ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Alaska lawmakers have approved $3.5 million in renovations to be spent on renovations for their new office building in Anchorage. KTUU-TV reports the Legislative Council approved the funding proposal on Thursday. The committee chairman, Democratic Representative Sam Kito III, says the money will be used to update the facility and bring…
Associated Press
Bethel sales tax plan rejected by city council
BETHEL, Alaska (AP) — The mayor of Bethel has failed at getting city council members to agree with his plan to lower the southwest Alaska city’s sales tax. KYUK-AM reports Mayor Rick Robb had proposed lowering the sales tax from 6 percent to 5.75 percent in response to the council’s 2014 decision to increase water…
Officials plan highway improvements for safety, fish passage
KASILOF, Alaska (AP) — Alaska officials say highway improvement plans will result in better fish passage and overall safety. The Peninsula Clarion reports the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities showed the latest draft of their plans for Sterling Highway on Wednesday. DOT plans to widen the existing shoulders from 4 feet wide to…
Record breaking summer cruise passengers coming to Juneau
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A record breaking amount of cruise passengers are expected to land in Juneau this summer. The Juneau Empire reports Cruise Lines International Association Alaska President John Binkley announced Thursday that over 1 million summer cruise passengers are traveling to Juneau. The association predicts the travelers in the city from May 1…
Zika virus confirmed in Alaskan who visited Central America
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — State health officials say an Alaska resident who recently traveled to Central America has tested positive for the mosquito-borne Zika virus. But the state’s top medical officer, Jay Butler, is urging Alaskans to stay calm. In a release, Butler says people cannot spread the virus through casual contact. He also says…
Experts: Long road ahead for Trump offshore drilling order
President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to find new ocean expanses in the Atlantic and the Arctic for offshore drilling isn’t likely to reach its goals anytime soon but instead, will kick off a yearslong review and legal battle. Trump signed the order Friday aimed at dismantling a component of former President Barack Obama’s environmental…