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.”

a person stands with a sign that reads "what? do we look like handmaidens?" in front of people at a rally

Abortion access advocates plan several Alaska rallies for Saturday

The rallies scheduled for Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau and Homer come after the Supreme Court overturned the landmark abortion case Roe v. Wade last month, ruling that there is no constitutional right to an abortion.

Despite federal warning, Alaska alcohol board says distilleries can keep selling kegged cocktails

Federal regulations limit the size of containers that a distillery can produce, but Alaska has no limits in law.
a stop sign at an intersection

Officials still assessing damage of wind-driven Interior wildfire

The wind-fueled growth of the Clear fire Wednesday prompted urgent calls for residents of a nearby subdivision that had been under a long-standing evacuation call to leave if they hadn’t already.
A wooden outdoor sign says "Denali National Park and Preserve"

Rise in COVID level prompts Denali National Park to require masks again

Everyone aged 2 and up must wear masks on buses and inside most park buildings starting Friday.
A woman in a mask wipes her hand across her forehead

Researchers can now explain how climate change is affecting your weather

For decades, it was impossible to say that a specific weather event was caused, or even made worse, by climate change. But advanced research methods are changing that.

Just Answers: Alaska’s US House candidates on the election of President Biden

We asked: Did Joe Biden win the 2020 presidential election fair and square?
flames and smoke above trees

As flames approach, Interior Alaska residents in Clear told to ‘leave now’

The fire was sparked by lightning in late June and has grown to more than 55,000 acres.
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.