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 woman in a "USA Rugby" jacket looks into the distance.

Alaskans shine at Olympics, including Eagle River’s Alev Kelter in rugby sevens bronze win

Kelter, a center, won a bronze medal Tuesday as Team USA defeated an Australian team as time ran out in the match.
children

Alaska officials echo federal push to promote healing after boarding schools report

Sen. Lisa Murkowski and state lawmakers have pushed for a Native-led documentation effort, saying the report underscores the need.

Gov. Dunleavy vetoes 5 bills passed after midnight on last day of legislative session

The bills passed after midnight cover a variety of subjects. Most would make simple but consequential changes to state law. 
An outdoor sign reads: James M. Fitzgerald United States Courthouse & Federal Buildling

Kindred’s former clerk claims she lost her Justice Department job after she complained of his misconduct

The U.S. Attorney's office didn't answer detailed questions from Bloomberg reporters but said the office was mindful of its employees' rights.
Petersburg elementary students

Lawmakers say they’re puzzled by Gov. Dunleavy’s veto of $5M for K-3 reading, a goal of his signature education bill

Lawmakers say the money was intended to achieve the goals of the 2022 Alaska Reads Act — a priority bill for Gov. Mike Dunleavy.
fishers

Cook Inlet setnetters turn to seining in effort to save east side fishery

Brian and Lisa Gabriel, along with the state, are piloting an experiment they hope will provide relief to one of Cook Inlet's oldest fisheries.
a child

Sun Rise Camp: A new day for children with incarcerated parents

Organizers say the Sun Rise Camp could be the first summer program in Alaska for kids with parents who are serving time in prison.
mountains

Arizona-based scientist developing geologic map of Southeast Alaska

The map could have applications from educating tourists to helping prospectors find gold and communities prepare for landslides.
airliners

Airlines could soon be banned from charging fees for seating families together

The Biden administration has sought to eliminate airline "junk fees," unexpected and obscured additional costs on travel tickets.
a rendering

Plans to build Juneau’s fifth cruise ship dock can move forward after appeal attempt fails

The Juneau Assembly has sided with a state ruling that the project can legally move forward, despite concerns raised by an activist.
beds

Alaska adds millions to address domestic violence and sexual assault; advocates say more is needed

Service providers say the state’s programs need significant investment to make inroads on reduction.
a walrus calf

Young walrus rescued in Utqiagvik admitted to Alaska SeaLife Center

Staff at the Seward-based center say the female calf was likely left on its own after a walrus herd passed through a beach area.
Akiak

Akiak residents hope month-long power outage will end this week

Residents say the outage has been catastrophic for many who have lost freezers full of subsistence foods.
sockeye salmon

Illegal fishing shuts down Bristol Bay’s Egegik fishery

Last weekend’s closure may have marked the first time a regulation allowing state closures was used in Bristol Bay.
a man

Anchorage officers cleared in Kristopher Handy killing, as police release body camera video

A state investigation released Wednesday "generally corroborated" officers' accounts of events leading up to Handy's May 13 shooting.
the Juneau Assembly

Juneau residents call for more accountability after deadly police shooting

Juneau police officials say they plan to release body camera footage of Steven Kissack's shooting after an investigation is completed.
a group of men

Hamas accuses Israel of killing its top political leader while he was in Tehran

Hamas called Ismail Haniyeh's death "a dangerous event" that would have repercussions across the region.
a judge behind a bench

Alaska Supreme Court positioned to be majority-women for first time

Seven attorneys have thrown their name in the ring for a judicial position in Alaska’s Supreme Court. All seven candidates are women.
a man with a blue tie

Alaska judge’s cases under review after discovery of sexualized relationships with prosecutors

Defense attorneys say former Judge Joshua Kindred’s secret relationships might’ve led to unfair rulings against their clients.
a heat pump

Southeast and Southcentral Alaska awarded $38M to launch heat pump rebate program

Homeowners will be eligible for rebates between $4,000 up to $8,500, depending on household income.