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.”

snow

Juneau’s Thane Road closed after avalanches during Monday snowstorm

Up to two feet of snow covered the road south of Juneau, with road crews expected to perform avalanche mitigation work Tuesday afternoon.
Trump supporters

As Trump wins Iowa Republican caucuses, 5 takeaways

Donald Trump received more than half the vote in Monday's caucuses, as the GOP base remains committed to him despite his criminal indictments.

State investigation reveals social service gaps that left an elder to die alone in the cold

A new report from the state ombudsman says Adult Protective Services failed to prioritize and follow up on the case of an elder in danger.
a man

Eagle River child porn suspect claimed to be ‘hardcore child rapist’ in manifesto, charges say

Michael Koetter, 28, was arrested after investigators allegedly found explicit imagery and a statement that he had committed prior abuse at his home.

Alaska excluded from free IRS direct tax filing pilot program

IRS officials say the direct file program doesn't support the reporting of Permanent Fund Dividends.
a book cover

Alaska’s Black history documented in new books

Ed Wesley, deemed one of the "unsung heroes" of the state's Black history, has helped with key books on how African Americans have shaped Alaska.
a house

As the permafrost melts, the houses in Nunapitchuk are breaking down

Settling homes across the Western Alaska village have suffered damage that makes them leak, leading to mold and long-term health issues.
A man in a yellow prison jumper looks through documents

Indiana man who manipulated Alaskan teens into murder-for-hire gets 99 years

“One down, five to go,” the victim’s father said after the sentencing.
a harbor full of docked boats on a cloudy day

Alaska’s harbors grapple with rusty pilings and rising costs

The climbing price of docking a boat in harbors across the state has Alaskans questioning their future on the water.
a base camp

Exploration firm reports sizable nickel deposits near Paxson

"Our results were positive" after prospecting the Nikolai Project, according to the CEO of Canada-based Alaska Energy Metals.
a stethoscope

Despite opposition from health care providers, Dunleavy administration repeals longstanding regulation meant to hold down costs

The state argues the rule has also increased the cost of health care over time by incentivizing providers to keep rates high.
a Chinook salmon

Washington conservation group proposes listing Alaska king salmon under Endangered Species Act

The Wild Fish Conservancy says the chinook are threatened by climate change and competition from hatchery-raised fish.
Bethel Police Department headquarters

Reopened case in Bethel woman’s 2021 death leaves ‘more questions than answers’

Bethel police say a new examination of Nikki Taylor's death two years ago found more than a dozen "points of contention" with initial findings.
a jet

Alaska Airlines cancels all flights on the Boeing 737 Max 9 through Saturday

The airline said that it would cancel 110 to 150 flights a day, while the Max 9 planes remain grounded after last week's in-flight blowout.
a map

2 dead, 3 rescued after boat capsizes north of Sitka

The capsize occurred Tuesday night about 25 miles north of Sitka, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, with bodies found inside the vessel Wednesday.
A sign that reads "UAA, UNIVERSITY of ALASKA ANCHORAGE." There are flowers in planters in front of it.

New legislation aims to address $1.5B University of Alaska maintenance backlog

University leaders say the bill, which would provide $35 million this year, would help shore up and modernize aging facilities.
A group of bees in the snow

Alaska beekeepers kill their colonies every fall, but an Anchorage man has another way

An Anchorage beekeeper has learned how to help his honeybee colonies survive to see spring, and he’s teaching others to do the same.
fishermen

Tribal groups applaud Alaska Native appointments to federal fisheries advisory panel

The groups hailed the naming of three Alaska Native members to the panel tasked with advising the top regional federal fisheries council.
an oil drilling site

As Conoco’s Willow project advances, 2 local governments have withdrawn their criticism

Nuiqsut's tribal and city councils last year blasted the “endless expansion of oil development and the complete encirclement of our village."
a brown bear

Alaska’s open seasons on predators are approved behind closed doors

Culling predators is appealing because it is a tangible action — even when evidence suggests the true threat facing Alaska’s caribou is much more complex.