Alaska’s senators called on the head of the U.S. Environmental Agency to answer for the agency’s actions regarding the Kensington gold mine this week.

The Owyhee, a seiner contracted by Douglas Island Pink And Chum to harvest hatchery salmon, has its fish catch pumped from its purse seine by the tender Tacoma on Friday morning in the Gastineau Channel.

ANCHORAGE – An airplane using the Alaska Highway as a runway struck a truck as it was taking off from a stop for repairs, Alaska State Troopers said Friday.

ANCHORAGE – The state claims BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. is trying to delay a lawsuit over Prudhoe Bay oil spills in 2006 by requesting that regulators handle much of the case.

FAIRBANKS – A celebratory prayer of thanksgiving was offered as hands were laid on a 686-pound, recycled bale of cardboard, the first produced at the new community recycling center at the Fairbanks Rescue Mission.

WASILLA – More than a thousand people showed up Friday for Gov. Sarah Palin’s annual picnic held in her hometown of Wasilla.

ANCHORAGE – Gov. Sarah Palin gained fame – and to some infamy – since she embarked on a vice-presidential bid less than a year ago.

ANCHORAGE – Sean Parnell will become only the second non-elected governor since statehood when he takes the oath of office today. The other was Keith Miller, who served just a year when President Nixon appointed Gov. Wally Hickel secretary of the Department of the Interior.

This week’s toe toon.

The Juneau Police Department is asking citizens to remember to lock their homes, vehicles and bicycles in order to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of theft.