The North American Aerospace Defense Command tracked and intercepted two Russian military aircraft Wednesday in international airspace near Alaska.

Army officials say geothermal energy could provide a back-up source of heat for Fort Wainwright. That’s why a contractor will soon be exploring the potential of tapping the resource in a series of tests it hopes to conduct in Fairbanks-area deep water wells.

A woman accused of recklessly driving an SUV into Fort Wainwright’s main gate and fatally injuring a soldier who tried to stop her has been charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter and driving under the influence.

Alaska-based Air Force units hosted European flyers for training last week. Fighter-jet pilots based at Eielson and Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson were joined by counterparts from Germany, France and Spain for the first-of-its-kind exercise. Afterward, the allied pilots gave rave reviews of Alaska’s expansive training airspace.

Farmers are welcoming this week’s heavy rainfall around the eastern and central Interior, especially after last week’s hot, dry weather. The mix of sun and moisture bodes well for this fall’s harvest.

University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers will partner with Galena residents on a Yukon River hydroelectric project.

A new grocery store opened Wednesday in Delta Junction, more than two years after the old store’s roof collapsed under a heavy snow load. Hundreds of area residents turned out to finally be able to shop locally for groceries.

The 52nd annual Delta Farm Forum will be held Saturday at Delta Junction High School. Organizers of the agricultural exposition say there’ll be something for everyone this year, including farmers and ranchers and dairy workers from around the state -- and smaller-scale producers who grow veggies in their backyard garden.

The federal Department of Agriculture is offering grants to help people who live and work in Alaska’s rural areas reduce their energy costs. The program is available to rural small businesses, cooperatives and agricultural producers.

Despite years of efforts, Alaska farmers only grow a fraction of the food needed to feed the state’s population. The head of University of Alaska Fairbanks’ agriculture program says the state could learn a lot from how other circumpolar nations address food security.