The Associated Press

Botelho: Coastal Zone Fundraising Slow So Far

A leader of the coastal management initiative says fundraising so far has been slow. The initiative on the August ballot would re-establish a coastal management program in Alaska. The program lets states put conditions on certain activities on federal lands and waters.

Earthquake Jolts Anchorage And Surrounding Area

Seismologists say an earthquake that struck in Alaska near Anchorage was widely felt in the city and other communities. The Alaska Earthquake Information Center says the 4.6 magnitude quake occurred at 7:02 a.m. Wednesday. It struck eight miles south of Anchorage.

2 Alaska-Based MPs Killed In Afghanistan

Two Alaska-based military policemen died in Afghanistan when their vehicle hit a roadside bomb. U.S. Army Alaska officials identified the victims as Sgt. Brian L. Walker of Lucerne Valley, Calif., and Pfc. Richard L. McNulty III of Rolla, Mo.

Groups Sue To Protect Cook Inlet Beluga Whales

The Native Village of Chickaloon, The center for Biological Diversity and two other groups are suing the National Marine Fisheries Service, claiming the federal agency’s permit for oil exploration will hurt endangered beluga whales in Cook Inlet.

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Group To Evaluate How To Advance Tax Debate

Supporters of changes to Alaska’s oil tax structure plan to meet to discuss how best to advance the debate after another legislative defeat. The co-chairs of the Make Alaska Competitive Coalition, in an email Tuesday, said they are not giving up on pressing for what they call meaningful tax reform, saying the state’s economic future is at stake.

Special Session Cost At Least $403,790

Last month’s 13-day special legislative session cost at least $403,790. Jessica Geary, finance manager for Legislative Affairs, says she expects the figure to rise. Costs are still being tabulated.

Garrett To Take Command Of US Army Alaska

A new commander for U.S. Alaska has been selected. Army officials say in a release that Maj. Gen. Michael X. Garrett will take command during a ceremony Thursday at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

$107 Million To Be Spent On Pebble Permitting

The Pebble Mine is being prepared for permitting later this year. Mining company Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. announced Tuesday that $107 million has been approved to prepare the mine in southwest Alaska for permitting, with the process beginning in the fall.

North Dakota Becomes Nation’s Second-Leading Oil Producer

North Dakota has passed Alaska to become the second-leading oil-producing state in the nation, trailing only Texas.

Higgins To Run For Alaska House Seat

The Alaska Democratic party has a new leader, after chairwoman Patti Higgins resigned to run for the Legislature. Don Gray will act as interim chair until Mike Wenstrup, who was elected to succeed Higgins, takes over the chairmanship in January. Both Gray and Wenstrup are from Fairbanks.

Bear Knocks Down, Claws Eagle River Man

Anchorage police say a 57-year-old Eagle River man was taken to a hospital and treated for wounds from a grizzly bear. KTUU-TV reports Howard Meyer was hiking Saturday near his home about three-quarters of a mile off Eagle River Road when he saw the bear, estimated at 800 pounds, about 50 feet away.

Body Found Was Missing Airman

Anchorage police have confirmed that a body found north of downtown Anchorage earlier this week was that of an airman missing for three weeks. Lt. Dave Parker says the body found was that of Senior Airman Clinton Reeves of Raytown, Mo.

India’s Top Court Refuses Entry To Exxon Valdez

India’s Supreme Court has banned the Exxon Valdez from entering India until the ship responsible for one of the worst U.S. oil spills is decontaminated.

Alaska-Based Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

An Alaska-based soldier from California has been killed in Afghanistan. U.S. Army Alaska says in a release that 30-year-old Staff Sgt. Thomas Kent Fogarty of Alameda, Calif., died Sunday when the vehicle he was commanding hit a roadside bomb.

Union Considers No-Confidence Vote In UA President

The president of the University of Alaska’s largest faculty union is asking members to document examples of “questionable and seemingly counterproductive decisions” by university President Pat Gamble.

Man Charged With Creating Charity, Keeping Money

A 52-year-old Kenai man will be arraigned Tuesday on theft charges in what prosecutors say was a charity scam. Frank Roach is charged with creating Alaska Veteran Outreach Boxes for Heroes, which he said would send care packages to deployed soldiers from Alaska.