For the first time ever, you can find all the characters for the 20 recognized Alaska Native languages in one place: a keyboard, downloaded right onto your iPhone. An app called Chert pulls in all the characters you need to spell out words in Yupik, Iñupiaq, Tlingit and more.
Business
Fairbanks representative looks to improve rural internet
Fairbanks state Representative David Guttenberg has a plan for improving internet service in rural areas of the state. A bill Guttenberg is sponsoring would create a state corporation to contract with service providers to build infrastructure that’s too costly for individual companies to invest in. “Put out a job that we need this many towers in these…
Wind farm developer asks court to overturn state agency’s approval of GVEA tariff
Delta Wind Farm President and CEO Mike Craft is taking the Regulatory Commission of Alaska to court. Craft is asking a judge to overturn the commission’s approval of a Golden Valley Electric Association tariff filed last summer, claiming the tariff violates new state regulations intended to help renewable-energy projects like his access the grid.
Other states look to Alaska as model for insurance relief
Donald Trump’s election as president is expected to lead to major changes in the individual health insurance market.
About 120 to leave gas line team as state takes charge of project
The team working on the Alaska LNG gas line project is undergoing a big shift as the state prepares to take over.
Retail marijuana sales in Juneau could begin this month
James Barrett of Rainforest Farms says these plants will provide the first legal marijuana for sale in Juneau. He hopes to open the retail shop on Black Friday.
Voters split on ballot measures, choose to retain judges
It will be easier to register to vote, but not to take out college student loans, as Alaskans gave mixed verdicts on two ballot measures.
Smith & Wesson to change name to reflect diverse holdings
Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. is asking its shareholders to approve a change in the company’s name to American Outdoor Brands Corp. Its guns will keep their famous name.
Downtown Business Association looks to revitalize downtown
The tourist season is over and many downtown Juneau shops are closed, but that’s not keeping other businesses from working to make it a more vibrant place.
Utility officials: LNG could reduce cost of generating electricity in Tok
After Preliminary tests, AP&T believes it can save money by using a blend of diesel and liquefied natural gas for fuel to produce electricity. AP&T officials hope to try the approach in the future. They say it won’t be feasible until the price of diesel rises and the cost to transport LNG goes down.