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 murderer

Brian Smith sentenced to 226 years for killing 2 Alaska Native women

The courtroom was packed for Friday's sentencing of a man who had bragged to police about killing two Alaska Native women.
A Latino man with tattoos on his arms hands food to a customer.

After serving time, this cook now serves the night owls of Anchorage | INDIE ALASKA

Ricky Vazquez is a proud Puerto Rican who rarely slows down. After spending almost a decade in incarcerated, he doesn't like to get bored. These days he prefers the adrenaline of the busy Saturday night rush at one of Anchorage's most beloved historic taverns.
a landslide

Downtown Juneau apartment building evacuated following landslide

No injuries or major damage to the building has been reported, but city officials say more slides are likely amid heavy rain.
A giant snowy mountain

Flightseeing plane makes emergency landing on Denali National Park glacier

None of the nine people on board the K2 Aviation plane were injured in Friday's Tokositna Glacier landing, with helicopters flying them to Talkeetna.
The front of a building with a line of street lights lead to a building. The sign above the entrance reads "Federal Building US Courthouse."

Former Houston treasurer sentenced in federal embezzlement case

Jess Adams received a 30-month prison sentence for embezzling from the city of Houston and a Wasilla-based company, then dodging taxes.
Donald Trump

Federal judge dismisses Trump classified-documents case

Aileen Cannon cited the manner in which a special counsel was appointed to investigate Donald Trump's handling of classified documents.
portraits of three people

Alaska political leaders condemn attack on Trump

A bullet grazed the former president's ear during an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
a photo of a man and woman holding gold balloons

The man killed in the assassination attempt on Trump died shielding his family

Corey Comperatore, 50, lived in Sarver, Pa., and was the father of two daughters.
the president behind a desk

Biden calls for unity following Trump assassination attempt

Biden called to "lower the temperature" in politics in remarks Sunday.

Biden administration starts process to add or change ‘special area’ restrictions in the NPR-A

The BLM seeks public views on whether to add to the "special areas" of the reserve, where oil and gas development is restricted.
A man in a red shirt.

After a spree of Anchorage police shootings, advocates call for a citizen review board

The board would be staffed by professional investigators who would be guided by a board made up of Anchorage residents, aimed at holding the Anchorage Police Department accountable.
a person holds a dog

Rabies could become a disease of the past. Here’s what it would take.

Asia and Africa — where 95% of rabies cases happen — have two obstacles to progress.
a homeless shelter

As Ketchikan’s main homeless shelter closed, participants voiced frustration

First City Homeless Services served its last meal on June 14, leaving a void for the hundreds who relied on it.
a business

Two members of a Washington family sentenced for selling fake Alaska Native art in Ketchikan

Prosecutors say the two were part of a scheme to pass off fake stone carvings and wood totem poles as traditional art made by local Tlingít and Haida artisans.
Mike Dunleavy

Goals for new Alaska crime law range from harsher penalties for drug dealers to reducing recidivism

Some celebrate major progress on the state’s thorniest crime issues while others criticize the methods.

All Alaska Carrs stores targeted for sale in Kroger-Albertsons merger plan

The stores set to be sold include all 11 Carrs locations in Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer and Wasilla.
a composite sketch

Alaska prosecutors release photos of possible third victim in sentencing for convicted killer Brian Smith

Prosecutors released images of the woman, allegedly found on Smith's cellphone, in court documents before his sentencing begins Friday.
Two kids rides bicycles

New East Anchorage mountain bike trails open after 2 dads advocated for them for years

Steve Cleary and Carl Battreall said they wanted a place on the east side of town where kids could learn to mountain bike.
frozen fish fillets

Alaska seafood marketers get $5M from feds after losing state funds

The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute says part of the money will help it increase the state industry’s involvement in pet food products.
scientists

A 3D reconstruction of the woolly mammoth genome might help revive the extinct species

A skin sample from a 52,000-year-old woolly mammoth offers new insights into what made the animals tick — and could help de-extinction efforts.