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.”

Lina Khan

U.S. bans noncompete agreements for nearly all jobs

The FTC has voted to ban agreements that typically prevent workers from leaving their companies to join or start competing businesses.
a dog in a snowy dog yard

Iditapod: Iditarod gets back on track

Iditapod is back for the 50th running of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Host Casey Grove and fellow Alaska Public Media reporters Tegan Hanlon, Lex Treinen and Jeff Chen discuss last year's pandemic-altered Iditarod, some of the mid-distance sled dog races this season, as well as COVID-19 protocols (and already a scratch/switcheroo), scary moose encounters and the heartwarming story of an unlikely Iditarod dog.
three women speaking into microphones

Peltola, Murkowski, FEMA administrator tour Nome storm damage

They also spoke with KNOM in Nome about their reactions to the storm damage, their priorities for recovery and resources available to Alaskans.

With new lawsuit, Alaska Gov. Dunleavy’s administration escalates budget feud with legislators

“When there is a dispute between branches of government, we need the courts to step in,” Attorney General Treg Taylor said in a prepared statement.

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
marijuana products

No marijuana-possession prisoners in Alaska, state officials say

The state of Alaska, which voted to legalize recreational marijuana use in 2014, has no one in prison for simple marijuana possession, state officials said on Thursday.

Judge rules funding schools a year ahead is valid, dealing defeat to Dunleavy

A state judge ruled on Thursday that school funding for this year that the Alaska Legislature passed last year is valid.

Candidates for US House raking in campaign contributions

The campaigns for the two congressional seats on next month's ballot are drawing a lot of money for the candidates. And according to Federal...

Chief justice urges lawmakers to collaborate and compromise

State Supreme Court Chief Justice Craig Stowers said Alaska’s courts are leading the way in cutting costs in a way that doesn’t threaten vital services. Listen now
Hand holding at-home COVID test

Why rapid COVID tests aren’t more accurate and how scientists hope to improve them

Recent research and anecdotes suggest some people are testing negative on rapid tests even after they have symptoms, then later testing positive. Here's what researchers think is going on.

ANB Harbor Replacement Moves Forward

In November, work began on Sitka’s ANB harbor. The $7.7 million project will demolish all of the existing structures and replace them with new floats and pilings by early spring. But a small invader in the harbor has added a wrinkle to the usual process. Download Audio
A sign says Anchorage School District.

Anchorage School District administrators recommend closing 6 elementary schools

Closing all six schools could save the district between $3.5 and 4 million, or around 5% of the district's expected budget deficit.

Hooligan Run Lowest in Years on the Chilkoot

Hooligan fishing is a tradition for many people in the Upper Lynn Canal. But this spring, those who fish in the Chilkoot had disappointing results. Researchers say the mysterious fish seem to have turned right instead of left into the Taiya, near Skagway, instead of the Chilkoot. And there’s no way to know exactly why. Download Audio:
A sign reads "Nesbett Courthouse," behind the sign, pedestrians walk on the sidewalk.

Homeschool ruling is on hold — but only through the end of June, judge rules

The judge’s order denying the state’s motion for a longer stay of the ruling also clarifies key aspects of the case.
A swampy flat area with rolling hills in the background

EPA proposes to veto Pebble Mine to protect salmon-rich Bristol Bay

It's the step Bristol Bay fishermen and tribes have for years begged the agency to take.
Donald Trump

Federal judge dismisses Trump classified-documents case

Aileen Cannon cited the manner in which a special counsel was appointed to investigate Donald Trump's handling of classified documents.

Two Bills May Increase School District Funding Across State

Annie Feidt, APRN – Anchorage Two bills in the state Senate would provide increased funding for school districts across the state. One bill...
a reddish colored moon

A total lunar eclipse is happening Tuesday — and it won’t happen again for 3 years

A total lunar eclipse happens when the moon falls completely in the Earth’s shadow.
A white truck cab without any cargo on a snowy road with cargo containers stacked behind it

Alaska trucking companies say their employees are quitting over Canada’s COVID vaccine mandate

The impact to consumers is still unclear, but some companies say they’ve lost the majority of their truck drivers since Jan. 15, when Canada's vaccine requirement went into effect.
a person prepares lunch

Anchorage school meal program faces worker shortage, loss of pandemic funding

District leaders say they’re competing with restaurants and grocery stores for a small pool of food service workers.