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.”

cans of food

U.S. District judge hears food stamp backlog case against Alaska’s health department

Plaintiffs say they waited unlawfully long for food aid and asked the court to order the health department to obey federal deadlines.
a window that says Anchorage Police Department Anchorage Alaska

Fistfight led to fatal shooting outside Anchorage bar, police say

Two people are charged with evidence tampering in the Sunday encounter that left 30-year-old Tahjeay Baldwin dead and another man wounded.

After a dry June sparked wildfire concerns, Alaska has had a very rainy July

Climate researcher Brian Brettschneider says the rain has “certainly, quite literally put a damper” on wildfire concerns.
Typhoon Merbok

FEMA announces $108M award to Merbok-related projects

Authorities announced the approval of $108.8 million for Alaskan communities reeling from 2022’s Typhoon Merbok.
workers

Bristol Bay floating fish processor back at full capacity after fire

Northline Seafoods CEO Ben Blakey doesn't think this summer's electrical fire aboard the Hannah will have a lasting financial impact.
a cruise ship

Rogue waves can strike without warning. These scientists found a way to predict them.

Scientists have created a new tool that can give 5 minutes advance warning of a dangerous rogue wave in the ocean.
a vigil

Juneau residents hold vigil for homeless man killed by police

Both Steven Kissack, who was fatally shot Monday, and his dog Juno were familiar faces to those who live and work in downtown Juneau.
An aerial view of a beluga and a baby beluga in gray water

Judge suspends controversial federal Cook Inlet lease sale, citing impacts on beluga whales

The landmark Inflation Reduction Act mandated the federal oil and gas lease sale. But the agency offering it fell short, the judge ruled.
Alaska Native Dancers.

An expansion underway at the Alaska Native Heritage Center includes a new healing garden and a subsistence kitchen

The center’s president said the new offerings will help Alaska Natives pass down traditional knowledge.
two men stand by a lectern

Alaska officials say they’re working to speed up investigations of police shootings

So far this year, officers have shot nine people during responses, killing six of them. Five of those shootings involved Anchorage police.
A car parked near trees.

1 missing, 4 safe after boat capsizes near Noorvik

Dozens of searchers are looking for 30-year-old Brandon Sheldon on the Kobuk River north of Noorvik after Monday's capsize, troopers said.
a bald eagle

‘Strange’ bald eagle attacks at Kodiak harbor cause multiple injuries

Kodiak officials have asked people to keep an eye on the sky at St. Herman Harbor after the attacks, some of which have left people needing sutures.
storm clouds

Arctic air brings historically cold July temperatures to Bethel

This summer is the first time in more than 50 years that Bethel has seen back-to-back July days with highs that didn’t top 50 degrees.

Statewide initiative would restore Alaska campaign finance limits

Alaska's latest campaign finance limits were struck down three years ago by federal judges. Citizens Against Money in Politics hopes to create new ones.
a woman in an audience holding a sign urging passage of body camera resolution

Anchorage Assembly to APD: Publish recordings of recent police shootings and revise body camera policy

Police Chief Sean Case said he intends to discuss changes at the end of the week and have the new policy in place on July 22.
king salmon

9th Circuit to hear oral arguments on Southeast king salmon troll fishery lawsuit

Federal judges will hear oral arguments Thursday in an appeal of a ruling that threatened to halt the Southeast troll fishery for king salmon.
a police car

Juneau police seek assault suspect as missing person

Corey B. Coleman of Juneau is listed as missing. He is a suspect at large for an assault earlier this year.
the Alaska State Capitol

Division of Elections clears Southwest Alaska legislative candidate after complaint

Darren Deacon, the subject of the complaint, supplied housing, travel and employment records showing his residency in Kalskag.
gnat larvae

Snake-like procession of insect larvae spotted again in Interior Alaska

The unusual lines of moving gnat larvae were first reported in Fairbanks in 2007, with sporadic sightings ever since.
a building

Alaska oil and gas watchdog again fines Hilcorp for Cook Inlet violation

The $86,000 fine, issued Friday, is the fourth levied against Alaska's second-largest North Slope oil and gas producer this year.