Alaska

by The Associated Press Friday, February 12, 2010 ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Elite cross-country skiers, runners and cyclists in Alaska are gearing up for the Susitna 100, a winter endurance race beginning Saturday in rugged wilderness terrain. Racers will compete on an out-and-back route that begins outside of Wasilla. The 75 competitors can ski, bike or run through remote forests and across frozen waterways 50 miles northwest to Alexander Lake, stop to eat, change clothes and then turn around for the 50-mile trek back to the finish line.

Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Randy Babbitt is visiting Alaska this week, and Tuesday morning he announced aviation safety grants and airport improvement programs for sites and programs across Alaska. “We're making another down payment, if it were, on the future of aviation in Alaska,” Babbitt said. “This truly is the aviation state. People depend more on it, it's a lifeline for the people who live here, it's how you move your people, your goods, your services -- and vital services, I might add,” he said.

by Channel 2 News staff Wednesday, November 11, 2009 ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- In a poll conducted by Channel 2 News, respondents were asked if they think an increased film industry presence in Alaska is good for the state. Here is the official question and results of the 386 people who voted. Is an increased film industry presence in Alaska good for the state? Yes 81 % No 19 % All polls conducted by Channel 2 News and KTUU.

by Channel 2 News staff Wednesday, January 13, 2010 ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- The owner of three Alaska newspapers is filing for bankruptcy. Morris Publishing Group, owner of the Juneau Empire, Homer News and Kenai Peninsula Clarion says it plans to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection within a week. The company says it will file a prepackaged plan to reduce the company's debt by nearly 70 percent. Morris Publishing is separate from Morris Communications, which owns several Alaska radio stations and magazines.

by Channel 2 News staff Sunday, June 20, 2010 ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Five hundred motorcycles left the Florida Keys Sunday on a 7,000-mile journey to Alaska. The race, known as the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, goes from Key West -- the southernmost city in the continental United States -- to Homer, where the motorcyclists are expected to arrive July 4. The prize for the winner is $500,000 worth of Alaska gold, but the race doubles as a benefit for Disabled and Paralyzed American Veterans, and other charities.

by Channel 2 News staff Thursday, April 8, 2010 ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Alaska remains behind the pack when it comes to returning U.S. Census forms. In fact, Alaska's response rate is still the lowest in the nation, 11 percent behind the national average. Census workers have extended the mailing deadline, and forms must now be returned by April 15. Starting the next day, field workers will go door-to-door to pick up the questionnaires.

by Channel 2 News staff Monday, March 22, 2010 ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- In a poll conducted by Channel 2 News, respondents were asked if Alaska should join in a challenge to the constitutionality of a health care overhaul bill passed by Congress. Here is the official question and results of the 943 people who voted. Should Alaska join in a challenge to the constitutionality of a health care overhaul bill passed by Congress? Yes 61.5 % No 38.5 % All polls conducted by Channel 2 News and KTUU.

by Channel 2 News staff Wednesday, March 24, 2010 ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- In a poll conducted by Channel 2 News, respondents were asked if they perceive Alaska as an easier state to find a job than others. Here is the official question and results of the 329 people who voted. Do you perceive Alaska as an easier state to find a job than others? Yes 52 % No 48 % All polls conducted by Channel 2 News and KTUU.

by The Associated Press Saturday, January 23, 2010 FAIRBANKS, Alaska -- A state analysis says the practice of using a mix of low-risk mortgages has helped Alaska fend off the housing troubles plaguing the rest of the nation. The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reports that as of last fall, there were half as many homeowners in Alaska with subprime, adjustable-rate mortgages than in the country as a whole, when measured as a percentage of the population. Two percent of all homeowners in Alaska fit that category.

by The Associated Press Monday, May 10, 2010 ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Alaska public schools will receive a $31 million boost from federal stimulus money. U.S. Sen. Mark Begich on Monday announced the money in the second phase of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. He says the one-time program was created to provide money to schools for fiscal years 2009, 2010, and 2011. Begich says the recovery act supported 200 education jobs in Alaska at the end of last year.