Rescuers dug through 4 feet of snow to reach stranded skiers

ANCHORAGE — Helicopters trying to rescue two skiers trapped on an Alaska ice field for four days waited out whiteout conditions that one pilot said… Continue reading

Tuesday recap: House OKs novel energy improvement program

The Alaska House has approved a new program to assist business owners interested in making energy efficiency improvements to their buildings.House Bill 118, brought by… Continue reading

Walker not sure legislators can wrap fiscal work by Sunday

JUNEAU — Gov. Bill Walker said Tuesday that as much of an optimist as he is, he doesn’t see state legislators wrapping up work on… Continue reading

Sen. Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, studies a chart during the introduction of a new Permanent Fund Dividend bill in the Senate Finance Committee Tuesday that aims to reduce Alaska's budget deficit.

Committee unveils Permanent Fund plan

The Alaska Senate Finance Committee has unveiled its plan to fill much of the state’s $4.1 billion annual deficit using the Alaska Permanent Fund.In a… Continue reading

Sen. Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, studies a chart during the introduction of a new Permanent Fund Dividend bill in the Senate Finance Committee Tuesday that aims to reduce Alaska's budget deficit.

Two stuck on glacier for days rescued

ANCHORAGE — Rescuers on Tuesday picked up two skiers who were stranded on an Alaska glacier for four days.The experienced outdoor enthusiasts were in good… Continue reading

Anchorage officials propose changes to rental property laws

ANCHORAGE — Anchorage officials are considering changes to city laws that set expectations for landlords and tenants for the first time in four decades.An ordinance… Continue reading

Searchers find body of snowmobiler after Alaska avalanche

ANCHORAGE — Searchers have found the body of a snowmobiler who was caught in an avalanche in Alaska’s interior.Alaska State Troopers say they were notified… Continue reading

2 guided missiles containers found bobbing in the Pacific

Two large shipping containers, each stamped with the words “Contains: Guided Missile,” were discovered bobbing in the Pacific Ocean near the southeast Alaska island community… Continue reading

With Legislative clock ticking, lawmakers seek Permanent Fund compromise

Legislators agree that using the earnings of the Alaska Permanent Fund would do more than anything else to balance Alaska’s $4 billion annual deficit.The problem:… Continue reading

Debate on oil tax credits slows progress

JUNEAU — A looming fight over the state’s oil and gas tax credits is coming to a head in the state House as it majority… Continue reading

Rescuers try to find skiers stuck on glacier for days

ANCHORAGE — Searchers on Monday hoped to find two skiers who have been stuck on an Alaska glacier for three days and were forced to… Continue reading

Monday recap: Legislature tells state to see missing eyes

The Alaska House has voted to require Alaska businesses to report when an employee loses an eye or a limb on the job.Senate Bill 148,… Continue reading

Alaska leaders try to agree on budget plan; oil prices hurt

JUNEAU — The collapse in oil prices has left oil-reliant Alaska with a multibillion-dollar budget deficit and few palatable options for digging its way out.With… Continue reading

Analysis: 28 water systems in Alaska exceed EPA lead limit

ANCHORAGE — The only school in one of Alaska’s most eroded communities is among 28 public and private entities in the state whose water systems… Continue reading

In this Feb. 10 photo ukulele instructor Kathy Paulson, right, shows Sally Potter a chord fingering at the public library in Ketchikan.

Southeast Strummers bring tropical flare to Alaska

KETCHIKAN — When walking through the Ketchikan Public Library or down a hall of the University of Alaska Southeast Ketchikan Campus’ Robertson Building or even… Continue reading

In this Feb. 10 photo ukulele instructor Kathy Paulson, right, shows Sally Potter a chord fingering at the public library in Ketchikan.

Man falls through Chena River ice

FAIRBANKS — Police are asking for information after a man was last seen falling through the Chena River ice.The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reported the man… Continue reading

Shop owner: Low demand for Bethel’s first beers in 40 years

BETHEL — A pizza shop in Bethel has sold the first beer in the city in 40 years, but business was slow.Fili’s Pizza is the… Continue reading

Taquan Air buys Ketchikan-based Promech Air

KETCHIKAN — Two of Ketchikan’s regional airlines have combined, with Taquan Air purchasing Promech Air’s Alaska operations.The Ketchikan Daily News reported that Taquan will take… Continue reading

US rig count drops 7 this week to 443, another all-time low

HOUSTON — The number of rigs exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. dropped by seven this week to 443, another all-time low… Continue reading

FBI announces special agent in charge of Anchorage division

ANCHORAGE — The Anchorage division of the FBI has a new special agent in charge.FBI Director James Comey announced Thursday that Marlin Ritzman will take… Continue reading