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 person speaks into a microphone

Sullivan votes for Ukraine aid bill, saying the money will boost America’s industrial base

Sullivan says it will fight authoritarian aggression globally and rev up America’s capacity to make weapons, ammunition and war ships.
a Hilcorp platform in Cook Inlet

Bill to provide free access to Cook Inlet seismic surveys moves forward

House Resources Committee chair Rep. Tom McKay, R-Anchorage, said he believes the proposal could spur more drilling.
Eagles sitting in a line at the dump

Unalaska woman breaks the internet with eagles TikTok video

Eryn Whitter's viral video opens with a dirty bald eagle, milling around by itself. Then she pans to another eagle. And another. And another. And another.
a woman interviews a man with a microphone

Nellie Moore leaves behind a huge footprint in Native journalism

Nellie Moore was one of the first Indigenous reporters in Alaska, who could sew an atikluk as well as stitch news and information into stories that made a difference.
a musher poses with two sled dogs

Raymond Alexie wins Bogus Creek 150 Sled Dog Race

The 20-year-old crossed the finish line in Bethel early Sunday, winning the 150-mile race for the second year in a row.
a Chugach electric sign

Green energy advocates say Anchorage utility ‘freezing out’ efforts for gas-saving price structure

An Anchorage nonprofit wants state regulators to force Chugach Electric Association to hand over detailed data on customers’ energy consumption.
caution do not enter tape on pavement

Violent crime is dropping fast in the U.S. — even if Americans don’t believe it

In 2020, the United States experienced one of its most dangerous years in decades. But in 2023, crime in America looked very different.
The Costco Business Center opening sign.

Costco opens new business center warehouse in Anchorage

The new store looks and feels a lot like other Costco locations, but everything from the aisles to the packaged goods is much larger.
A red squirrel sits on a stump

Kenai Peninsula man is the first person to die of Alaskapox virus

Experts say to be cautious when handling small mammals in the state, but infection is rare and death unlikely.
Gloved hands holding a bunch of mussels

Scientists investigate paralytic shellfish poisoning as possible factor in large marine die offs 

Recent testing data from Knik Tribe scientists show paralytic shellfish toxin throughout the food web
Man speaking to legislative committee

Cook Inlet gas crunch likely to push up prices as lawmakers search for solutions

The state’s largest gas utility is warning that shortfalls could come as soon as next year – and imports are years off.
A moose eating branches in a snowbank

Palmer teen trampled by moose as deep snow puts animals under greater stress

Troopers say the teen escaped with only minor injuries Wednesday. The moose was shot and killed, as heavy snow has forced the ungulates into Anchorage.
Anchorage's acting health director Joe Gerace poses for a photo outside of the Sullivan Arena shelter

Judge rules some city records on resigned Anchorage health department director should be public, even if they’re ‘highly embarrassing’

“The mere fact that information may be highly embarrassing does not render it private,” said Superior Court Judge Andrew Guidi.

Russian Mission man charged with murder after fatal shooting

Troopers say Richard Pitka, 45, shot Patrick Changsak with a rifle on Monday in the village about 70 miles northwest of Bethel.
an airliner

‘Whistling sound’ heard on previous Boeing Max 9 flight before door plug blowout, lawsuit alleges

Passengers on the flight before Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 allegedly heard and reported the sound “coming from the vicinity of the door plug.”
a building

Hilcorp fined $260K for missing well integrity test on Alaska’s North Slope

Thursday's penalty came two days after the oil company was fined $452,100 over unauthorized injections into Prudhoe Bay Unit oil pools.
the corner of the City Hall building

Anchorage launches online checkbook, allowing public to access city financial records

Assembly chair Chris Constant says the new program allows the public to access city financial records without filing a records request and waiting months for a response.
an avalanche

Chugach forecasters warn of dangerous avalanche conditions after 1 death, 2 close calls

A heli-skier died after a slide pushed him into rocks. A snowboarder captured a separate avalanche on video.
A woman lowers a metal lid onto a machine with both hands.

An Anchorage woman is working to offer water cremation and other natural death care options in Alaska

Rachel Bernhardt is starting to offer water cremation and natural burial, which have lower environmental footprints.
Man speaking in front of state seal

Gov. Dunleavy casts doubt on future of Senate-passed public-sector pension bill

In a news conference on Wednesday, Dunleavy said he was skeptical that a pension plan would make a significant difference in recruiting young people.