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 courthouse

Alaska judge strikes down state’s cash payments to families using correspondence school programs

The decision on correspondence programs will become a "hot-button legislative item" in the final weeks of session, lawmakers said.

Alaska House rejects constitutional amendment guaranteeing formula-based PFD

Opponents of the measure said they feared a budget crisis. Supporters said it would spur lawmakers to rewrite the PFD formula.
A basketball hoop full of snow

Anchorage winter ties for second snowiest on record but hitting all-time mark unlikely

A whopping 132.6 inches of snow -- more than 11 feet -- fell on the city this winter, as of the latest measurement Friday.

The Cook Inlet gas crunch | Alaska Insight

On this episode of Alaska Insight, host Lori Townsend is joined by John Sims, CEO of ENSTAR Natural Gas, to discuss the future of Cook Inlet gas production.
students

Bishop disputes feds’ claim that Alaska didn’t fund schools equitably during pandemic

Education Commissioner Deena Bishop says the state funded schools as usual and didn't disproportionately reduce districts' funding.
an airliner

Another Boeing whistleblower says he faced retaliation for reporting ‘shortcuts’

An engineer who accused the company of taking production "shortcuts" has joined a growing list of whistleblowers who say they faced retaliation.
a fire station

Ketchikan firefighters lose vehicles in station fire

Wrangell has loaned Ketchikan an ambulance after Tuesday's South Tongass blaze, which left at least three vehicles presumed destroyed.
a woman

How to file your tax returns: 6 things you should know this year

For something that's legally required, taxes can be confusing. This guide covers the latest credits and deductions — and how to plan ahead for next year.
Julie Kitka

Alaska delegation nominates longtime Native leader to be co-chair of the Denali Commission

Julie Kitka, who served for decades as president of the Alaska Federation of Natives, was tapped to be the federal co-chair of the agency.

Alaska House passes operating budget with roughly $2,300 PFD

Rep. DeLena Johnson, R-Palmer, says nobody’s totally satisfied — and that makes it a good compromise.
A sense of place photo in the winter where a semi truck is on the right side of the photo where the road is and utility poles obstructing pedestrian sidewalks on a snow filled street.

Key Anchorage stakeholders skeptical of megaproject solutions to connect Seward and Glenn highways

They're interested in a far less expensive redesign of Gambell and Ingra streets to be neighborhood friendly, with lower speed limits and fewer lanes.

Majority of Alaskans voted across party lines in ’22 primary, study says

Sightline Institute researcher Jeannette Lee says the analysis shows open primaries let Alaskans choose values over party.
earthquake damage

In seismically active Alaska, plans for statewide residential building codes are on shaky ground

Pending state bills are supported by earthquake experts and homebuilding organizations, but they have also generated skepticism.
three people stand outdoors

Alaska senators split on Mayorkas impeachment. Murkowski leery of wasting Senate time on ‘messaging.’

Alaska's U.S. senators are split on the impeachment of the DHS secretary. Dan Sullivan wants a Senate trial. Lisa Murkowski doesn't.
a man at podium

Dunleavy says new polling data shows Alaskans want education reform with BSA increase

The poll was commissioned by the governor and conducted by Dittman Research just one week after Dunleavy vetoed the legislature’s bipartisan education bill.
A woman nurses a three-month-old baby and holds his hand.

A collective of doulas and midwives is helping Alaska Native mothers stay connected to their roots

The Indigenous birthworkers will attend medical appointments with mothers, advocate for them and help connect them to traditional practices.

Popp endorses LaFrance for Anchorage mayor

In the most recent election results, Bill Popp had about 17% of the vote, placing third behind Suzanne LaFrance and Dave Bronson.
lawmakers

Alaska House digs into budget — and a developing gap between expenses and revenue

Financial estimates being compiled Tuesday indicate there may not be enough revenue to cover the Legislature’s draft spending plan.
a whale

Biologists describe freeing Unalaska whale from ‘life-threatening entanglement’

After a young humpback whale was found entangled in Iliuliuk Bay, experts carefully cut the line wrapped around its mouth and tail Friday.

Anchorage Assembly overrides 2 Bronson vetoes as fight over Eklutna project continues

The overrides were the latest actions in an ongoing dispute between the Assembly and mayor over plans to restore fish habitat in the Eklutna River.