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 voting station

Alaska records show no evidence of widespread noncitizen voting or registration

Donald Trump, as well as in-state Republicans, have falsely claimed that noncitizens are voting in large numbers.
A car parked near trees.

Hooper Bay man arrested, charged with murder in 2 women’s deaths

Troopers say Shaquille Carawan, 20, was arrested Saturday in the deaths of 18-year-olds Novely Rivers and Abigail Olson.
A narrow lake among snow-capped mountains

On Eklutna River restoration, governor’s decision leaves door open for more ambitious idea

Anchorage Assembly Chair Chris Constant says he’s cautiously optimistic about the decision, and applauded the governor’s thoughtful approach.

For the second time, Anchorage Assembly rejects paying legal settlement to Bronson’s ousted municipal manager

Amy Demboski sued the city, alleging she was fired in retaliation for bringing up concerns of illegal and unethical activities to former Mayor Bronson.
an opioid overdose kit

Overdose deaths jumped in Alaska last year, even as they declined nationally

The state is seeing high rates of overdose and more fentanyl cut with xylazine, a dangerous animal tranquilizer.

Many Alaska voters say they want parties to work together. What do they mean?

Politicians in Alaska have a long history of working across party lines. How they talk about that cooperation seems to matter.
a street

Police kill black bear in downtown Ketchikan

Police say an officer first shot a cub with a beanbag round early Thursday, then shot and killed a sow when it became aggressive.
a building

Ten Commandments, ‘historical documents’ to be displayed outside Mat-Su Borough Assembly chambers

Borough staff will also research whether to place similar displays in public libraries.
a port

Port strikes end with deal on wages, averting economic disaster

The International Longshoremen's Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance have agreed to a 62% wage increase over six years.
a grizzly bear

Fat Bear Week returns to Katmai National Park

Katmai National Park and Preserve’s annual celebration of brown bears gearing up for hibernation kicked off Wednesday morning.
a plane crash

Fatal plane crash in St. Mary’s happened during highly variable visibility, NTSB says

Investigators say another Yute Commuter Service plane turned back from a landing in St. Mary's shortly before the Sept. 15 crash.
a protest

Alaska legislative panel bans large signs in the state Capitol after education protest

Signs will be limited to 11 inches by 17 inches and can’t be attached to posts or sticks, according to a new visitor policy.
a flyer with two women's photos in hearts on it

Troopers investigating 2 potential homicides in Hooper Bay

Two 18-year-old women were found dead in a residence in the coastal village on Wednesday.

Mayor LaFrance highlights winter shelter plan and snow plowing in proposed budget

The proposed budget is roughly $645 million, about $20 million more than last year’s. LaFrance said it’s about $200,000 under the tax cap.
a spreadsheet

Alaska Corrections contractor denies ACLU claim of ‘massive’ prisoner health data breach

The American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska says health data for 74 state prisoners was posted on a publicly visible training website.
People stand in line, inside, where a sign reads: Permanent Fund Dividend.

Here’s how 3 Alaskans are spending their PFD

The dividend landed in bank accounts across the state Oct. 3. The total amount includes a normal dividend of $1,403.83 plus a $298.17 energy relief payment.
a ship

Russian, Chinese vessels spotted in Bering Sea, showing ‘increased interest in the Arctic’

Four Russian Border Guard and Chinese Coast Guard ships were spotted Saturday about 440 miles southwest of St. Lawrence Island.
a refuge

Hilcorp again eyes Interior Alaska for oil exploration

Oil and gas company Hilcorp appears to be moving toward new oil and gas exploration work in Alaska’s Interior.
a man with a blue tie

Alaska judge’s sexualized relationship with prosecutor leads to new trial for cyberstalking defendant

Questions remain around whether former Judge Joshua Kindred’s inappropriate relationships with prosecutors affected his impartiality.
police vehicles

No charges against Anchorage officers who wounded man in exchange of gunfire

The decision by state prosecutors clears Officers Brandon Stack and Jacob Jones in the July 8 shooting of Damien Dollison, 52.