the Arctic Refuge

Sarah James’ desire to preserve the Neets'aii Gwich'in way of life drove her into the thick of the battle over oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
the seal of a fire department

Violating a burn ban is now a misdemeanor in Anchorage

The Anchorage Assembly unanimously approved the emergency ordinance Tuesday as the National Weather Service warned of high fire danger in much of Southcentral through the upcoming holiday weekend.

Alaska’s Senators Split Their Votes on Financial Reform

Alaska’s Senators split their votes last night on a financial reform bill that passed 59 to 39.  Democrats largely supported it, and all but...
Sen. Lisa Murkowski speaks with reporters inside the Division of Election office in Anchorage

Crossing party lines, Manchin endorses Murkowski’s Senate campaign

Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin on Sunday endorsed Republican colleague Lisa Murkowski for reelection, crossing party lines to back the incumbent from Alaska who faces a primary challenger supported by former President Donald Trump.

‘There’s no treatment’: Anchorage bird rescue faces avian influenza

Bird TLC is one of a few bird rehabilitation centers in Alaska still accepting birds. Now, along with eagles with broken wings and orphaned baby ducks, they’re also getting birds with bird flu.

AK: Juneau business showcases diverse artists’ work in postcard contest

Kindred Post, a post office, gift shop and gathering space in downtown Juneau held a recent art contest. The prize? 10 winners will now get their art printed on the shop’s postcards. The selections came from around the state, and from a purposely diverse group of artists. Listen now

Interior Department Holding Hearing About Offshore Oil, Gas Leasing

Annie Feidt, APRN – Anchorage The Interior Department is holding a hearing Friday night in Anchorage to talk about the proposed outer continental...
Two women and two men stand at podiums

U.S. House candidates talk fish, energy and bipartisanship in televised debate

Candidates for Alaska’s lone U.S. House seat sparred over fish, energy and partisan politics at Wednesday’s Debate for the State.
two people install a system near a pole outside

Technology that detects volcanoes and nuclear explosions will listen for avalanches in Juneau

Picking up infrasound could help Alaska Department of Transportation to track high mountain avalanches that often go undetected.
livestream still showing four boxes

Wasilla Rep. Eastman’s qualifications trial delves into Oath Keeper ideology

Rep. David Eastman isn't accused of attacking the U.S. Capitol. But if he belongs to a group that did, his legislative career could be over.
the Kodiak Animal Shelter

Kodiak dog tests positive for canine distemper

Kodiak Animal Shelter staff say the dog has been put down, with all other dogs put into quarantine and adoptions temporarily halted.
A screenshot of the Alaska Board of Education and Early Development virtual special meeting Aug. 31, 2023.

Alaska education board bans trans athletes from girls’ high school sports

The change will apply to all public high schools in the state competing under the Alaska School Activities Association.

Alaska Airlines says training delays, not picketing pilots, caused flight cancellations

Alaska Airlines plans to reduce its number of flights through June as it continues to deal with a pilot shortage, according to a press release.
correctional complex

Number of unsentenced Alaskans behind bars climbs under COVID-19 court, prison constraints

Jury trials remain suspended, and many people have no idea when they will get their day in court. Plus, defense attorneys say their inability to meet with clients put a damper on resolving cases through plea deals.
a crowded airport

Summer air travel could be expensive and chaotic. Here’s how to avoid trouble

Air travel demand is back to pre-pandemic levels, while fares are soaring. Staffing shortages leave airlines with little wiggle room when bad weather hits, which could lead to delays and cancellations.
A wooden dilapidated building

Alaska spent millions. So why is this historic building still a wreck?

The Jesse Lee Home is a nearly century-old former children's home and the birthplace of the Alaska state flag. The nonprofit Friends of the Jesse Lee Home had millions in grants and more than a decade to fix it up, but they now say time is running out. The problem, according to state officials, is that the group mismanaged state funds. Now the Jesse Lee Home is closer than ever to being demolished. Listen now

Exxon Valdez case hits U.S. Supreme Court this month

The next few weeks will determine whether the long-running legal fight over punitive damages from the Exxon Valdez oil spill will come to an...

Alaska Red Cross Gets Mobile Response Unit

The Red Cross of Alaska unveiled a new Mobile Emergency Response Communications Center at their headquarters in Anchorage Tuesday afternoon. Download Audio