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 floatplane tied in the water

Bill mandating end to use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams becomes law in Alaska

The new law requires a switch to PFAS-free foams by Jan. 1 and sets up a system to help rural villages get rid of them.
pins

Ranked choice voting repeal effort survived legal challenges, qualifies for the ballot in November

Officials with the state’s Division of Elections confirmed the repeal effort gathered enough signatures in the requisite number of districts.
woman in striped jacket

Peltola votes with GOP to criticize Kamala Harris for border security

Alaska's congresswoman was among 6 Democrats voting for the non-binding measure. Harris isn't in charge of border security.
a parking lot

No charges against 3 Anchorage officers in fatal shooting of man who drew gun on them

State prosecutors say the officers' body cameras confirmed that Tyler May aimed a pistol at them before they shot him on June 3.
a smiling girl

For Anchorage teens in search of summer work, odd jobs are a profitable niche

A Facebook group called Alaska Teens for Hire is a hub for 13 to 19 year olds looking for work and adults who have an odd job to offer.
a rocket

Rocket suffers ‘irrecoverable damage’ in fire at Kodiak spaceport

Friday's fire is the second Kodiak mishap for ABL Space Systems, after a rocket crash-landed when it was launched last year.
a statue

New Juneau statue remembers ‘Titanic of the Pacific’s’ mythical sole survivor

A statue of Tommy the dog now stands in Juneau's Tee Harbor, near where he reportedly swam to shore after the 1918 sinking of the SS Princess Sophia.
A car parked near trees.

Man missing on Yukon River for 5 days found safe

Troopers say Robert Peter was found Wednesday along the river near Beaver, after he was reported overdue to Fort Yukon Saturday.
Gabrielle LeDoux

Former Alaska legislator’s voter misconduct trial postponed, again

The trial has been rescheduled at least four times since Gabrielle LeDoux and two associates were accused of voter misconduct in 2020.
Joe Biden

4 takeaways from President Biden’s Oval Office address

In his first public remarks after exiting the race for president, Biden focused on his goals for his final months in office and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
Fort Wainwright

Woman charged with murder, DUI after SUV strikes soldier at Fort Wainwright gate

Charges say Brianna Lapp, 31, was nearly four times over Alaska's legal limit for alcohol Monday after she struck and killed Pfc. Arturo Gomez, 29.
a woman in an orange scarf

Permanent Fund Corp. board member resigns after email controversy

In May, a series of leaked emails suggested some corporation employees felt pressured by investment suggestions offered by Ellie Rubenstein.
A man wearing glasses and a blazer stands for a portrait photo.

Anchorage’s new administration officer cites staffing shortages as major challenge to city services

Anchorage Chief Administrative Officer Bill Falsey called a report by the outgoing administration a "candid and sobering look" at the city.
Cow parsnip plants.

Now at peak growth, Alaska’s cow parsnip can cause serious skin burns when activated by the sun

The sap contains what are called furocoumarins that are sensitive to ultraviolet light and can cause painful blisters and rashes.
A woman in a blue blazer and pink shirt gives a tour on a board walk

A new 300-acre park near Potter Marsh aims to preserve crucial wetlands

The new park also means more places for hiking and cross-country skiing in Anchorage.
a window that says Anchorage Police Department Anchorage Alaska

Anchorage police now have a 45-day deadline to release certain body camera footage

The policy does not include an appeals process if the chief declines to release recordings, which the Anchorage Assembly had asked for.
a map

United Airlines flights make emergency landings in Ketchikan

One flight was diverted to Ketchikan Saturday due to a man with chest pains, hours before a second plane needed more oxygen for its flight.
fishing boats

The Supreme Court’s ‘Chevron deference’ decision casts a wide net

The decision, which came after a legal battle over who should pay for bycatch monitors on trawl boats, may affect all federally regulated industries.
a man

Olympic officials try to crush U.S. probes of China doping, threaten Salt Lake Games

Olympic officials threatened to block Salt Lake City's bid to host the 2034 Games if U.S. criticism of the World Anti-Doping Agency persists.
a woman sits at a desk

National Republican group fights for Alaska’s House seat with attack ads targeting Mary Peltola

Congresswoman Peltola said Alaskans will “see through that baloney” and affirms that her campaign will be friendly.