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.”

Joe Biden

4 takeaways from President Biden’s Oval Office address

In his first public remarks after exiting the race for president, Biden focused on his goals for his final months in office and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
Fort Wainwright

Woman charged with murder, DUI after SUV strikes soldier at Fort Wainwright gate

Charges say Brianna Lapp, 31, was nearly four times over Alaska's legal limit for alcohol Monday after she struck and killed Pfc. Arturo Gomez, 29.
a woman in an orange scarf

Permanent Fund Corp. board member resigns after email controversy

In May, a series of leaked emails suggested some corporation employees felt pressured by investment suggestions offered by Ellie Rubenstein.
A man wearing glasses and a blazer stands for a portrait photo.

Anchorage’s new administration officer cites staffing shortages as major challenge to city services

Anchorage Chief Administrative Officer Bill Falsey called a report by the outgoing administration a "candid and sobering look" at the city.
Cow parsnip plants.

Now at peak growth, Alaska’s cow parsnip can cause serious skin burns when activated by the sun

The sap contains what are called furocoumarins that are sensitive to ultraviolet light and can cause painful blisters and rashes.
A woman in a blue blazer and pink shirt gives a tour on a board walk

A new 300-acre park near Potter Marsh aims to preserve crucial wetlands

The new park also means more places for hiking and cross-country skiing in Anchorage.
a window that says Anchorage Police Department Anchorage Alaska

Anchorage police now have a 45-day deadline to release certain body camera footage

The policy does not include an appeals process if the chief declines to release recordings, which the Anchorage Assembly had asked for.
a map

United Airlines flights make emergency landings in Ketchikan

One flight was diverted to Ketchikan Saturday due to a man with chest pains, hours before a second plane needed more oxygen for its flight.
fishing boats

The Supreme Court’s ‘Chevron deference’ decision casts a wide net

The decision, which came after a legal battle over who should pay for bycatch monitors on trawl boats, may affect all federally regulated industries.
a man

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.
a building

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.
a woman

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.