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.”

Ask a Climatologist: River breakup is all about spring temps

The National Weather Service issued its annual river breakup forecast this week. The forecast calls for a relatively mild breakup arriving about on schedule across Alaska. But what factors determine the timing and severity how it plays out? We put that question to climatologist Brian Brettschneider. Listen now

Alaska Sen. Dennis Egan won’t seek re-election

Alaska Sen. Dennis Egan won’t seek re-election this year due to poor health. Early contenders to seek his seat include Aleutian Pribilof Island Community Development Association CEO Larry Cotter and possibly Juneau Assemblyman Jesse Kiehl. Listen now

Sunrise Fire update 9:00 am Thursday

Sunrise Fire update 9:00 am Thursday
A redish brick building

No legislative action on special session’s seventh day

There were no committee meetings and only technical floor sessions in the Capitol on Wednesday, the seventh day of the Alaska Legislature’s 30-day special session. Listen now

New ways to fund housing in Anchorage opens doors for low-income families

Two new affordable housing complexes are opening in Anchorage this fall. Tenants have already started moving into the 18-unit Susitna Square in East Anchorage. But building the developments required creative financing to make it possible. Download Audio
an airliner

Off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot accused of trying to shut down jet’s engines in-flight

The suspect faces attempted-murder charges in the incident, which occurred on a Sunday Horizon Air flight from Everett, Wash. to Portland, Ore.

Rep. Young votes against contempt charge and lifting debt limit

"The government must pay its debts," said Young, but he doesn't like Democratic spending plan.
a man in a suit speaks to a room of people

Alaska House votes unanimously to support Willow oil project

The Biden administration could decide the project’s future as soon as March 6.
low clouds over an forested island

Man still missing, woman rescued after fishing boat runs aground in Southeast Alaska

The woman survived for 24 hours on a rock island with her dog before a passing boat picked her up.

Ted Stevens denies guilt

Last night Senator Ted Stevens continued his refusal to resign or retire from the U-S Senate, despite calls from members of his...

Coronavirus update, March 5: Eight negative tests, one pending; school districts weigh travel restrictions

The Anchorage School District announced Wednesday it has cancelled all school sponsored out-of-state travel through April

Tara Sweeney ends campaign for U.S. House, opening spot for Libertarian on November ballot

Sweeney had substantial financial support from Alaska Native corporations and their affiliates. But she said she doesn't think she can win.

Disappearing polar sea ice leading toward increasing polar traffic

A three-day symposium on the naval and maritime effects of diminishing Arctic sea ice kicked off today in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Navy, the...
A white man in a gray suit

Wasilla Rep. Eastman to stay on ballot, but post-election trial will decide his eligibility, judge says

The judge, Jack McKenna, ruled Thursday that Eastman is likely ineligible to hold office, but that Eastman's name can remain on ballots for the Nov. 8 election.

Gov. Dunleavy unveils line item vetoes and signs operating budget

Gov. Mike Dunleavy unveiled line-item vetoes the administration says amounts to another $391 million in cuts beyond the Legislature’s budget.

AK: In the industrial heart of Anchorage is a warehouse full of wild birds

Bird TLC is a non-profit that's somewhere in between a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, and zoo. Now, it's on the cusp of moving to a dramatically different new home. Listen now

Trans-Alaska Pipeline up and running after tank fire the previous day

The Trans-Alaska Pipeline is back in operation following a tank fire that shut it down for 9 hours yesterday. Alyeska Pipeline Service Company spokeswoman Michelle Egan said workers at Pump Station 5 saw flames coming from a large crude oil storage tank at Pump Station 5 at the base of Atigun Pass in the Brooks Range around 2:20 Wednesday afternoon. Download Audio

Cleaning Up to Be with His Kid — Stories from Brother Francis Shelter

The morning at Brother Francis Shelter starts with a sleepy bustle. Guests wake up at 5 am, start gathering their belongings, drink some coffee and help clean the shelter. One morning in late July, in the back dormitory shelter guest William Teal wiped down the plastic sleeping mats with cleaning solution.

Students Speak as Native Elders and Youth Conference Wraps Up

Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks The Native Elders and Youth Conference is wrapping up in Fairbanks tonight with a potlatch. The annual pre-cursor to the...
a man feeding his dogs

For those mushing the Iditarod trail, the ultimate form of social distancing, coronavirus news begins to trickle in

As news of emergency measures and coronavirus closures spreads, there’s at least one group of people that is almost totally in the dark: Iditarod mushers.