Local Government

Three Homer City Council members subject of a highly contentious recall effort will retain their seats. Each council member was voted on individually.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska and the City of Homer have struck a deal following a recent court battle over a recent recall effort.

The governor’s signature on House Bill 132 means Uber and Lyft are now coming to Juneau. But city officials are unhappy that that new state law bars cities from regulating the ride-hailing companies.

Haines’ local newspaper has a new owner. Kyle Clayton, who is an Army veteran who has been in journalism about five years, takes over for longtime Chilkat Valley News reporter Tom Morphet, whose recent foray into local politics is now challenged by a recall campaign.

The unofficial results are out for the recall election of three Homer City Council members, but it’s too close to call until the vote is certified Friday. About 740 in-person absentee ballots were cast and another 80 were mailed out to absent voters.

The City and Borough of Juneau is urging Gov. Bill Walker to veto a bill opening the door to Uber and Lyft. The issue is local control: the legislation bars local governments from regulating the ride services.