Rep. Bob Lynn, R-Anchorage and Rep. Max Gruenberg, D-Anchorage, discuss a HB243, a measure that would allow felons whose convictions are overturned to be retroactively eligible for Permanent Fund Dividend checks on Tuesday.

Case inspires bill to allow yearly PFD checks for cleared felons

JUNEAU — State lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow Alaskans who have had felony convictions overturned and charges later dismissed to become eligible… Continue reading

Rep. Bob Lynn, R-Anchorage and Rep. Max Gruenberg, D-Anchorage, discuss a HB243, a measure that would allow felons whose convictions are overturned to be retroactively eligible for Permanent Fund Dividend checks on Tuesday.

Avalanche closes Klondike Highway, Haines Highway blocked by blizzard

An avalanche on the American side of the Klondike Highway has blocked travel through at least 11 a.m. Wednesday, the Alaska Department of Transportation said… Continue reading

Wasilla theft suspect flees troopers, leaving child behind

ANCHORAGE — A 31-year-old Wasilla man sought for vehicle theft was charged with endangering the welfare of a child after he fled from a pickup… Continue reading

Mat-Su Borough addresses arsenic in Talkeetna water

ANCHORAGE — The Matanuska-Susitna Borough has taken action to address arsenic levels in the Talkeetna water system that violated federal drinking water standards.Arsenic occurs naturally… Continue reading

Around Town

Introduction to Microsoft Excel, 9-11 a.m., The Learning Connection, 210 Ferry Way. Learn to use Excel to organize and calculate data in the workplace. Free.… Continue reading

Police and Fire for Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016

This report contains public information available to the Empire from law enforcement agencies. This report includes arrest and citation information, not conviction information. Anyone listed… Continue reading

The Kensington Mine mill site and portal sit at the base of Lions Head Mountain. Berners Bay can be seen in the background. 2007 file photo.

Coeur Alaska gets OK for fuel depot at Kensington Mine

The owners of the Kensington gold mine north of Juneau have received a federal OK for a long-planned fuel depot to be built on U.S.… Continue reading

The Kensington Mine mill site and portal sit at the base of Lions Head Mountain. Berners Bay can be seen in the background. 2007 file photo.

Survey: 18 percent of Alaska high schoolers use e-cigarettes

A new survey of Alaska high school students has found e-cigarette use higher than the national average. The results of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey,… Continue reading

N. Franklin to remain completely closed until Sunday

North Franklin Street is closing a day earlier than planned.Starting today, the road will remain completely closed to all traffic and pedestrians until Sunday, Jan.… Continue reading

Fiorina added to GOP poll; is 8th in vote

Carly Fiorina on Tuesday became the eighth Republican presidential candidate to qualify for the state’s presidential preference poll on March 1.The news was announced by… Continue reading

Scientists: ‘Doomsday Clock’ reflects grave threat

STANFORD, Calif. — Rising tension between Russia and the U.S., North Korea’s recent nuclear test and a lack of aggressive steps to address climate change… Continue reading

Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards, right, applauds introduces Clinton during a campaign rally at Burford Garner Elementary School, on Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in North Liberty, Iowa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Two anti-abortion activists accused of using fake licenses

AUSTIN, Texas — Two anti-abortion activists who made undercover videos about Planned Parenthood are accused of using fake driver’s licenses to infiltrate the group, indictments… Continue reading

Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards, right, applauds introduces Clinton during a campaign rally at Burford Garner Elementary School, on Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in North Liberty, Iowa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Gov’t group urges doctors to screen all adults for depression

WASHINGTON — All adults, including pregnant women and new mothers, should be screened for depression as a routine part of health care, a government advisory… Continue reading

Police search California communities where inmates have ties

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — Unlike similar escapes where dangerous inmates fled into rural areas, the three men who broke out of a Southern California… Continue reading

Denmark OKs seizing valuables from migrants

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Danish lawmakers voted Tuesday to let police seize valuables worth more than $1,500 from asylum-seekers to help cover their housing and food… Continue reading

A health worker stands in the Sambadrome Tuesday as he sprays insecticide to combat the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that transmits the Zika virus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Sambadrome will host thousands of dancers and musicians during the city's Feb. 5-10 Carnival celebrations.

Brazil is ‘losing battle’ against mosquito

RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazil’s health minister says the country is sending some 220,000 troops to battle the mosquito blamed for spreading a virus suspected… Continue reading

A health worker stands in the Sambadrome Tuesday as he sprays insecticide to combat the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that transmits the Zika virus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Sambadrome will host thousands of dancers and musicians during the city's Feb. 5-10 Carnival celebrations.

Hiring rises in 36 US states in December

WASHINGTON — Employers added jobs in 36 states last month, led by big gains in California, Texas and Florida, evidence that hiring remains solid nationwide.… Continue reading

Troopers: Child killed in village was shot by 11-year-old

ANCHORAGE — Alaska State Troopers say a 5-year-old boy was playing video games in his living room when he was fatally shot by an 11-year-old… Continue reading

Earthquake renews focus on Alaska’s emergency readiness

JUNEAU — A magnitude 7.1 earthquake in Alaska’s most populous region has renewed focus on the state’s readiness to deal with a natural disaster.And it’s… Continue reading

2017 Arctic Council ministerial meeting will be in Fairbanks

FAIRBANKS — Fairbanks has been selected to host the next ministerial meeting of the Arctic Council in 2017.Adm. Robert Papp, U.S. special representative to the… Continue reading