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 glass vial with a clear liquid sitting on top of a cardboard box that says etesevimab injection

What you need to know about accessing COVID treatments in Alaska

There are a wide range of factors that could qualify you for one of four COVID treatments currently available.
A group of people pose with an approved bill.

Alaska will formally recognize Native tribes, likely negating planned ballot measure

Gov. Mike Dunleavy will sign a tribal-recognition bill next week, the Alaska Federation of Natives said on Thursday.

Amid turmoil, international Inuit group gathers online to promote protecting Arctic

The Inuit Circumpolar Council, meeting virtually for its quadrennial assembly, celebrated achievements made despite unusual challenges.
Exterior: salmon hanging up to dry

‘We don’t want more food stamps, we just want our way of life’: Low chum numbers disrupt Yukon River residents’ lifestyles

As the Yukon River begins to switch over to fall management, fishermen along the river say that they’re having to rely increasingly on expensive store goods and food stamps to meet their caloric needs.

Tale of two salmon fisheries: Bristol Bay breaks record, but Yukon River collapses

The booming Bristol Bay salmon run has broken the record set just last year, while on the Yukon River, Chinook are too scarce to harvest.
The seal of the state of alaska as seen from below

Alaska Supreme Court tosses highest-ever sentence for vehicular homicide, in case of drunk driver who killed teens in 2013

In August of 2013, Stacey Graham, 40, swerved off a South Anchorage road, striking and killing Jordyn Durr and Brooke McPheters, both 15, as they were walking on a sidewalk next to the road.
A man works on building a Sugpiaq Alutiiq Kayak and includes historical image of kayak

How kayaks (qayaqs) are rejuvenating Alaskan Sugpiaq culture | INDIE ALASKA

Jonathon Sawden normally works in HR, but sees an importance to tell the world that his people, the Sugpiaq (Sookh-pee-ahk) and other Native peoples are still here. Here, Jonathon and another young apprentice artist are working together with a Master Kayak builder to learn the techniques to build traditional boats and be the next generation to keep the craft and culture alive.
two people voting

Two Alaska governor candidates report big Outside donations. Another had more small in-state gifts

The amount of cash individuals can give to campaigns is unlimited this year, after an appeals court tossed out the relatively strict limits Alaska used to have.

Evidence of invasive crab that could wreak havoc on Alaska fisheries found near Metlakatla

The crustaceans uproot eelgrass beds in search of food, which serve as habitat for herring and salmon.

Skagway’s busiest cruise ship dock at risk of catastrophic rockslide, study says

A new report compiled by geotechnical engineers shows that Skagway’s busiest cruise ship dock is at significant risk for rockslides impacting the dock, moored ships, cruise ship passengers and workers.

From frozen pizzas to toilet paper, Alaska stores deal with erratic shortages

On the Kenai Peninsula, many grocers agree that it’s hard to predict which items will be unavailable during any given week.
a plane drops water on a wildfire that tops trees

Alaska is experiencing wildfires like it’s never seen before

Already more than 530 wildfires have burned an area the size of Connecticut and the usual worst of the fire season lays ahead.
a helicopter in front of mountains

‘I had to get out of there’: Fairbanks man’s remote rafting trip turns into wilderness COVID ordeal

David Hamilton, 77, emphasized the value of his $125 per year medevac insurance.
Exterior: Set-net fishers pull a net from the water

Cook Inlet fishermen sue over set-net closures

The set-netters were shut down early this year for the fourth year in a row.
Interior: Two people discuss a list of chest compression techniques.

Village public safety officers get opioid response training in Juneau as statewide overdose rates climb

Alaska has the fastest rising opioid overdose rate in the nation. More than 200 Alaskans died from overdoses in the last year.
A microscope image of gray oval shapes

No cases of monkeypox in Alaska yet, but health officials are readying for the disease’s arrival

“We're expecting our first case any day now,” said Alaska state epidemiologist Dr. Joe McLaughlin.
a tree falls onto powerlines

Interior windstorm starts fires and briefly knocks out 911 service

Several area fire departments responded to fires that started when trees pulled down power lines.

State says Alaska homeschooling families can use public funds for some private school classes, but not full tuition

Deputy Attorney General Cori Mills said the goal of student funding allotments is to supplement public education, not to replace it with private school.
Dave Bronson speaks with the media

Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson reflects on first year in office, homelessness and testy relationship with Assembly

Alaska Public Media’s Wesley Early spoke with Bronson last week about his first year in public office, and his future goals for addressing homelessness and navigating a stark divide with the local Assembly. 

Anchorage floatplane crash sends 6 to hospital, including 2 seriously injured

The de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver's passengers were visitors from the Lower 48 flying with Regal Air, which offers flights to Katmai, famous for its bear viewing.