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.”

the kenai courthouse

Appeals court approves involuntarily medicating Nikiski man for murder trial

River Aspelund, accused of killing his mother in 2022, had challenged his antipsychotic medication by Alaska Psychiatric Institute staff.
a store

State prosecutors sue Ketchikan jeweler over sale of fake gold

The state is seeking to bar Soni, Inc. from selling fraudulent or misrepresented items, after staff allegedly made false claims about them.
two buildings

Judicial Council recommends Alaskans keep all judges, including jurist behind correspondence ruling

Adolf Zeman is only one of 19 judges that will be on the November general election ballot, but he’s received the lion’s share of attention.
Photo of Kotzebue. (Photo by Neal Herbert/National Park Service, Alaska Region)

Kotzebue police sergeant resigns after racist Facebook comments

Former Sgt. David "Mike" Cox's Facebook comments were made about Black murder suspects in South Carolina, according to local police.
a teacher

Visa programs draw foreign teachers to Alaska’s rural school districts

“I consider this already as my family, the community here, the kids here," said Filpino special education teacher Dale Ebcas in Upper Kalskag.
the Alaska Supreme Court

Alaska Supreme Court confirms: ‘Hoverboard dentist’ is banned from dentistry in Alaska

In a separate criminal case, former dentist Seth Lookhart was sentenced to 20 years in prison with eight suspended.
a sperm whale

Alaska fisherman pleads guilty to federal charges after ordering crew to shoot whale

It isn't clear whether the whale survived the encounter, which federal prosecutors have labeled a misdemeanor.
an interchange

When driving on the wrong side of the road is the right way to speed up traffic

An unconventional design known as the diverging diamond interchange can be both safer and more efficient than conventional left turn lanes.
a flag

Denali National Park draws dispute over alleged takedown of American flag

Sen. Dan Sullivan said that park staff caused a flag's removal from a construction vehicle. But the park called that account "false" a day later.

1 dead in Mountain View house fire

The fatal blaze happened Friday afternoon on North Price Street, firefighters said. The cause remains under investigation.
Rep. Cathy Tilton speaks to Lori Townsend, while both sit at a desk. Sen. Gary Stevens appears on a TV monitor next to the two.

Recapping the 33rd Legislature | Alaska Insight

Lori Townsend speaks with legislative leaders about the work they accomplished, and what went unfinished, at the end of the 33rd legislature.
A red salmon as seen from underwater

Many Alaska king salmon stocks up for Endangered Species Act review after group’s petition

The National Marine Fisheries Service said Thursday that listing the chinook stocks might be necessary to save the species.
a man in a suit with black glasses on at his trial in court.

Anthony Pisano sentenced to 300 years in Spenard triple homicide

Prosecutors say Pisano's sentencing Thursday saw evidence unveiled that he tried "to take a hit out" on their star witness against him.
an easel in a childhood classroom

Alaska lawmakers pass child care legislation to buoy sector ‘in crisis’

The policy changes are accompanied by $7.5 million for child care center grants.
a tidal generator

A Juneau inventor wants to bring ocean energy to your outlets

Tidal power could be an alternative to burning fossil fuels like diesel and natural gas, which is driving human-caused climate change.

Alaska’s new ‘green bank’ hopes to improve the financial case for renewable energy

Alaskans looking to invest in solar panels or other renewable energy infrastructure will likely have some new options in the next few years.
a cloudy bay

Coast Guard suspends search for 3 missing boaters near Seward

A good Samaritan recovered one individual from the water who was unresponsive.
Alexis Johnson

Anchorage Assembly calls for inquiry into leaked texts between city’s top homeless official and shelter contractors

Anchorage Assembly members say the texts, which Henning Inc. officials say were taken out of context, raise concerns about its shelter management.
A man in a blue suit jacket speaks at a podium.

Bronson concedes Anchorage mayoral race to LaFrance

“As I transition out of office, I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition to Mayor-Elect LaFrance and her team,” Bronson said in a statement Thursday.
an office

8 young Alaskans sue to block proposed trans-Alaska natural gas pipeline

The plaintiffs say the pipeline will contribute to climate change that harms their ability to access fish, wildlife and natural resources.