Alaska House Republicans peppered Gov. Bill Walker’s nominee to head the state’s National Guard with questions about her personal life and her views on extramarital affairs during a pair of confirmation hearings Tuesday at the Capitol.
Nathaniel Herz
Two construction workers were taken to the hospital Tuesday evening after they deployed dry ice in a wellhead in Eagle River and suffocated, according to the Anchorage Fire Department. 
Tegan Hanlon
In state Supreme Court case, a trio of Southeast fishermen including former state Sen. Albert Kookesh argue that subsistence fishermen need public input before harvest limits are set. A state attorney says that hunting and fishing permits across the state could be affected by the court's ruling. 
Alex DeMarban
The Alaska Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault re-evaluated the growth of its prevention programs after money from the “Choose Respect” campaign was halved. Officials expressed disappointment but said cuts were understandable amid declining oil prices.
Jerzy Shedlock
The lone big grocery store that will be operating in Bethel after Friday won’t raise its prices but does expect a boost in business with competitor Swanson’s closing, an executive with Alaska Commercial Co. said Tuesday.
Lisa Demer
A legislative committee Tuesday restored most, but not all, of the dramatic budget cuts made to public broadcasting in Alaska, but the Republican-led group mostly rebuffed restoration of numerous other cuts across a wide range of programs. 
Pat Forgey
Traditional Yup'ik Chief Paul John, who died Friday at age 85, was praised by Lt. Governor Byron Mallott and other Alaska Native leaders at funeral services Tuesday in Anchorage. Rural AlaskaMike Dunham
The cat sat with all fours and its belly on the ground, as though ready to pounce. But its head was bobbing lazily as it struggled to stay conscious, its fur matted and frozen.PetsSean Doogan
A controversial letter from U.S. Senate Republicans to Iranian government leaders casting doubt on any potential nuclear agreement with the Obama administration was signed by Sen. Dan Sullivan but not by Sen. Lisa Murkowski.PoliticsYereth Rosen

News & Politics

Walker withdraws one Libertarian for APOC, names another

Gov. Bill Walker has swapped his choice for the Libertarian nominee to serve on the state commission that enforces campaign-finance and public-official disclosure rules.Nathaniel Herz

Have a news tip? Let us know at newstips@alaskadispatch.com

Iditarod 2015

Brent Sass kicked out of Iditarod for breaking communications rule

Brent Sass has been disqualified from the Iditarod for having an iPod Touch, breaking the rule that prohibits mushers from using two-way communication devices.Alaska Dispatch News

Culture

Chief Paul John's knowledge, kindness eulogized in Anchorage service

Traditional Yup'ik Chief Paul John, who died Friday at age 85, was praised by Lt. Governor Byron Mallott and other Alaska Native leaders at funeral services Tuesday in Anchorage. Mike Dunham

Arctic

Arctic sea ice winter maximum may be record low

Winter sea-ice extent in the Arctic appears to have peaked in February, meaning an earlier-than-average melt season is underway. But the decline isn't necessarily an indicator of an extraordinarily big summer melt-off. Yereth Rosen

Nation/World

We Alaskans

Chatting with George Gee: Economist, barista, artist, philosopher

The barista and co-owner of Side Street Espresso in downtown Anchorage also produces art on an unusual medium. "I seldom can say there’s an inspiration," he says of his work. "It’s another day. It’s like getting up."Marc Lester