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.”

Blue and red police lights.

Anchorage police investigate weekend homicides that left 2 men dead

Police have arrested a 33-year-old man in one of the men’s deaths, and are still seeking a suspect in the other.

Disagreements over bipartisanship fuel five-way race for Eagle River state Senate seat

Sen. Kelly Merrick says she joined a 17-member bipartisan Senate majority to get things done. Opponents say she betrayed conservative voters.
a tracker

Alaska elections officials plan to debut new ballot-tracking system with Aug. 20 primary

The system will allow the Division of Elections to track packages of ballots as they return to Juneau from remote locations.
flooding

Bering Sea storm brings erosion and flooding to Western Alaska communities

Some residents report that the flooding is worse than Typhoon Merbok, and that it rivals this year’s historic breakup floods on the Kuskokwim.

More than 100 people gather in downtown Anchorage for vigil honoring teenager killed by police

Easter Leafa, 16, recently moved to Alaska from American Samoa and was set to start her junior year of high school this week before she was killed.
A couple holding an "Alaskan jalapeno popper"

For this local food stand, the Alaska State Fair is a whole lot of work and a massive opportunity

For many, the Alaska State Fair is a time to relax and have fun. But for this couple, it’s also a massive opportunity.
A police car marked as Anchorage Police.

Anchorage man fired shotgun at homeless people from pickup, police say

Andres Corona, 39, made disparaging comments about people who are homeless as he was being booked in jail, prosecutors say.
a mountain

In America’s largest state House district, 6 people vie for a seat in the Alaska Legislature

The contest for Interior Alaska’s House District 36 has more candidates than any other legislative race this year.
a person wearing gloves

COVID is on the rise this summer. Here’s why and what else you should know.

There is a worldwide COVID-19 wave this summer, and a new vaccine coming in September.
a small sign that says "blockbuster" is perched atop a blue box. a man with glasses is smiling behind it with a house in the far background

Here’s an entirely new (but also very old) way of discovering your next favorite movie

Filmmaker Matt Jardin recently launched Alaska’s first Free Blockbuster box. It’s part of a national movement that braids together nostalgia and community.

Anchorage Mayor LaFrance announces changes to police department after officer kills teenager

“We cannot take back the pain associated with this loss, but we can do everything in our power to make sure this doesn’t happen again in Anchorage,” Mayor LaFrance said in a statement.
a body camera image

2 Soldotna troopers charged with assault over May arrest in Kenai

Joseph Miller Jr. and Jason Woodruff are each charged with fourth-degree assault. Both have served as troopers for more than a decade.
A car parked near trees.

Fairbanks hotel worker used key to enter woman’s room and rape her, troopers say

Troopers say La Quinta Inn employee Tristen Tinker, 21, was on parole in a 2022 stabbing when he was arrested in the Saturday assault.
a building

Alaska mental-health provider Akeela sued over delayed data breach warning

According to a former patient's class-action lawsuit, Akeela waited over a year before informing patients of the breach in July.
the Kuskokwim River

Man accused of boat-theft spree along lower Kuskokwim River

Troopers say 20-year-old Joshua Jackson stole boats in Kwethluk, Akiachak, Tuluksak and Lower Kalskag starting in June.
a sign

Survey of Alaska youth reveals more mental health problems, but also some positive trends

The latest Youth Risk Behavior Survey found more anxiety and suicidal thoughts than earlier surveys, but also less alcohol and tobacco use.
a ship

Coast Guard confirms new icebreaker will be homeported in Juneau

Plans to dock an icebreaker in the capital city have been discussed for a few years, but previous funding attempts were removed from federal legislation. 
a grainy video still of a shirtless man holding a shotgun stepping off a curb

Family of man killed by Anchorage police files wrongful death lawsuit

“There appears to be a real failure to train these officers on when to use deadly force,” an attorney for Kristopher Handy’s family says.
A police car

Anchorage police fatally shoot teen girl who they say was holding a knife

APD Chief Sean Case said the 16-year-old approached officers holding a knife late Tuesday night, calling her death "tragic."
outside a costco store

Costco says it’s going to start cracking down on membership sharing

The retail giant says shoppers will soon have to start scanning their membership cards at the entrances to Costco warehouses.