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 men talk over a gun counter

At a Soldotna gun shop, national news drives local sales

A gun shop owner says that whenever there’s unrest or something big in the news in the Lower 48 — even if it has little or no connection to Alaska — people come in and start stockpiling.
a Covid-19 swab specialist in medical gown, face mask, and face shield prepares to swab a traveler

Citing public demand, Capstone reopens a COVID testing site in Anchorage and another in Wasilla

Capstone had closed testing sites throughout the state on June 30, saying they were no longer financially viable. But doctors and members of the public wanted sites to stay open.
A wagon with a painted cardboard sign that says "Lost $ everything need cash" and two tents in the background

4 bears killed after getting into tents at Anchorage campground abruptly opened to homeless

Anchorage police reported the problem bears at Centennial Campground – a sow black bear with two cubs and a separate male black bear – and two state biologists killed them Tuesday, according to Fish and Game.
a man in a suit and tie

Putin’s aide threatens to ‘claim back’ Alaska in response to US sanctions

“When they attempt to appropriate our assets abroad, they should be aware that we also have something to claim back,” Vyacheslav Volodin said during a meeting with lawmakers.
cash in a pile

In a turbulent economy, here’s how to weather the inflation storm

In a turbulent economy, here's how to weather the inflation storm. Experts offer ways to make better financial decisions as the government struggles to control inflation and head off a recession.
a person stands in a voting stall

We’re working to improve our elections coverage. Here’s how you can help.

At Alaska Public Media, we’re collaborating with other media organizations to make our elections coverage more voter-centered and voter-driven. This is how you can get involved.
two women look at a crab, one takes notes and one measures it

Southeast’s Dungeness crab fishery to close early after slow start

It’s only the third time in the last 20 years that the season has been shortened — 2013 and 2017 saw early closures, too.
a man in a tie walks out of a courtroom

Former Veco boss who served prison time in corruption scandal has died

Bill Allen, who was at the pinnacle of wealth and power in Alaska until he was exposed as a central figure in a political corruption scandal, died last week at age 85.
An oil platform at dusk

Biden offshore drilling proposal would allow up to 11 sales, including 1 in Alaska

The proposal from President Joe Biden’s administration goes against the Democrat’s climate promises but scales back a Trump-era plan that called for dozens of offshore drilling opportunities including in undeveloped areas.
An Alaska State Trooper cruiser parked on Nome’s Front Street in January 2015.

Alaska Democratic Party director faces DUI charge after traffic stop

The charges include driving under the influence and refusing a chemical test after a weekend traffic stop near Soldotna.
a blue sign on the side of a building says "State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services"

Seeking efficiency, Alaska breaks its health agency into two new departments

The Department of Health and Social Services has been split into separate organizations.
people run down a steep gravel mountainside

Records fall at Mount Marathon race in Seward

Allie McLaughlin of Colorado smashed the women's record by 40 seconds.
A runner bounds down a wet dirt trail wearing black shorts, a red backpack and an orange windbreaker. Mountains rise into mist in the background and there are wet leaves and other vegetation in the foreground.

Gov. Dunleavy vetoes $10.5M in funds for Alaska Long Trail project

That's about 75% of the funding that was in the budget approved by legislators for the 300-mile project.
a house with smoke billowing behind it

Wildfire activity escalates in Alaska with 20 new fires Monday

Thousands of lightning strikes were again detected across a wide area, from Southcentral to the Interior and Northern Alaska. 

Advocates of abortion rights inject themselves into Anchorage Independence Day parade

“I was born into a country where I was guaranteed certain rights and now they’re gone," one protester said.

Alaska won’t see change after Supreme Court decision on state powers to prosecute crimes on tribal land

Alaska, like some 20 other states, already has federal approval from Congress granting such authority, so the decision itself won't have much affect in Alaska, says Lloyd Miller, an Anchorage-based lawyer and Indian law specialist with Sonosky Chambers.
people carry a large gold dome

A small community of Spruce Island monks is getting a new chapel

The chapel is nearing completion and should be finished sometime in the fall of this year.