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.”

Two cars side by side getting a touchless car wash.

Car wash companies expand in Anchorage amid national boom  

According to Bloomberg, there are about 60,000 car washes in the country, and some forecasts show that number could double by 2030.
women

Juneau parents petition to recall school board leaders in response to district’s consolidation plan

The petitioners are worried about the impacts of closing and rearranging schools for students, as the board addresses a $7.9 million deficit.
a forest

U.S. Forest Service seeks public input in revising its long-term plan for the Tongass

The federal agency will spend the rest of this year gathering public input and then take the next couple of years to finalize a new plan.
lawmakers

Alaska Senate passes draft budget, confirming $175M in bonus public-school funding

Gov. Mike Dunleavy told reporters that he's "open to the increase" proposed by state lawmakers in the draft budget bill.
a doctor

After downsizing health care for years, Pentagon says medical readiness was a casualty

After a decade of downsizing, Defense Department officials admit they need to rebuild the medical force and the general health of active duty troops.
Anchorage

Alaska lawmakers juggle late-session bills addressing Southcentral natural gas crunch

Bills to make storing gas easier, reduce royalties and spur new gas production, as well as energy transmission and renewable energy, are moving forward.
woman in striped jacket

Peltola reverts to pro-fish stance with a new anti-Pebble Mine bill and a surprise vote on Alaska drilling 

She voted “present” on a bill she co-sponsored, illustrating the difficult line she walks as a pro-subsistence, pro-energy Democrat.
a man in a tie

Dunleavy signals support for $175 million one-year education funding boost

The funding increase approved by the House and Senate would provide a one-year increase of roughly $680 per student.
An empty classroom.

Is your child enrolled in a correspondence program? We want to hear from you.

A recent Anchorage Superior Court ruling has left families of students in correspondence programs in limbo.
a protest

University of Alaska announces initial agreement with graduate workers on contract through 2026

The university described the pact as a tentative initial agreement that must go through more steps before it goes into effect.
Seward Harbor

Cruise company backs Alaska Railroad’s plan to replace Seward dock

Royal Caribbean International has signed a 30-year agreement to use the proposed passenger dock, as bonds are being secured for the project.
Sitka

Sitka site among nation’s most endangered historic places

Sitka's Tlingit clan houses are one of America's 11 most endangered historic sites, according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation's annual list.
A giant snowy mountain

Preparations underway for 2024 climbing season on Denali

More than 900 climbers have registered to attempt a summit of Denali this season, with 300 more registered for backcountry climbs.
a teacher

Alaska Native languages at crucial juncture, biennial report says

The call to action urges systemic reforms to the state’s support and integration of Native languages.
a woman with short hair stands near a sign

Alaska’s first resettlement conference highlights state’s recent spike in refugees

Alaska used to average about 150 refugees a year. Just last year, that number spiked to about 485.

Alaska Senate rolls out crime bill tackling fentanyl, child abuse and grand jury rules

House Republicans and Gov. Mike Dunleavy have previously expressed support for key elements of the omnibus crime package.
the Alaska Legislature

Alaska House votes down ethics board alternate member, citing signature on Dunleavy recall petition

The vote on Rachel Kelly, a Juneau resident nominated to fill a public seat on the ethics committee was four short of the needed tally.
union workers

University of Alaska student workers union members protest for contract, after judge bars strike

Union members say time is running out for a contract to be approved by the Legislature before the end of session.
A man in a suit and a woman with a microphone answer questions at a debate.

Bronson, LaFrance challenge each other’s record during Anchorage Chamber mayoral debate

With two weeks until ballots are due, the candidates are looking to win over more voters after a close race in the general election.

Lawmakers push to revive Senate-passed pension bill stuck in House committee

In recent weeks, lawmakers have stepped up their efforts to return to a defined-benefit retirement system for public-sector workers.