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 downed fuel tank in hooper bay

As the storm raged, a mad rush to keep the power on in Hooper Bay

Parts of Hooper Bay were without power for about 36 hours during the storm, but the situation could have been far worse — if not for the work of two local power plant operators.
a couple

Family says Homer photographer killed in moose attack knew the risks, died doing what he loved

The family of Dale Chorman, who was fatally attacked by a moose Sunday, said the amateur photographer died doing what he loved.
a woman holds a large fish

A large fish that fills freezers in Northwest Alaska could be in danger

Scientists are concerned that permafrost thaw could lead to declines in the sheefish population, a staple food for many Alaskans.

Jury convicts Tom Anderson for bribery, conspiracy and money laundering

Former Anchorage lawmaker Tom Anderson was convicted of seven felonies today including bribery, conspiracy and money laundering. His sentencing is set for October. This...
a person smiles while holding a sign that say "Forrest" on a snowy day. Others behind him wave and hold signs that say "Forrest Dunbar - Assembly - dedicated leadership"

More results are in: Most Anchorage incumbents maintain lead, school bonds now narrowly failing

The gap also widened for the only incumbent losing his race so far. Assemblyman John Weddleton is now 347 votes behind Randy Sulte.

‘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.

Army Corps addresses criticism of environmental review process for Pebble

Sheila Newman, with the Army Corps’ Alaska District, said the agency recognizes that Pebble is not an average project proposal — it has a long history in Alaska, so the agency is trying to make adjustments for that. Listen now
the Alaska State Capitol

Alaska’s outsourcing of guardianship led to dysfunction and debt

Anchorage Daily News reporter Iris Samuels says the man behind a nonprofit that took the cases “bit off more than he could chew.”

Stevens trial dismissed early today

Last night prosecutors in the case of Senator Ted Stevens turned over evidence that Stevens lawyers say would have changed their entire case. It's...

U.S. vaccinations may be reaching a tipping point to stop the virus, experts say

While some researchers says it's still too soon to know for sure, a growing number of epidemiologists, infectious disease researchers and public health experts think the country might have reached — or be about to reach — that crucial inflection point.
A photo of a normal black colored orca breaching in the water at the same time as a mottled white orca.

Rare white orca spotted in Southeast Alaska

A Petersburg-based whale watching and charter company documented the white orca in the Inside Passage this summer. It’s been sighted frequently in British Columbia and Washington state as well.
a highway

Surprise snow dump closes Anchorage schools Wednesday

A shifting storm blanketed most of Anchorage with six to nine inches of snow Tuesday, exceeding forecasters' expectations.

As Alaska’s economy begins to reopen, Anchorage officials say the city is facing a childcare shortage

Of the 247 childcare facilities in the municipality, only 141 are open right now.

Anton McParland: The backstory of the tall guy behind Mary Peltola

McParland is Rep. Mary Peltola's chief of staff and campaign manager. No aide is closer to her.

HHS conducts survey on health care for state seniors

As the percentage of Alaska's 65 and older population rises, the issue of providing long term health care also looms ever larger.  That's why...

Update: Dunleavy sworn in as governor in Kotzebue

More people are expected to attend the inauguration event than live in the community of Noorvik.
a portrait of a woman in a hat and black shirt

The cutting edge solution to rising debt? Paying in cash

2022 has been a rough year for America's personal finances. That's sparked a throwback movement among some young debtors: all cash, all the time.
Two men sit at a desk, speaking with a woman sitting at the end.

Alaska’s Affordable Housing Crisis | Alaska Insight

Across Alaska, it’s a challenge to find affordable housing. Home building and vacancy rates are down, while rent, mortgage rates and home prices are up. The lack of affordable housing drives people into overcrowded homes and homelessness, or out of state. Some officials have begun referring to it as a housing crisis. On this episode of Alaska Insight, host Lori Townsend is joined by Anchorage Assembly Member Dr. Daniel Volland, and Nolan Klouda, Executive Director of the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development, to discuss the causes, and possible solutions, of Alaska's housing crunch.

Alaska PFD remains unresolved as special session nears end

The Legislature's third special session must end by midnight.
a man in uniform

Soldier killed by brown bear on JBER was marking course for navigation training

A bear den was found near the spot where a group of soldiers was attacked by a bear on Tuesday afternoon, killing one of them.