The drive to allow ride-share companies like Uber and Lyft to operate in Alaska has hit speed bumps. The bill, from Anchorage Republican Sen. Mia Costello, faces opposition from taxi operators worried the entrance of ride-share groups will drive down wages for their drivers and from municipalities that don’t want to cede regulation to the…
Associated Press
Criminal justice commissioner resigns
A supporter of Alaska’s sweeping criminal justice legislation is no longer a member of a commission that has recommended changes to the law. The Juneau Empire reports Juneau Police Department Lt. Kris Sell declined to comment after she resigned from the Alaska Criminal Justice Commission. Commissioners provided input for a law that focused on punishments…
Bethel council agrees to deliver water to homeless shelter
Bethel’s homeless shelter will get free water deliveries from the city this winter. KYUK-AM reports Bethel Winter House Director Eva Malvich told councilmembers that the facility ran through its water supply several times and couldn’t afford to refill it. The council decided to deliver water to the shelter until it closes in March for the…
2nd Alaska fire victim identified
Anchorage police have identified a second person who died in an apartment complex fire. Police say 63-year-old Vivian Hall died in the early Wednesday fire at the Royal Suite Lodge apartment complex. Police are asking for the public’s help to find Hall’s family members. Police say they haven’t been able to find any next of…
Alaska’s Bogoslof Volcano erupts, sends up ash cloud
An Alaska volcano that’s been active since mid-December has erupted again. The Alaska Volcano Observatory says Bogoslof (BOH-gohs-lawf) Volcano in the Aleutian Islands erupted just before 10 a.m. and sent an ash cloud to 25,000 feet. Ash can harm and stop jet engines. Ash from southwest Alaska volcanos is a threat airliners operating between North…
Alaska lawmakers eye changes to criminal justice law
The Alaska Senate is eyeing changes to sweeping criminal justice legislation passed last year. North Pole Republican Sen. John Coghill, who sponsored the law, says several areas have emerged as needing to be re-examined, including penalties for petty thefts. Legislation is expected to be introduced soon. House Speaker Bryce Edgmon, a Dillingham Democrat, says he…