Scientists have talked about the possibility of epidemics caused by thawing permafrost, but until now, it’s only been a theory. If the Siberian anthrax outbreak is traced back to spores in the permafrost, it would be a troubling development.
Interior
Search continues for missing hiker by Chena Hot Springs
A search continues for an overdue hiker in the hills surrounding Chena Hot Springs Resort. Resort employee Anatoliy Balko, 19, left on what was he anticipated to be a two-day hike Friday morning, said Alaska State Trooper spokeswoman Megan Peters.
North Star Borough assembly seeks help for Denali wolves
The Fairbanks North Star Borough assembly passed a resolution last Thursday asking Gov. Bill Walker to protect Denali National Park wolves and other predators on state land along the park’s northeast boundary.
Fairbanks citizens gather more than 500 signatures to ban commercial marijuana sales
Sponsors of a voter initiative to ban commercial marijuana businesses in the City of Fairbanks submitted over 500 signatures Friday in an effort to get the measure on the fall 2017 ballot.
Alaska prison farm helps food bank meet demand
Vegetable donations from a prison farm in Wasilla are helping the Fairbanks Community Food Bank handle a 25 percent increase in food requests this summer.
Wasilla man dies in Glenn Highway crash near Chickaloon
A Wasilla man died Monday afternoon in a crash on the Glenn Highway. Alaska State Troopers say a car driven by Joshua Campbell, 31, collided with another vehicle at Mile 94 about eight miles west of Chickaloon.
Fairbanks official faces driving under the influence charge
A top administrator for the city of Fairbanks has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and leaving the scene of an accident. The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reports chief of staff Jeff Jacobson was arrested Thursday after knocking down a light pole and signs and continuing on at high speed.
Pioneer homes won’t take new residents, at least for now
Alaska’s Pioneer Homes have stopped accepting new residents, at least for a while. It’s one more impact of state budget cuts.
Low-turnout primary could lead to five House incumbents losing
Three Republican incumbents and two Democrats who caucused with the Republicans trailed their opponents in a primary that drew only 15 percent of voters
Justice Sotomayor speaks at University of Alaska Fairbanks
Sonya Sotomayor, the first Latina appointed the nation’s highest court, spoke Sunday at the University of Alaska Fairbanks during a UAF Summer Sessions event.