PITTSBURGH - Private landowners are reaping billions of dollars in royalties each year from the boom in natural gas drilling, transforming lives and livelihoods even as the windfall provides only a modest boost to the broader economy.

ANCHORAGE - Alaska commercial fishermen lost an estimated $16.8 million in direct revenue tied to fishing closures because of recent poor king salmon returns, according to new figures prepared by state officials.

ANCHORAGE - King salmon fisheries in major Alaska watersheds have been declared failures by the U.S. Department of Commerce, making commercial fishermen eligible for disaster relief. Acting U.S.

ANCHORAGE - State researchers looking for answers to Alaska's diminishing king salmon returns were urged Tuesday to take a look at the critical days after smolt leave fresh water and to closely examine how humans may affect salmon in marine waters.

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced recently a $5.4 million award to the Alaska State Library, a Division of the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development, to create a broadband network which will link Alaskans and their communities to each other and the rest of the world through a statewide network of public computer centers located in 104 public libraries.

Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens supports a new fish farm permitting system proposed by the Bush administration, but wants states to have the option of banning the industry within 200 miles of their shorelines.

Body found in Port of Anchorage; Alaska to receive funds to help offenders; New airport plan spares park; UAA receives $110,000 from Commerce Department

Last week while in Anchorage, I had the opportunity to attend two gubernatorial debates and watch a third on television. I've paid close attention to the campaign, but one thing came through far more clearly at the debates than it does in the news coverage.

Staff reports from around the state/the Northwest.

From merchandise made of moose droppings to half-moon-shape Ulu knives, Alaska-theme products are finding a worldwide market on the Web.