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.”

Official Hears Testimony on Oil Spill Response Capabilities in Arctic Ocean

Photo and Story by Annie Feidt, APRN – Anchorage The new director of the agency that replaced the Minerals Management Service made his first...
a man surrounded by cameras and phones

After a month of deadlock, Bryce Edgmon selected as state House speaker

The Alaska House has a new speaker and can officially begin its work.
Waves roaring on a Kotzebue beach.

Weather service officials say worst of heavy Bering Sea winds have passed

After a massive storm brought storm surge and flooding across hundreds of miles of Western Alaska coastline, officials with the National Weather Service say they expect the worst of the wind has passed. 

Bethel Man Recovering From Gunshot Wound After Altercation With Police

A 31-year-old Bethel man is recovering after being shot by a police officer during an altercation Friday. The man, Aaron Moses, was stabilized in Bethel and medevaced to Anchorage. One officer was also treated for minor injuries. Download Audio

As fifth bear is shot at Anchorage’s Centennial Campground this month, Fish and Game raises alarm

“The location of Centennial Campground, and having a lot of people experiencing homelessness in that campground, it’s right next to a never ending supply of bears,” Fish and Game biologist Dave Battle said.

COVID testing requirements will return to Alaska Capitol amid recent surge

The updated policy requires those who work in the Capitol to be tested every four days and to isolate if they test positive.

Zorro expected to make full recovery

The veterinarian treating Lance Mackey's sled dog Zorro says he will make a full recovery from injuries suffered when he was hit by a...

These tribal activists want Biden to stop a planned lithium mine on their sacred land

In Nevada, tribal opposition to a proposed lithium mine is testing the White House's pledge to electrify America's transportation system and give more of a voice to Indigenous people in federal lands.
Boots charred at the bottom.

Before flight’s emergency landing in Bethel, boots melted and the cabin filled with smoke

“The pilot handed my granddaughter the fire extinguisher, and she didn’t know what to do with it," recounted one of the passengers.
A narrow road cuts through valleys and mountains.

Landslide forces Denali National Park to close road near halfway point

Climate change “has taken what was previously a problem solved by maintenance staff performing road repairs and made a challenge too difficult to overcome with short-term solutions,” said park officials.

FDA OK’s engineered salmon; lawmakers seek mandatory labels

It’s the announcement the Alaskan salmon industry has long feared: The FDA approved an application for genetically engineered salmon, declaring the product as safe to eat as natural salmon. Critics, including Alaska’s congressional delegation, are considering their next steps. Download Audio

Motor fuel tax would triple under bill, but remain below national average

Lawmakers are considering tripling the state’s motor fuels tax over the next two years. A bill would raise the tax from a national low of 8 cents per gallon to 16 cents in July, then 24 cents per gallon in July 2018. Listen now
A woman in a green jacket and a blue and white shoulder bag knocks at a door

Alaska is the only state to see a decline in median income in 5-year census survey

It was also the only state to see poverty levels stay about the same — all other states saw declines.

A King’s march to the mighty Yukon River

The first dog team in this year’s Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race has reached the midway point of of Ruby on the Yukon River, 495 miles along the Iditarod trail. Jeff King’s team was not only the first team to arrive, but is the only team to travel this far without taking 24 hours rest. Download Audio
Two men push a giant pumpkin on a forklift.

It’s not a record but Dale Marshall shows why he’s the undisputed giant of Alaska’s pumpkin patch

Dale Marshall of Anchorage rolled up at the Alaska State Fair pumpkin weigh-in with two colossal gourds on a flatbed.
cruise ships on the water

Facing busier tourist seasons, Wrangell is buying high-end port-a-potties off eBay

Wrangell’s only downtown public restroom is a small brown building with just two toilets.
A tundra landscape half covered in ice

Trump administration to auction oil drilling rights in all federal lands of ANWR coastal plain

The Bureau of Land Management says, however, it could withdraw some tracts from leasing after its 30-day comment period ends Dec. 17.
a person shopping

3 ways to protect your money if the U.S. defaults on its debt

From social security payments to interest rates, a lot hinges on a debt-ceiling deal. Personal finance experts say you should prepare for a possible debt default as you would a recession.

Computer Glitch Means $2 Million in Anchorage OT

An overlooked computer glitch  in Anchorage is being blamed for about $2 million worth of overtime paid in error to city employees. Ellen Lockyer,...
flowers

Kodiak resident dies in hit-and-run during Saturday’s tsunami evacuation

Kodiak police say they've spoken with the driver who struck and killed the 45-year-old woman. No charges have yet been filed.