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.”

rescue teams

Iran’s president has died in a helicopter crash, state media reports

Iranian state media reported Monday that no survivors had been found at the site of the crashed helicopter carrying Ebrahim Raisi.
A man in winter clothes stands over a sled filled with scientific instrumentation.

A sea ice monitoring project is a climate adaptation tool for Utqiaġvik whalers

The project partners Western science and Indigenous knowledge to help the community prepare amid declining sea ice.  

Wildfire risks in Anchorage | Alaska Insight

On this episode of Alaska Insight, host Lori Townsend and her guests discuss their work to help inform and prepare for wildfires in Anchorage.

Peltola defies party with votes on border enforcement and arms for Israel

Alaska's congresswoman voted with Republicans on border bills and to prevent the Biden administration from halting aid to Israel.
A woman in an apron smiles at a young man in an apron.

Alaskan dog treat bakery gives a head start for youth with learning disabilities | INDIE ALASKA

Daisy Nicolas first discovered her knack for baking dog treats while caring for her beloved aging dog, Dallas. Now pet treats are her full-time job as owner of Drool Central: A Mum and Pup Barkery in Anchorage, Alaska. When Daisy realized the demands of the business were too much for her, she developed a working partnership with the Anchorage School District to employ young adults with learning and developmental disabilities.
tourists

Klawock hopes for an economic boost as it welcomes cruise ships for the first time

The ceremony was the result of 18 months of planning by tribal leaders, who are hoping to revive the town’s flagging economy with tourism.
a cabin

U.S. Forest Service considers higher fees for new Alaska cabins

Higher fees are planned for new cabins in the Tongass and Chugach National Forests in the coming years, to help with increased maintenance costs.
lawmakers

A look at some of the bills that failed to pass the Alaska Legislature this year

Parts of a long-term plan to bring state revenue and expenses into line again failed to advance through the Capitol.

Security footage calls into question Anchorage police account of fatal shooting

Police have said Kristopher Handy pointed a gun at officers before they opened fire. A neighbor with security footage of the incident says otherwise.
Jesse Kiehl

Bill to ban toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in firefighting foams passes Alaska House and Senate

The bill prohibits the use of man-made chemicals known as PFAS, which have polluted drinking water across Alaska and the rest of the country.
the Homer Harbor

Bill will allow higher insurance reimbursements for injured commercial fishermen

Senate Bill 93, signed into law last month by Gov. Mike Dunleavy, increases the maximum payout from the fishermen’s fund to $15,000.
a man behind a dog sled

Iditarod champion Rick Mackey dies of cancer at age 71

Mackey won the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in 1983 and his late brother, Lance, won an unprecedented four straight championships.
lawmakers

State lawmakers wrapped up their four-month session last night. Here’s what they did.

The Legislature's budget, if signed into law by Gov. Mike Dunleavy, would provide Alaskans a PFD and energy check for roughly $1,655 this fall.
a woman in red speaks at a microphone

LaFrance maintains lead in Anchorage mayor’s race

More than 71,000 votes have been tallied in the runoff that pits Suzanne LaFrance against incumbent Mayor Dave Bronson.
a building

DOJ says Boeing broke deal that avoided prosecution after 2 fatal 737 Max crashes

Prosecutors told a judge Boeing had broken its three years of probation after the crashes, which ended days after January's 737 Max door-plug blowout.
newspapers

Why hasn’t Alaska executed anyone since statehood? Juneau’s last hangings may be the reason.

Austin Nelson and Eugene LaMoore's 1948 and 1950 trials were riddled with misconduct and errors, according to a legal historian who researched them.

At Hiland Mountain Correctional Center, art classes help prisoners take a break and prepare for release

One of the themes teacher Jamey Bradbury talks about in her classes is the healing power of art.
Cathy Giessel

Last-ditch attempt to return Alaska teacher, public employee pensions fails on Senate floor

The pension proposal would have piggybacked on a bill that aims to remedy the state’s teacher staffing crisis.

Bills aimed at reducing energy costs, boosting Cook Inlet gas and carbon storage advance in Legislature’s final days

The bills were initially proposed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy and now contain several other proposals. They're up for final votes soon.
a woman smiles

Suzanne LaFrance poised to be Anchorage’s first elected female mayor

Partial, unofficial election night results show the former Assembly chair leading incumbent Mayor Dave Bronson by nearly 10%.