Five states will vote on legalizing recreational marijuana in November. For police, it’s more challenging to assess if people are driving while high than it is to test for the influence of alcohol.
Economy
Birds to blame for two recent power outages, utility says
Alaska Power and Telephone says “animal vandalism” was the cause of two of three power outages that all happened within the last three weeks.
Army Corps doesn’t oppose temporary halt to Dakota Access Pipeline
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says it’s OK with a short pause while a federal court decides whether the Corps followed proper procedure in authorizing the pipeline’s construction and operation.
FDA bans 19 chemicals used in antibacterial soaps
Manufacturers didn’t provide data showing the chemicals are safe and effective, the FDA says. It says there’s no evidence that they do a better job at preventing illness than plain soap and water.
Federal Government Invests in Oregon’s ‘Pay-By-The-Mile’ Experiment
Statistics show that in Oregon and across the country, the gasoline tax has not kept up with inflation, even as demands for transportation infrastructure repair and construction have skyrocketed.
Dakota Access Pipeline Protests In North Dakota Turn Violent
Private security guards used dogs to try to disperse demonstrators, who say the four-state, $3.8 million Dakota Access Pipeline could affect sacred sites and their drinking water.
Should the Permanent Fund invest in oil tax credits?
Former Attorney General Craig Richards showed up at a Permanent Fund board meeting to pitch an unconventional investment idea.
As waters warm, Arctic fish populations change
Researchers have been working since 2009 on an inventory of fish found in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. The compendium details 109 fish found in the area, including 20 species new to the region.
Hermine floods coastal areas in Florida before heading to Georgia
The Category 1 hurricane hit Florida, then weakened to a tropical storm as it moved inland. Hermine is expected to drop heavy rain in Georgia and the Carolinas before tracking out over the Atlantic.
Ketchikan measure now would limit pot shops in city to one
An ordinance that would limit the number of retail marijuana stores in city limits to one was approved in first reading Thursday by the Ketchikan City Council.