Gov. Sarah Palin has chosen Joe Nelson, an Alaska Native, to fill Juneau’s vacant state Senate seat, bucking a request by Senate Democrats that she choose from a list submitted by local party officials.

The big rugged dog with the thick coat known as the Alaskan Malamute could become the state dog under a bill that passed the state House.

The judge who presided over former Sen. Ted Stevens’ trial last fall issued two orders Sunday indicating he may not be ready to give up jurisdiction of the case even as the government is asking for all charges to be dismissed.

A special House committee on energy is proposing legislation that would consolidate the state’s energy programs under one department.

A diesel fuel leak has forced the closure of a Juneau building whose tenants include state agencies.

Chevron has halted its oil production in Cook Inlet because of continuing threats from Mount Redoubt eruptions at the Drift River terminal, where the company stores its oil.

Mount Redoubt is getting under the skin of Alaska, and it’s not just the irritation caused by volcanic ash.

The Alaska Legislature has completed work on just a handful of bills and resolutions, and with less than two weeks left in the 2009 session, minority senators are scoffing at what they say is a dearth of meaningful accomplishments.

Cartoon by local artist Toe

HOMER – A Kenai grand jury has indicted a Homer man on a manslaughter charge connected to the death of a man who died of a heroin overdose.