Southeast Alaskans are sounding the alarm about a 60-day review of the Federal Subsistence Management Program that the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior are currently conducting in Alaska. A public comment period is open through Feb. 13. The Upper Lynn Canal Fish and Game Advisory Committee on Monday voted to send its comments which […]
Posted inSoutheast News
Marlene Johnson, longtime Tlingit leader and SHI board chair, dies at age 90
Marlene Johnson, a Hoonah-born Tlingit woman who spent more than six decades in leadership roles for a wide range of Alaska Native entities, died Sunday at the age of 90. “We are heartbroken to note the passing of our beloved friend, mentor, and colleague, Slath Jaa Klaa / Lákooti Marlene Johnson, a fearless warrior for […]
Posted inEconomy, Government & Elections, News
Dunleavy unveils fiscal plan with sales tax, 50-50 PFD, 1% cap on state spending hikes, higher oil tax
Juneau residents could be paying a 9% sales tax during next year’s tourism season as part of a multi-year fiscal plan by Gov. Mike Dunleavy that could in theory result in a Permanent Fund Dividend of more than $3,000 that fall. Dunleavy’s plan is contained in a set of bills introduced in the Alaska State […]
Posted inNews, Health
Alaska drug overdose deaths drop, though less dramatically than national plunge
Alaska had fewer overdose deaths in 2024 than in the year prior, and state health officials are working on ways to continue to reduce that total in the future. In all, 339 people died from drug overdoses in 2024 Alaska, a 5% decline from the record high of 357 hit the year before, according to […]
Posted inNews
Lawsuit claims Alaska isn’t providing enough money for food, necessities for older foster youth
A lawsuit filed in state court by advocates for foster youth is challenging Alaska’s foster care system, highlighting a gap in state care for older foster youth who are not living with foster families. Those foster youth live in other housing, like shelters and dorms, and struggle to access state funds to cover basic living expenses, the […]
Posted inNews, Elections
New lawsuit claims Alaska’s description of a proposed elections ballot measure is biased
Supporters of Alaska’s election system filed a lawsuit against the Alaska Division of Elections on Thursday, alleging that the state’s description of a roll-back-the-clock ballot measure is biased and inaccurate. The state has defended its language, with a spokesperson calling it “accurate, neutral, and consistent with prior initiatives.” This fall, voters will be asked with Ballot Measure […]
Posted inLocal News
Heavy snow to blame for heating fuel spills in January
Residents of the Chilkat Valley grappled with heavy snow over the last few weeks, and now a handful are contending with home heating oil spills that could be costly to clean up. At least four people reported spills to the state ranging from 10-150 gallons, all caused by snow according to state Department of Environmental […]
Posted inLocal News
Residents hit with high heating costs
A recent stretch of cold weather, plus high heating oil prices, has been a recipe for budget crunch, residents say. Borough decision makers, however, disagree on what should be done. The issue started in early December with a persistent cold snap. In the weeks since, residents have started to see fuel bills from that period, […]
Posted inLocal News
Schnabel Approved for Concrete Production
Roger Schnabel is set to become the second commercial concrete producer in the Chilkat Valley after receiving a permit this week from the borough’s planning commission. Schnabel has been producing limited amounts of concrete near Major Road where he is building the new Hilltop Subdivision. Schnabel now plans to produce concrete using the plant not […]
Posted inDuly Noted
Duly Noted: Births, memorials, ducks and more
Judah James Russell was born at 10:47 a.m. on Dec. 31 at the Juneau Family Birth Center. He weighed 9 pounds, 4 ounces. Parents are Katie and Nick Russell. Grandma Nancy Jones and auntie Adonai alsowere present at the birth. Irene Mulyca, 69,died Jan. 14 in Fultonville, N.Y. Irene moved to Haines to stay with […]