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.”

Kachemak Bay

4 boaters missing from capsized vessel near Homer after Coast Guard suspends search

Officials say David, Mary, Colton and Brantley Maynard remain missing after four others were saved Saturday by good Samaritans.
a law enforcement truck in traffic

Teen charged with homicide in dirt-bike collision with Big Lake pedestrian

Brendan Clark, 19, is charged with criminally negligent homicide in the July 8 collision that killed 79-year-old Nadara Williams.
a geothermal plant

Army exploring geothermal energy for Fort Wainwright backup heat

A contractor plans to test 500-foot "deep wells" in the Fairbanks area for geothermal potential.
Kachemak Bay

Alaska Supreme Court hears arguments for jet ski ban in Kachemak Bay

The Alaska Supreme Court has heard an appeal from the state's Fish and Game commissioner of a reinstated jet ski ban.
Deb Haaland

Deb Haaland’s push to protect Indigenous people disappoints some Native leaders

As a member of Congress, she passed a bill to hold the executive branch accountable for persistent violent crime in Native communities.
a river

Juneau glacial outburst flooding begins; Mendenhall Lake and River set to hit near-record levels

Minor flood stage will begin Monday morning, with flood water expected to crest sometime early Tuesday.
a woman

The Alaska Supreme Court weighs citizens’ right to challenge state’s predator control program

An opponent of the multiyear bear-killing program is defending her standing to be a plaintiff against the state.
a man

Where some see trash, others see treasure at the ‘Walmart of Bethel’

At the Bethel landfill, residents push back against the challenging economic reality of life in rural Alaska.
a screenshot

Juneau’s Mendenhall Lake and River may see flooding soon

The National Weather Service says now is the time for riverside residents to prepare, after water levels dropped in Suicide Basin.
A woman plays with her daughter on a couch.

New Anchorage school start times have families wondering where they’ll find care for young kids

Childcare experts say the sector is already facing a crisis, and worry the new school start times will make it even more difficult for families to find care for young children.

Cases of whooping cough are spiking in Alaska this year

Whooping cough is especially risky for infants. The cough can be prevented by vaccination and treated with antibiotics.
a supermarket

Inflation math is changing America’s dinner plans

For the first time in years, people are buying more groceries, including pricier brands, to replace restaurant outings.
A woman in a "USA Rugby" jacket looks into the distance.

Alaskans shine at Olympics, including Eagle River’s Alev Kelter in rugby sevens bronze win

Kelter, a center, won a bronze medal Tuesday as Team USA defeated an Australian team as time ran out in the match.
children

Alaska officials echo federal push to promote healing after boarding schools report

Sen. Lisa Murkowski and state lawmakers have pushed for a Native-led documentation effort, saying the report underscores the need.

Gov. Dunleavy vetoes 5 bills passed after midnight on last day of legislative session

The bills passed after midnight cover a variety of subjects. Most would make simple but consequential changes to state law. 
An outdoor sign reads: James M. Fitzgerald United States Courthouse & Federal Buildling

Kindred’s former clerk claims she lost her Justice Department job after she complained of his misconduct

The U.S. Attorney's office didn't answer detailed questions from Bloomberg reporters but said the office was mindful of its employees' rights.
Petersburg elementary students

Lawmakers say they’re puzzled by Gov. Dunleavy’s veto of $5M for K-3 reading, a goal of his signature education bill

Lawmakers say the money was intended to achieve the goals of the 2022 Alaska Reads Act — a priority bill for Gov. Mike Dunleavy.
fishers

Cook Inlet setnetters turn to seining in effort to save east side fishery

Brian and Lisa Gabriel, along with the state, are piloting an experiment they hope will provide relief to one of Cook Inlet's oldest fisheries.
a child

Sun Rise Camp: A new day for children with incarcerated parents

Organizers say the Sun Rise Camp could be the first summer program in Alaska for kids with parents who are serving time in prison.
mountains

Arizona-based scientist developing geologic map of Southeast Alaska

The map could have applications from educating tourists to helping prospectors find gold and communities prepare for landslides.