Thumbs up, thumbs down

Thumbs up:

Fat Bears: Alaska bears “compete” for most pre-hibernation weight gain. The winner is a thing to behold.

Honeymooners: Fairbanks makes the list of best places to honeymoon.

Cleaner oceans: Funding boost to clean up marine debris enjoys bipartisan support, is signed into law. Coastal Alaskans rejoice.

Thumbs down:

Rice Bowl and Sea Galley: Two long-time Anchorage restaurants close. “We’ve got crab legs” may be one of the best local ads, ever.

Car thieves: Grand Theft Anchorage is a little less so after APD’s big crackdown.

Smoky bars: The entire state is now smoke-free. Breathe easy.

– Sarah Erkmann Ward, Blueprint Alaska