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.”

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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.