Associated Press

ANCHORAGE — A climber injured in a fall on Pioneer Peak near Palmer was hoisted to safety Monday night by the Alaska Air Guard. Shawnee Whitehorse, 23, of Palmer fell and was injured when an ice ax lodged in her back, Alaska State Troopers said. Her climbing partner, Lisa Pierimarchi, 46, reported the fall shortly…

Two Alaska hospitals facing financial challenges will consider consolidation. KCAW-FM reports the Sitka Community Hospital board plans to discuss possible courses of action at a Monday work session. Hospital CEO Rob Allen says the hospitals are anticipating the needs of an aging population as well as less funding from the state. ECG Management Consultants came…

Two men are facing robbery and assault charges in a shooting that left a woman in critical condition. KTVA-TV reports charging documents identify the woman who was shot Thursday as 40-year-old Paula Zorawski. The two 18-year-olds were arraigned Saturday and bail was set. One of the suspects also faces a charge of misconduct involving a…

A group is exploring a possible plastic and paper bag fee in Sitka. The Sitka Sentinel reports the first Bags for Change meeting brought in about a dozen people. Supporters say single-use grocery bags harm the environment. A fee could range from 10 to 25 cents on paper and plastic grocery store bags. The group…

Cats will need leashes just like dogs if a proposal before the Kenai council wins approval. Kenai Mayor Pat Porter and council member Tim Navarre have proposed a cat leash law after complaints from residents about roaming felines. The Peninsula Clarion reports that current city code does not include cats on its list of animals…

An autopsy will determine the cause of death for a 69-year-old man who was involved in a 42-hour standoff with Anchorage police. Police Chief Chris Tolley told reporters that the body of Robert Musser was found early Friday morning after heavy equipment was brought in to tear down parts of the Anchorage home. The standoff…