The cleanup at the old Byford junkyard is on hold, pending further environmental testing from the state. The state still plans on hauling 20,000 cubic yards of lead contaminated soil from the junkyard to a rock-pit, a quarter of a mile from Pat’s Creek.
Economy
Early science says there are risks from secondhand marijuana smoke
Now that marijuana is legal in more than 20 states, we all may be exposed to more marijuana on the street. Researchers warn that secondhand smoke from pot poses risks to the heart, lungs and arteries.
This halibut hook is an innovation for the past, present and future
Few people still use the hand-carved halibut hook. But there’s a push to make sure the tradition sticks around.
Alaska regulators quiz utilities over tax windfall
Regulated utilities benefiting from the corporate tax cut should share the wealth with Alaska ratepayers. That’s the argument made by the Attorney General’s office in a recent filing to state regulators.
Oil revenue is up in state’s spring forecast
The state will still have a $2.3 billion gap between what it spends and what it raises. Lawmakers from the two majorities in the Legislature had different responses to the news.
State puts out list of companies that got $75 million in cashable tax credits last year
These cash-for-credits recipients used to be kept confidential, but a law passed in 2016 now requires that the state report them.
Alaska’s top Forest Service official is retiring
Regional Forester Beth Pendleton will retire in April after eight years in the position.
Salmon initiative clears another hurdle
The Yes for Salmon initiative reports it received close to 42,000 signatures, significantly more than required. But a vote on the issue isn’t guaranteed.
Deep snowpack a good sign for midsummer fire season
The frozen ground gives crews at the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge a good opportunity to do preventative work that will help later on during the height of fire season.
Alaska senator backs bill to allow pot business banking
Alaska Republican U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski and a bipartisan group of senators are pushing legislation that would allow legal marijuana businesses to use banks to store profits.