Alaska

Alaska is ranked the sixth best run state, according to 24/7 Wall St., a Delaware corporation's website that focuses on financial news and opinion. The ranking is part of 24/7 Wall St.'s article, "The Best and Worst Run States in America: A Survey of All 50. " The website commented on Alaska's abundant energy exports, like oil and natural gas. It also noted Alaska's other largely exported goods, like fish, minerals, and ores. Alaska also has the second highest income per household, following after Maryland, no budget deficit, and the nation's lowest tax burden.

by The Associated Press Saturday, April 24, 2010 ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Airports around Alaska are in line for improvement projects, thanks to nearly $91 million from the federal government. The $90.9 million awarded to the state Department of Transportation comes from the Federal Aviation Administration. State officials say the money will make it possible to begin aviation-related projects this year at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport as well as airports in rural areas including Barrow, Kotzebue, Dillingham, Huslia and Nulato.

by The Associated Press Saturday, July 3, 2010 FAIRBANKS, Alaska -- IMAX has its second screen in Alaska, and Fairbanks film fans are flocking to it. The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reports that a local multiscreen theater has been selling out of IMAX tickets since Tuesday, when the screen went into operation. The state's first IMAX screen was in Anchorage. The paper says IMAX tickets for adults are $17.25, a $6 premium above the price for shows at regular screens.

by The Associated Press Tuesday, February 2, 2010 ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- U.S. Sen. Mark Begich says he's pleased that the full Senate has confirmed former Anchorage Police Chief Rob Heun as the next U.S. marshal for Alaska. Begich suggested Heun for the job and he was nominated by President Obama. Heun retired as chief in August. He had been chief since 2006 and on the force for 26 years. In his retirement announcement, Heun said that with a new mayor, Dan Sullivan, taking office, the decision to leave made sense.

Editor's note: This story has been edited to correct "Statehood's" premiere date from Monday to Sunday, and clarify Bob Bartlett's position as a territorial delegate before he was a senator.

by The Associated Press Wednesday, March 3, 2010 ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded $900,000 to an Alaska foundation to support educational programs for low-income and minority populations. The money will be invested by the Rasmuson Foundation over the next two years in organizations that promote college readiness and support post secondary success for rural and minority students. Foundation President Diane Kaplan says the investment will let her organization advance Alaska programs with proven track records and test new ideas.

by Dan Joling The Associated Press Friday, June 4, 2010 ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- The state of Alaska sued Friday to overturn the listing of beluga whales in Cook Inlet, home to the Port of Anchorage, as an endangered species. The lawsuit, filed in Washington, D.C., claims the federal government overreached and did not follow its own laws two years ago when it placed the white whales on the endangered species list. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in October 2008 announced the listing for Cook Inlet belugas, one of five populations off the shores of Alaska.

by The Associated Press Friday, June 18, 2010 JUNEAU, Alaska -- Alaska's unemployment in May fell to its lowest level in eight months, 8.3 percent. The rate is higher than May 2009 but economist Neal Fried says a downward trend in recent months represents a "relatively positive signal. " Since December, when unemployment was at 8.6 percent, Alaska's rate has begun edging down. Unemployment was 8.5 percent from January through March. Nationally, in May, unemployment was 9.7 percent.

The U.S. Census Bureau announced Monday it has sent Alaska's final 2010 count to Gov. Sean Parnell and certain legislative leaders. Because of time zone differences and the increased time required to ship to Alaska, the data will not go public until Wednesday morning, the Census Bureau said. A press release said the numbers will provide population totals, data on race, and an analysis of voter ages throughout the state, among other estimates. The Census Bureau is delivering results on a state-by-state basis, in time to meet an April 1, 2011 release deadline.

Gas prices in Alaska are on the rise, with Gasprices.com saying the statewide average is $4.52 a gallon. The national average is $3.73 a gallon, but in Anchorage the average is $4.36 -- more than 10 cents higher than it was last week. In rural Alaska the prices are even higher, closer to $7 or $8 a gallon. Many drivers in Anchorage say they aren't happy. “I think it's crazy it's so expensive,” said local driver Josh Bishop. Joey Dermody, who's originally from Ireland, told Channel 2 Alaska is a cheaper place to drive compared to his home country.