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.”

Bert Stedman

Alaska House prepares to block legislators’ pay increase, but top senators say they’re uninterested

In the Alaska Capitol, committee chairs can exert an enormous amount of power, as demonstrated by the "Bert Locker."
an IRS Form 1040

These are the states with the highest and lowest tax burdens, a report says

Alaska leads a WalletHub list of states with the nation's lowest overall tax burdens, at 5.05% of personal income.
people talk to staffers in windows at the PFD office

Reminder, Alaska: PFD applications are due Friday

The state’s online PFD application will be available until 11:59 p.m. on Friday.
shoppers in line

Alaska lawmakers pitch ways to close gaping budget gap from state sales tax to cutting oil tax credits

A revenue forecast released last week estimated the state has a shortfall of more than $450 million heading into the next fiscal year that starts July 1.
the National Tsunami Warning Center

Alaska’s annual tsunami warning test failed for some communities

Wednesday was the annual test of Alaska’s tsunami warning system — but Homer, Kenai, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Sitka and Unalaska didn't hear it at all.
a man in a red tie and suit jacket

5 key takeaways from the Trump indictment news

Former President Donald Trump has been indicted by a New York grand jury. District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office said it has contacted Trump's attorney "to coordinate his surrender" for arraignment.
A person in drag stands on stage raising their hands

Haines residents split over planned Juneau Drag performance at the Southeast Alaska State Fair

What started as an online ripple became a wave of public comments at the last borough assembly meeting in Haines.
Four young adults sit in chairs on stage.

Young leaders from Alaska, Canada and Greenland stress need for cultural preservation and climate adaptation

The panelists spoke at the three-day Arctic Encounter conference in downtown Anchorage that brought together leaders and organizations from around the circumpolar north.
a line of books

There’s a new Gwich’in alphabet book and it’s available for free

It's part of a long-term community-led project of language revitalization.
man standing at a microphone

With the Trump charges still sealed, Sullivan denounces prosecution as unjust

Sen. Sullivan's castigation of the decision to charge the former president contrasts with the neutral positions taken by the rest of the Alaska delegation.
A mirrored building.

Contractor sues Anchorage for unpaid work on shelter

The acting municipal attorney previously said that if the contractor sued, the city would lose.
Outside of the Alaska State Capitol

An update on Alaska’s legislative session

As with many recent sessions, discussions largely center on the state’s finances, while a number of social issues have come up as well.
the Anchorage Animal Care and Control Center

Anchorage animal shelter suspends dog intakes, adoptions after viral outbreak

A wave of canine parvovirus infections has Anchorage Animal Care and Control staff working to examine animals currently in care and clean the facility.
stacks of food in a warehouse

State’s fix for Alaska’s food stamp backlog misses the mark, insiders say

“It’s very much a Band-Aid,” said Ron Meehan with the Food Bank of Alaska.
A woman sits at a news desk and talks to a man on Zoom.

State senators share their thoughts on Alaska’s 2024 budget | Alaska Insight

Alaska Insight host Lori Townsend is joined by Senate President Gary Stevens, and Sen. Bill Wielechowski to discuss how to address the state's fiscal crisis.

Crochet’s comeback: A Siberian Yupik’s modern twist | INDIE ALASKA

Meet Mek, a Siberian Yupik artist in Anchorage who is revolutionizing the world of fashion! Through an amazing talent for crochet, Mek has created some of the most stylish balaclavas, scarves, and crop tops with a modern twist.
medals

Alaska Natives rescued Navy crew in 1955. Their medals have arrived.

The 16 men were honored with Alaska Heroism Medals, recognizing their rescue of crew from a plane shot down by Soviet fighters 67 years ago.
Ed Sniffen

Sex abuse case against ex-Alaska attorney general thrown out

A judge dismissed a sex abuse case against former acting Alaska Attorney General Clyde “Ed” Sniffen, citing the statute of limitations at the time.
a police car and ambulence

Trump has arrived in New York for his arraignment. What’s next?

The former president will spend Monday night at Trump Tower before his surrender and arraignment on Tuesday, when the historic charges against him will be unsealed.
the Alaska State Capitol

Bill would add second-degree murder charges for drug dealers in Alaska overdose deaths

Family members of some who died from overdoses support stronger penalties, but civil liberty advocates say it could deter calls for help.