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.”

A man stands outside in a coat with a hood.

Iditarod disqualifies former champion Brent Sass amid sex assault allegations

The Iditarod board voted unanimously on Thursday to disqualify former champion Brent Sass after allegations made in November and recent questions from Alaska Public Media, the Anchorage Daily News and ProPublica. Sass has denied the claims.
The Mat-Su Borough School Board meeting on Feb. 21, 2024.

Mat-Su School Board bans 1 book after months of committee review

An advisory committee recommended removal of the novel “This Ends with Us,” for its depiction of domestic violence.
A person in a black sweater stands in front of a sign.

American Library Association president hears about struggles and successes from Alaska librarians

While the state faces unique logistical challenges, Emily Drabinski says that many problems facing Alaska librarians are happening across the country.

Man found guilty of murder in Alaska Native woman’s killing that was captured on stolen memory card

The Anchorage jury returned a unanimous verdict against Brian Steven Smith after deliberating for less than two hours.

Federal education officials say Alaska owes millions to Juneau, Kenai and North Slope school districts

Rules attached to the funding prevented states from disproportionately reducing their funding to high-need districts.
Happy lawmakers

Alaska House passes bipartisan education compromise bill with funding boost

The $246 million bill would permanently increase state education funding, boost internet speeds in some rural schools, and provide new support to charter schools.
a woman talks into a microphone at a podium on stage

Rep. Peltola’s staff turnover is the 2nd highest in the U.S. House

Her chief of staff calls it a reflection of her special election and transition, but political adversaries say it could indicate trouble.

Heavy winds and wet snow lead to icy streets and power outages in Anchorage

The city saw gusts as high as 82 mph in the Potter Marsh area, leading to power outages for thousands of residents.

‘We will sink your navy’: Sen. Sullivan advocates more aggressive stance to deter Iran

Sen. Dan Sullivan later said the U.S. should threaten to sink only Iran's spy ships — not the whole navy.
Alaska Native Cultural Charter School Principal Sheila Sweetsir asks a student a question during the morning assembly on Feb. 20, 2024.

6 things to know about Alaska charter schools and why they’re No. 1 in the nation

Principals from Alaska’s top-ranked charter school point to a variety of reasons for their success.
A woman with a black jacket on speaks into a megaphone, held by a person in a yellow shirt.

Dunleavy introduces bill to crack down on protests blocking public spaces

The bill would create the new crime of “obstruction of free passage in public places" and stiffen penalties for blocking highways.
People dressed in red watch a school board meeting.

Anchorage School District restores elementary art classes in budget proposal

The school board will vote on the final budget proposal next week.
A woman smiles at the camera

Dr. Anne Zink to leave position as Alaska chief medical officer

In an interview, Alaska’s ‘top doc’ reflects on nearly five years of work, and the ebb and flow of public attention from the pandemic.

Climate change is making it harder to survey pollock in the Gulf of Alaska

Between 2017 and 2019, pollock surveys in the Gulf of Alaska produced wildly different estimates.
two kids color at a table

Advocates finalizing plan to use Anchorage marijuana tax revenue on child care

Some of the funding could be distributed as early as this fall, with much of it getting sent out by January of next year.
three men in suits on the floor of the Alaska House of Representatives

Future of education bill uncertain after rural lawmakers raise early objections

Three members representing areas off the road system voted against a key procedural question, throwing the future of the bill into limbo.

More areas around Kodiak Island could become critical habitat for endangered North Pacific Right Whales

It’s estimated that less than 50 North Pacific Right Whales exist today in a range that extends from Hawaii to the southeastern Bering Sea and beyond.

Trial of Brian Smith, accused of murdering two Alaska Native women, enters third week

Both women are from Southwest Alaska and each battled homelessness and addiction in Anchorage.

Schumacher’s World Cup win, after two tough years, shows world-class talent is “still in there”

Anchorage cross-country talent Gus Schumacher won an international cross-country ski race Sunday, something no other American man has accomplished in more than 40 years.

Alaskan skiers among contenders at first World Cup event on U.S. trails in more than two decades

The cross-country skiing World Cup races in Minneapolis kick off Saturday with the women's sprint qualifiers at 7 a.m. Alaska time.