Here are five reasons why high drug prices are an issue again — and why it is so difficult to solve.
Economy
Anchorage senator seeks to stop cut to PFDs
If successful, the lawsuit would double the dividend amount, from $1,000 to slightly more than $2,000.
City sales tax might not be making it to Bethel
The City of Bethel has a problem — it doesn’t know how much money it’s making, or not making, in sales tax. The city is also not enforcing violations. Bethel City Council and city administration talked about a possible solution to the problem.
Two hikers lost and rescued off West Glacier Trail
Troopers identified the hikers as 41-year-old Enrico Solano of Mexico and 28-year-old Lucas Pezzi of Argentina.
Former House Speaker Boehner, noted smoker, joins tobacco firm
John Boehner is joining the board of Tobacco giant Reynolds American Inc.
Master carver welcomes canoes home from Hoonah
Two canoes returned home to Haines this week, after spending some time in Hoonah, where master carver Wayne Price assisted in the Huna Tlingit homecoming to Glacier Bay. A team of volunteers sing as they bring two canoes off of the LeConte Ferry and onto shore in Haines.
Mudslide hits Alaska Railroad train near Cantwell
A mudslide hit an Alaska Railroad train Wednesday near Cantwell. The slide came down about 4:30 a.m. near track mile 322, hitting a northbound freight train, Alaska Railroad spokesman Tim Sullivan said. “The train did not derail. There were no injuries,” Sullivan said. “And at this point the train is moved out of that spot and we are currently clearing it out with excavators.” Passenger trains were delayed Wednesday and some railroad passengers were moved by bus, Sullivan said.
Head regulator says legal marijuana will be for sale by February
Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office Director Cynthia Franklin told state legislators that marijuana testing should begin within weeks.
State seeks to stop people from wrongfully claiming PFDs
The department has launched a new program that will audit applications this month.
State Natural Resources department hires new oil and gas overseer
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources announced it has hired a new deputy commissioner in charge of oil and gas. Mark Wiggin left Brooks Range Petroleum to take the post, where he worked as an engineering and development manager. The deputy commissioner role has been vacant since March, when Marty Rutherford temporarily stepped in to…