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.”

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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.
An aerial view of green farmland with a mountainous backdrop.

Palmer pilot who flew with revoked credentials claimed to be ‘free citizen,’ feds say

Prosecutors say William Marsan argued that he is a "free citizen" so he did not need a pilot's license.
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Alaska demographers predict population drop, a switch from prior forecasts

Alaska’s population is set to significantly decline by 2050, according to a new forecast from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
a group of people with signs

‘Devastated and angry’: Protestors call for change in the wake of deadly Juneau police shooting

Steven Kissack had been living on the streets downtown for years when law enforcement shot and killed him during a confrontation on July 15. 

Peltola declines to endorse Kamala Harris, won’t say who she’ll vote for

Congresswoman Mary Peltola, a Democrat, said Tuesday morning she's "keeping an open mind." She later said she wouldn't vote for Trump.
A woman in a grey sweater and short reddish hair gestures in front of a white man at a desk

Former Permanent Fund CEO files to run for Juneau mayor

Angela Rodell is facing current Mayor Beth Weldon in the Oct. 1 election. At least 13 other candidates filed to run for assembly and school board.
A stone sign in the middle of a lawn reads "James M. Fitzgerald United States Courthouse & Federal Building." In front of the sign are pink, yellow and orange flowers.

Anchorage doctor and husband indicted on federal health care fraud and tax evasion charges

Anchorage rheumatologist Claribel Tan allegedly deceived patients about the drugs being injected into their bodies.
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Secret Service director resigns in the wake of Trump assassination attempt

U.S. Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle has resigned from her job, according to a statement released by the White House.
A helicopter in the sky

Coast Guard calls off search for missing Juneau-Yakutat plane with 3 aboard

A Haines man and a couple flying from Juneau to Yakutat are missing after their plane never arrived at its destination.
Nick Begich

Some Alaska Republican candidates pledge to withdraw if they aren’t atop GOP votes in primary

The pledges are a way to circumvent ranked choice voting and put forward a single GOP candidate in elections, according to one supporter.
An image of President Biden in front of microphones

6 political takeaways from Biden’s decision to step aside

President Biden is passing the torch to Vice President Harris, which changes the narrative of the race against former President Donald Trump.

Alaska Democratic Party endorses Kamala Harris after Biden steps aside

Party officials met Sunday evening and coalesced behind Harris, according to a news release from the Alaska Democratic Party.
A orange and white helicopter flies in front of a mountain

A Yakutat-bound charter flight is missing after leaving Juneau on Saturday

There were three people on board the Beechcraft Bonanza when it departed Juneau.
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Ranked-choice repeal measure awaits signature count after Alaska judge’s ruling

The Alaska Division of Elections must recount signatures after a judge disqualified almost 3,000 names, citing violations of state law.
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris

Leading Alaska Democrats support Kamala Harris to replace Biden on ticket

Alaska Democrats quickly backed President Biden's choice not to seek reelection as well as his endorsed successor, Vice President Kamala Harris.
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Searches underway for 2 missing men on Chena and Yukon rivers

Elia Ansaknok was reported missing on the Chena River in downtown Fairbanks Friday, with Robert Peter reported overdue to Fort Yukon Saturday.
a judicial hearing

9th Circuit hears appeals in Southeast Alaska king salmon troll fishery lawsuit

Three federal judges heard arguments Thursday for and against a lower court ruling that threatened to halt Southeast Alaska’s king salmon troll fishery.
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King Cove man charged with killing parents in Anchorage house fire

Joshua Gould, 46, is charged with murder and arson in the February deaths of James and Kathryn Gould.
two people on stage with their arms in the air

Kamala Harris pledges to ‘earn and win’ the nomination after Biden’s endorsement

Vice President Kamala Harris said she wants to unite the Democratic Party.