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WASHINGTON — Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is stepping down, announcing suddenly Friday that will she pursue other means of having an impact in the public arena, fueling speculation about her intentions for another bid for national office.

Palin will step down before her first term is finished, resigning as of July 26 — while not offering a clear reason for her withdrawal. Having decided not to seek a second term, she said she did not want to remain as a “lame duck” simply wasting taxpayer money with trade missions and the like.

WASILLA — Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin made a surprise announcement Friday that she is resigning from office at the end of the month without explaining why she plans to step down, raising speculation that she would focus on a run for the White House in the 2012 race.

The former Republican vice presidential candidate hastily called a news conference Friday morning at her home in suburban Wasilla, giving such short notice that only a few reporters actually made it to the announcement. State troopers blocked late-arriving media outside her home, and her spokesman, Dave Murrow, finally emerged to confirm that Palin will step down July 26. He refused to give details about the governor’s future plans.

Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell has certified a ballot initiative about parental consent for abortion backed by Gov. Sarah Palin, the governor’s office announced today.

The body of a 16-year-old Juneau boy was found Wednesday evening on the side of Mount McGinnis.

Alaska State Troopers have identified the boy as Cameron Clark of Juneau.