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In this Wednesday, July 20, 2016 photo provided by the U.S. Army National Guard, an Alaska Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and a State of Alaska Division of Forestry helicopter dump several thousand of gallons of water onto the McHugh Creek fire near Anchorage, Alaska. The wildfire threatening homes just south of Alaska's largest city was likely started by people, fire officials said Wednesday. The cause is under investigation, and officials said the area is heavily used for recreation.

Rains a boost to fire crews battling wildfire near Anchorage

ANCHORAGE — A substantial rain began falling Friday over a wildfire near Alaska’s largest city, giving firefighters a continued break in the weather as they… Continue reading

In this Wednesday, July 20, 2016 photo provided by the U.S. Army National Guard, an Alaska Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and a State of Alaska Division of Forestry helicopter dump several thousand of gallons of water onto the McHugh Creek fire near Anchorage, Alaska. The wildfire threatening homes just south of Alaska's largest city was likely started by people, fire officials said Wednesday. The cause is under investigation, and officials said the area is heavily used for recreation.
'Rolling Wake': Southeast woman kept husband's body in truck and drove it around 'for a couple days'

‘Rolling Wake’: Southeast woman kept husband’s body in truck and drove it around ‘for a couple days’

KETCHIKAN — Ketchikan Police Chief Alan Bengaard has seen a lot in his decades-long law enforcement career. But he’s never seen anything like this.Ketchikan police… Continue reading

'Rolling Wake': Southeast woman kept husband's body in truck and drove it around 'for a couple days'
In this July 15, 2015 photo, Pat Pitney, State Budget Director for Gov. Bill Walker, speaks about the state's fiscal future to the Juneau Chamber of Commerce during their weekly lunch meeting at the Juneau International Airport.

Budget director: Expect more state job losses

ANCHORAGE — State budget cuts are beginning to hit home, in terms of jobs and economic impact.Office of Management and Budget Director Pat Pitney said… Continue reading

In this July 15, 2015 photo, Pat Pitney, State Budget Director for Gov. Bill Walker, speaks about the state's fiscal future to the Juneau Chamber of Commerce during their weekly lunch meeting at the Juneau International Airport.
The Planned Parenthood office in Juneau, seen Friday, at the corner of Egan Drive and Glacier Highway next to Twin Lakes.

Alaska parental notification abortion law struck down

JUNEAU — The Alaska Supreme Court on Friday struck down a state law requiring parental notification for girls under age 18 seeking abortions, agreeing with… Continue reading

The Planned Parenthood office in Juneau, seen Friday, at the corner of Egan Drive and Glacier Highway next to Twin Lakes.

Walker vetoes bill to put lawmakers on Alaska gas line board

JUNEAU — Gov. Bill Walker has vetoed legislation that would have put lawmakers on the board of the state-sanctioned Alaska Gasline Development Corp., citing constitutional… Continue reading

In this Wednesday photo, an Alaska Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and a State of Alaska Division of Forestry helicopter dump several thousand of gallons of water onto the McHugh Creek fire near Anchorage.

Rain falls on fire threatening subdivisions near Anchorage

ANCHORAGE — Light rain fell Thursday as nearly 300 firefighters worked to gain control of a wildfire threatening two subdivisions south of Anchorage.Crews hoped the… Continue reading

In this Wednesday photo, an Alaska Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and a State of Alaska Division of Forestry helicopter dump several thousand of gallons of water onto the McHugh Creek fire near Anchorage.

Sitka author’s book chosen for Oprah’s Book Club

SITKA — Local author Brendan Jones has made waves with his first novel, “The Alaskan Laundry,” which has appeared on numerous reading lists — and… Continue reading

Gov. Bill Walker points to a chart during a July 14 press conference that uses a crashing jet to show possible scenarios for Alaska economy. Moody's Investment Services said in a letter Thursday that Alaska hasn't done enough to change its financial situation to avoid a further credit rating downgrade.

Moody’s report addresses little change in budget, politics

Alaska’s credit rating hasn’t been downgraded again — yet.Moody’s Investors Service issued a report Thursday reiterating that it has not forgotten about the state’s money… Continue reading

Gov. Bill Walker points to a chart during a July 14 press conference that uses a crashing jet to show possible scenarios for Alaska economy. Moody's Investment Services said in a letter Thursday that Alaska hasn't done enough to change its financial situation to avoid a further credit rating downgrade.
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, addresses the delegates during the third day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on Wednesday.

Alaska GOP chair: Cruz speech a ‘petulant’ misfire

JUNEAU — The Alaska Republican party chairman said he would be surprised if Texas Sen. Ted Cruz could be a serious future presidential contender following… Continue reading

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, addresses the delegates during the third day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on Wednesday.

Kenai Peninsula community looks to solve erosion problem

KENAI — Homeowners concerned about the level of erosion alongside a river in their Kenai Peninsula community have to consider other options to prevent the… Continue reading

This book cover image released by Knopf shows, "Heroes of the Frontier," by Dave Eggers.

Dave Eggers sets his latest literary adventure in Alaska

NEW YORK — The latest stop on Dave Eggers’ long-running fictional tour: Alaska.Eggers’ “Heroes of the Frontier,” which comes out July 26, tells of a… Continue reading

This book cover image released by Knopf shows, "Heroes of the Frontier," by Dave Eggers.

Troopers: Palmer man shot during home invasion; suspects fled

PALMER — Authorities say a Palmer man was shot after two people entered his home through a window early Thursday morning.The Alaska State Troopers say… Continue reading

Denali Park postpones reopening area after bear sightings

ANCHORAGE — Denali National Park officials are holding off on plans to reopen an area closed because of a problem grizzly bear, saying they’ve received… Continue reading

Correction

In Monday’s story about a jury award in a crash involving a Bethel police vehicle, The Associated Press reported erroneously the amount of the award.… Continue reading

Broken ice machine stalls business for village fishermen

BETHEL — Dozens of fishermen from two villages on the Lower Yukon River are demanding Maserculiq Native Corporation fix the villages’ broken ice machine, which… Continue reading

Officials say Alaska wildfire likely started by people

ANCHORAGE — A wildfire threatening homes on both sides of it just south of Alaska’s largest city was likely started by people, fire officials said… Continue reading

A stock image of canned food in a supermarket

Half ton of food donated to homeless Anchorage youth stolen

ANCHORAGE — More than a thousand pounds of food intended to feed homeless youth have been stolen, Anchorage police said.The food had been collected during… Continue reading

A stock image of canned food in a supermarket

Walker, lawmakers trying to breach AK LNG impasse

Increased state control of the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gasline project was a concept first proposed by the state’s producer partners to lower the cost of… Continue reading

Sen. Anna MacKinnon, Senate Resources Chair Cathy Giessel and House Resources Co-Chair Ben Nageak faced new Alaska Gasline Development Corp. CEO Keith Meyer at a joint committee hearing on the Alaska LNG Project June 29 in Anchorage.

AGDC President: ‘Poor relationship’ with lawmakers the biggest gasline hurdle

Alaska Gasline Development Corp. President and CEO Keith Meyer directly addressed what he sees as one of the biggest challenges to building a gasline during… Continue reading

Sen. Anna MacKinnon, Senate Resources Chair Cathy Giessel and House Resources Co-Chair Ben Nageak faced new Alaska Gasline Development Corp. CEO Keith Meyer at a joint committee hearing on the Alaska LNG Project June 29 in Anchorage.
Sen. Hollis French, D-Anchorage, pictured in Juneau Aug. 1, 2008

Walker picks Hollis French for oil and gas commission

Gov. Bill Walker appointed former Anchorage Democratic state senator Hollis French to the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Wednesday, making the three-person commission whole… Continue reading

Sen. Hollis French, D-Anchorage, pictured in Juneau Aug. 1, 2008