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.”

Mayor Dave Bronson speaks at a podium

Anchorage Mayor Bronson proposes leaner budget for 2024

Bronson’s proposed budget anticipates property tax bills will decrease by 4% on average. 
A woman sits at a desk speaking to two people featured on a screen behind the desk.

How to increase in-state food production | Alaska Insight

The disruption of the pandemic focused even more attention on a perennial concern for Alaska, our distance from major food suppliers. The future economic health of our state depends in part on having a more robust, local supply of food to reduce reliance on outside producers. In this episode of Alaska Insight, host Lori Townsend is joined by Glenna Gannon, an assistant professor of sustainable food systems with the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and Tikaan Galbreath, technical assistance network director with the Intertribal Agriculture Council, to discuss creating sustainable food systems in Alaska.

How Port Lions is increasing local food production

https://youtu.be/2mEWnN1uRKM A local food hub has spouted Port Lions on Kodiak Island, bringing with it increased food security. The archipelago is now home to six...
the capitol building

Congress passes spending stopgap, averting a shutdown hours before midnight deadline

The Senate voted 88-9 to approve a short-term spending bill to fund the government through Nov. 17. President Biden signed the bill into law shortly afterward.
The side of a police car, it reads "Police, Anchorage."

Former Anchorage police officer arrested on sexual assault charges

Scott Boneta, 33, resigned from the Anchorage Police Department on Thursday.
Fort Wainwright sign

2 soldiers dead, 12 hurt in military-vehicle rollover near Salcha

The two soldiers who died were among 17 in a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle that crashed Monday amid the region's first snowfall.

Staffing shortages at Alaska pharmacies continue after pandemic-related shakeup

The shortage has led to reduced hours at retail pharmacies and longer wait times to get prescriptions filled.
A woman with a red head band on stands by an abandoned fish wheel.

A young leader fights for Yukon River salmon, her community – and herself

Four years into the Yukon River salmon collapse, Mackenzie Englishoe is one of many young people on the river grappling with the way climate change is transforming their communities and culture.
U.S. Capitol dome

Dramatic day in U.S. House as members oust the speaker

An ominous murmur arose after the vote was announced, D.C. correspondent Liz Ruskin says.
inmates

Racial disparities persist in Alaska’s prisons

Alaska Natives make up 40% of the inmates in Alaska prisons, yet are only 14% of the state’s population.
a bear

Chonky and they know it: Voting starts in Fat Bear Week

Votes for the 12 Katmai National Park bears in this year's Fat Bear Week bracket are being taken until Oct. 10.
Man in suit at a microphone. name plate on desk says "Mr. Tommy P. Beaudreau"

Tommy Beaudreau, a Biden administration official who had Murkowski’s trust, resigns from Interior

Beaudreau grew up in Anchorage. "There was a certain amount of comfort, knowing that he knew our state," Sen. Murkowski says.
A man with a blak jacket gestures while sitting on a couch

State lawmaker Josiah Patkotak is poised to become the next North Slope Borough mayor

At 29 years old, he would become the region’s youngest mayor.
a seal

Environmental group plans lawsuit over 2 species of Arctic Alaska ice seals

The Center for Biological Diversity says the National Marine Fisheries Service has failed to create recovery plans for ringed and bearded seals.
close up of a police car, it reads "Emergency 911."

Anchorage police will start outfitting officers with body cameras in mid-November

The implementation of the cameras comes two-and-a-half years after Anchorage voters approved a $1.8 million tax increase to purchase the equipment.
Students in red jackets march and play instruments on a football field (Shiri Segal/Alaska Public Media)

‘The epitome of school spirit’: Alaska high schools embrace marching bands

Marching bands are a staple at high school and college football games across the Lower 48. In Alaska, though, only a few schools have them.
the Mendenhall River

Scammers posing as a local contractor are targeting Juneau flood victims

At least one Juneau resident has lost more than $50,000 after paying fraudulent bills sent by someone posing as a local contractor.
man standing at a microphone

Alaska’s U.S. senators pair help for Ukraine with border funds

Sending money overseas for Ukraine’s defense has become controversial among Republicans.
bears

This Fat Bear Week, take a look at the scientific reasons bears need to bulk up

Fat Bear Week's brown bears can lose one-third of their body weight over the course of hibernation, so they really need all the food they can get.

New AEDC president focused on making Anchorage more attractive to workers

Jenna Wright, the Anchorage Economic Development Corp.'s new head, says the city needs to become more desirable and affordable to workers.