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.”

Exxon Valdez case hits U.S. Supreme Court this month

The next few weeks will determine whether the long-running legal fight over punitive damages from the Exxon Valdez oil spill will come to an...

Walrus hauling out on Barrow beaches, apparently waiting for sea ice

Many residents in Barrow are getting an up-close look at an unusual sight in the area -- walrus coming ashore to haul out and...

Stevens hears coastal erosion testimony; grills federal agencies on funding

Senator Ted Stevens held a field hearing in Anchorage this morning to address the problem of erosion threatening western Alaska villages. Residents spoke of...

Truthfulness of oil company tax ads under scrutiny

The rhetoric is heating up on both sides of the oil tax debate with exactly one week until the start of the state legislature's...

Don Young's first Republican competitor: Gabrielle LeDoux

Kodiak's two-term state representative Gabrielle LeDoux has become the first Republican to file a primary race challenge to U.S. Representative Don Young. In announcing...

Berkowitz running for 2008 U.S. House seat

Democrat Ethan Berkowitz today added his name to the list of candidates running for the U.S. House of Representatives in next year's Democratic Primary. Dave...

Could polar bears be saved using ANWR lands?

A long-time foe of oil drilling on the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) has thrown a new argument into the...

Kohring re-arraigned on conspiracy, bribery and extortion charges

Former state legislator Vic Kohring was back in court this afternoon, this time to face new allegations that he had been conspiring with VECO...

Two more missile interceptors headed to Alaska launch site

The Missile Defense Agency expects to install two additional interceptors at Ft. Greely by the end of the year. The facility currently houses 20...

Does Alaska Air buyout of Hawaiian Vacations create illegal monopoly?

The Alaska Public Interest Research Group (AKPIRG) is asking Alaska's Attorney General to investigate the recent acquisition of Hawaiian Vacations by Alaska Airlines. AKPIRG...

Legislators want alternative to oil tax alternatives

Legislators see two competing oil tax methods open for debate during the special session next week -- the net profits-based system and the gross...

Katmai bear hunt gathering controversy

Bear viewing enthusiasts are upset by bear hunting in the Katmai preserve. Even supporters of hunting in general say they didn't object to the...

50-year-old recordings surface in new Dena'ina CD

A newly published book and audio CD that documents rare Yupik and Athabascan dialect and songs has been given to the people of Nondalton...

Rebuffed Shell tries to find future in Alaska

Shell Oil returned to Alaska a few years ago enthusiastic about the potential for finding and developing offshore oil and natural gas reserves. But...

SeaLife Center rescues ribbon seal from… Wasilla

Photo by Tim Lebling, Alaska SeaLife Center The Alaska SeaLife Center is taking care of its first Ribbon Seal. The 220-pound female was rescued yesterday...

August 16 float plane crash claims final victim

A three-year-old Oregon girl who survived a float plane crash near Ketchikan two months ago died yesterday at Seattle's Harborview Medical Center. Allison Smith...

Former legislator Vic Kohring hit with revised corruption indictment

The federal government has released new details in their case against former state legislator Vic Kohring. Prosecutors have filed a new indictment against Kohring...

Senate committee debates international 'Law of the Sea' treaty

The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee gave critics a chance to air their concerns about the Law of the Sea Treaty today. In testimony...

State legislators rejecting Governor's — or anyone's — oil tax proposals

Legislators don't anticipate a final resolution to the tax issues the Governor wants them to consider in a special session later this month. With...

Kott seeks retrial

The attorney for convicted felon Pete Kott is asking for a retrial. The former legislator was found guilty on counts of conspiracy, extortion and...