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.”

(Creative Commons photo by Matt’ Johnson)

NTSB: Alaska lawmaker killed in midair crash did not have required medical certificate

The federal agency says Rep. Gary Knopp was denied a medical certificate in June 2012 because of vision problems. It released the information as part of its investigation into the fatal crash that killed Knopp and six others.
Unalaska's runway taken from the mountain above, with water on either side

Seattle entrepreneur and Unalaska businessman to start flight co-op between Unalaska and Anchorage

Two people are promoting a new idea that they say could help address the Unalaska's persistent travel problems: a flight co-op. The vision is a $10/month service that offers protection against delays and would aim to provide seats on charter flights for $600.
A green house with a blue sign on the wall as seen through a chain link fence

Alaska Natives and Pacific Islanders are harder hit by COVID-19 in Alaska. The reasons are complex.

Multi-generational housing, lack of proper plumbing in rural villages, and cultures where physical touch is valued have made Alaska Native and Pacific Islander groups more affected by COVID-19.
Mike Dunleavy speaks at a podium wearing a blue and black jacket and a face covering below his chin

Unemployed Alaskans won’t see $300 federal relief for more than a month

The state unemployment insurance program will pay workers an extra $300 per week, but it will take some time before workers receive the payments.

LISTEN: Study shows Alaska salmon are shrinking

The shrinking of chinook, sockeye, coho and chum salmon has a negative impact on the number of eggs fish lay, but smaller body sizes also mean fewer meals, fewer commercial fishing dollars and fewer nutrients transported into rivers every year.
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‘We will give you one heck of a fight’: Lawsuits filed against oil drilling plan for Alaska’s Arctic Refuge

The Gwich'in Steering Committee and more than a dozen environmental groups are suing the Trump administration over its controversial plan to open up a northern part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas development.

Corps says Pebble Mine would degrade aquatic environment; Pebble CEO says he can mitigate that

The Corps of Engineers hasn't killed Pebble. It's just imposed conditions that may be impossible to meet.
The floats of a plane jut out from the water surrounded by large rocks with green spruce covered mountains in theh background.

Documents: pilots had just seconds to see each other before fatal George Inlet crash

The crash in May of 2019 killed six people and injured ten more.
A man in a blue t-shirt and sunglasses. His t-shirt reads "Save America's Postal Service." Behind him are people wearing masks holding placards.

Young votes to protect Alaska’s bypass mail, but bill likely won’t go far

Alaska Congressman Don Young voted for a Democratic bill to prohibit changes to the U.S. Postal Service that would slow delivery.

Non-traditional employees in Alaska will miss out on extra $300 in federal benefits

State officials are counting on Congress to pass a bill that would include those workers and back pay them for the months that were missed.
The Student Union sign at the University of Alaska Anchorage .

UAA starts fall semester with nearly all classes online, fewer students in dorms

UAA Chancellor Cathy Sandeen made the decision back in May to hold most classes online this fall. She said it was an easy choice to make given how the coronavirus spreads.
Four white milk cartons with russian writing

‘Pulse’ of marine debris in Bering Straits likely coming from Russia

The trash included butane and penetrating oil.
America's Best Value Inn and Suites

Treasury lays out options for city to move forward with controversial property purchases

Uncertainty over the city’s controversial purchase of four properties for substance treatment and housing services seems to be at least partially resolved after the Berkowitz administration met with U.S. Department of Treasury officials this week.
Screenshot of Louis DeJoy with the insignia of the Postal Service behind him.

Postmaster general considers bringing budget axe down on Alaska’s Bypass Mail

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy says he’s considering cutting Alaska’s bypass mail program to save money.
three white quonset huts sit on a dirt road

Donlin Gold pushed back on textbook content. The Lower Kuskokwim School District removed it.

Teachers were working on curriculum for a fifth grade textbook about human impacts on the environment.
A white man gestures at a podium

Dunleavy administration makes changes to ease small business access to COVID-19 relief

The grants range in size from $5,000 to $100,000. Businesses with 50 or fewer employees are eligible.

COVID-19 cases grow at North Slope oil fields, Anchorage Pioneer Home, as state confirms 86 positives

State and oil company officials have confirmed 13 cases of COVID-19 between two different North Slope oil fields, as Alaska reported 86 new cases of the virus Thursday.
A photo of Stephen Duplantis

Conservative candidates won Alaskans’ votes Tuesday with big PFD promises. Now comes the hard part: delivering.

Conservative Alaska Republicans who fared well against incumbents in Tuesday's primary election focused their campaigns on large PFD payments -- not on the deep budget cuts that would almost certainly have to come with them, given Alaska’s precarious financial position.
A white church with a tall steeple and mirrored glass on the front surrounded by several trees

Anchorage has not moved to stop churches from meeting in defiance of virus order

The city says it hasn't received any formal complaints from the public.