Alaska

In stark contrast to Europe, where a brutal deep freeze that began in late January has killed hundreds, the continuous United States experienced warmer-than-average conditions during the first month of the year.

Teressa Baldwin, 18, of Sitka and Keefer Brown, 13, of Wasilla today were named Alaska's top two youth volunteers for 2012 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism.

If it feels like your giant puffy coat hasn't gotten its usual workout this winter, you're not alone. The season has been unusually tame, with many places around the United States experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures and a marked lack of sn

Funeral service for Retired Chief Master Sergeant Windford Brewer Finley, 81, of Lone Grove is scheduled for 2 p.m. today at Alexander Funeral Home Chapel in Wilson with Military Chaplain officiating. Interment will follow at Simon Cemetery in Love County

The United States is the closest it has been in almost 20 years to achieving energy self-sufficiency, a goal the nation has been pursuing since the 1973 Arab oil embargo triggered a recession and led to lines at gasoline stations.