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.”

two men

Petersburg wolf trapper featured on hunting show ‘MeatEater’

A guide reluctantly showcased his talent for trapping wolves, along with his love and respect for them, on a popular hunting program.
the Supreme Court

Supreme Court upholds federal ban on guns for domestic abusers

The decision was the first major gun ruling since 2022 when the high court broke sharply with existing precedent on gun laws.
a group of people gather outside

Federal judge considers lawsuit that could decide Alaska tribes’ ability to put land into trust

The case could allow tribal governments, rather than Alaska Native corporations, to take authority over significant amounts of Alaska land.
the Red Dog Mine

Red Dog’s dwindling ore is forcing the entire region to consider its future

The mine — an economic engine in Northwest Alaska — could close as soon as 2031.
a power plant

Demolition of Fort Greely’s old nuclear plant to begin this year

More than 50 years after the plant was decommissioned, the building that housed the reactor is scheduled for demolition.
a man

High-ranking Alaska Air Force officer among 2 killed in Kenai Peninsula plane crash

Air Force Col. Mark “Tyson” Sletten, 46, and civilian instructor Paul Kondrat, 41, were found dead Thursday when their plane was retrieved from Crescent Lake.
a desk

Alaska faces consequences as federal education funding equity dispute continues

State officials offered the feds a $300,000 compromise instead of $17 million adjustment.

4 men have died in Alaska’s North Slope oil fields in just over a year

Before the recent string of workplace fatalities, there had not been a death in the area since 2018.
a sunrise

Summer officially arrives with the earliest solstice in more than 2 centuries

The summer solstice — the exact moment when Earth’s north pole is most tilted towards the sun — happens at 12:51 p.m. Alaska time Thursday.
a home

Woman found dead in an Anchorage home after police standoff

Police say both the woman and an officer fired their guns. Her death is under investigation.
A crescent-shaped lake in the mountains on the Kenai Peninsula.

2 men presumed dead after Kenai Peninsula plane crash

Two hikers witnessed the small plane crash into Crescent Lake, troopers say.
the outside of a multi-story building at night.

New Alaska water quality rules are coming. Here’s what that could mean for wastewater systems.

Some difficult-to-treat compounds could present costly challenges, said the head of Alaska's largest water system.
three men pose for a selfie in front of snow mountains

Japanese climbers finish a never-before completed Denali expedition, thanks to help from Alaskans

After their gear was stolen, three Japanese climbers thought their trip to Denali was ruined. Then Alaskans offered help.
A sign in a grassy field reads "Vote here today."

Justice Department says Alaska is discriminating against voters with disabilities

Muddy parking lots, ramps that don't meet the ground, inoperable voting machines — and that's in the cities, Justice Department says.
The glass door to the entrance of the PFD office. In black lettering is "PFD State of Alaska, Lobby hours Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m."

Woman with 5 kids accused of 24 fraudulent Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend filings

Prosecutors say Otaota Mokoma, 35, received more than $25,000 in fraudulent dividends from the state from 2018 through 2020.
Beth Weldon

Juneau’s mayor runs for reelection after husband’s death

Beth Weldon says her husband Greg’s death in an April motorcycle crash gave her doubts, but she thinks he would want her to run.
a phone

‘An unfair fight’: The U.S. surgeon general declares war on social media

Vivek Murthy called this week for social media platforms to carry warning labels like those put on cigarettes and alcohol, due to their effects on teens.
an icebreaker

Coast Guard icebreaker Healy headed to Alaska for 3 Arctic research missions

This year's cruises by the nation's biggest icebreaker will support long-term ocean research and help train young scientists.
Young caucasian woman smiles for a portrait outside

Seward’s Lydia Jacoby won’t swim at Paris Olympics

Jacoby took third during Monday's 100-meter women's breaststroke final in Indianapolis, then withdrew from the 200-meter Tuesday.
a woman talks into a microphone at a podium on stage

Coalition of labor and Alaska Native leaders throws its weight behind Peltola

Alaska Jobs Coalition announced a $500,000 ad campaign. It's an independent expenditure group and doesn't have to disclose its donors.