WASHINGTON – On Sept. 11, 2001, Barack Obama was driving to a state legislative hearing in Chicago when he heard the first sketchy reports of a plane hitting the World Trade Center on his car radio. The 40-year-old state senator spent the afternoon in his law office watching “nightmare images” of destruction and grief unfold on TV.

ANCHORAGE – Andrew Halcro, a former state lawmaker, blogger and talk show host announced Thursday he will challenge U.S. Rep. Don Young in the 2010 Republican primary.

It was at the base of burning rubble spanning 16 acres of Manhattan where Destiny Sargeant’s faith in mankind was restored. Amidst smoldering piles of stone and steel, where the bodies of more than 2,600 people laid buried, it was the outpouring of compassion and goodwill she witnessed following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that has stuck with her since.

Consecutive harsh winters continue to decimate the deer population on Chichagof Island, causing the U.S. Forest Service and state Department of Fish and Game to close the doe hunting season this fall.

I don’t think Sept. 11 will ever be the same for me or my family. It was such a tragic event in our history. I remember watching msn.com that morning, which, ironically, had a beautiful shot of the twin towers during the morning Web cast. Suddenly, a plane hit the first tower.

Juneau police and fire officials and state police reported:

Today, Sept. 11

An umbrella-carrying tourist walks past the fall leaves blown down by Thursday’s high winds and rain.

ANCHORAGE – Alaska lawmakers have honored a senator from Hawaii for his support of their state.

NORTH POLE – The Wendy’s restaurant in North Pole got an early Christmas gift.