Questions about coverage plans are welcome and should be directed to the AP-Anchorage bureau at 800-770-7549 or at apanchorage@ap.org. News Editor Mark Thiessen can be reached at 907-272-7549 or mthiessen@ap.org.

A reminder this information is not for publication or broadcast, and these coverage plans are subject to change. Expected stories may not develop, or late-breaking and more newsworthy events may take precedence. Advisories and digests will keep you up to date.

Alaska at 4 p.m.

PACIFIC SEABIRD-MASS DIE-OFF

ANCHORAGE — Hundreds of thousands of common murres, a fast-flying seabird, died from starvation four winters ago in the North Pacific, and a new research paper attempts to explain why. By Dan Joling. SENT: 825 words. AP Photos

ALASKA FERRIES

JUNEAU — A study commissioned by Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy's administration recommends running ferries as day boats where possible and providing long-term contracts to private companies to help fill service gaps. By Beck Bohrer. SENT: 465 words.

AROUND ALASKA

EARTHQUAKE RELIEF-SCHOOLS

ANCHORAGE — Negotiations between the Anchorage School District and the federal government over earthquake damage relief could result in the district turning down millions in funds, an official said. SENT: 255 words.

LABOR REGULATION CHANGE-OPPOSITION

ANCHORAGE — Some Alaska lawmakers want the state to drop a proposed regulatory change they believe undermines plumber and electrician workforce development. SENT: 270 words.

ALASKA COLD CASE-SPEEDY TRIAL

FAIRBANKS — The right of a Fairbanks murder case suspect to a speedy trial was not violated by delays in transporting him from Maine to Alaska, a judge ruled Tuesday. SENT: 290 words.

IN BRIEF:

— ALASKA-READING PROGRAM — Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy is working with Senate Democratic leader Tom Begich on legislation aimed at ensuring students are proficient in reading by third grade.

— FATAL EXPLOSION-HOMER — A water heater is the suspected source of an explosion that killed a Homer man Tuesday night, Alaska State Troopers said.

— FAIRBANKS APARTMENT-BODY — The state medical examiner has identified human remains found in a vacant Fairbanks apartment and police have opened a homicide investigation.

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