Jacob Resneck, CoastAlaska - Juneau
Dunleavy seeks to scuttle Ocean Rangers cruise ship monitors
Voters in Alaska approved a 2006 ballot measure that put independent environmental watchdogs on cruise ships. But Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s administration is looking to scrap the program.
Alaska fishing towns would forfeit $28M in fish tax under Dunleavy budget
Governor Mike Dunleavy’s proposals for balancing the state’s budget include a plan to stop sharing of millions of dollars in taxes on commercial fishing with coastal communities.
Marijuana Control Board nominee draws fire from industry
Alaskans working in the state’s marijuana industry flooded a Senate hearing with criticism of a nominee who has a history of taking anti-cannabis positions.
Dunleavy floats deep cuts, privatization of ferry system
Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s budget director Donna Arduin says the administration is looking at privatization options for the state-run ferry system. That’s on top of a proposed budget that would cut 75 percent of the struggling ferry system’s budget.
Signal detected from missing Guardian Flight plane
Searchers have detected an underwater beacon from the Guardian Flight air ambulance that vanished en route to the Southeast community of Kake, the company said in a statement Tuesday.
Investors are backing Southeast’s largest oyster farms
The largest ever oyster farms in Southeast Alaska could be coming soon. Silver Bay Seafoods wants to lease 182 acres of seafloor in Sitka Sound. The state sees potential for a thriving industry, but local reception has been cool.
House holds meeting on Alaska’s struggling ferry system
Lawmakers in the Alaska House of Representatives called an informal hearing on the state of the state’s ferry system.
Dunleavy’s Fish and Game nominee vows tough stance against federal agencies
The governor’s pick to lead the Alaska Department of Fish and Game told lawmakers he’d push back against federal agencies that interfere with Alaskans’ right to hunt and fish.
Search suspended for missing plane near Kake
A search has been suspended for the medevac plane that vanished over Southeast Alaska with three crew members on board.
Study finds poor air quality aboard cruise ships
A covert study undertaken by a public health researcher found air quality on cruise ships to be on par with the world’s dirtiest cities.
Russian Orthodox Christians celebrate Theophany on icy Kuskokwim
Russian Orthodox parishioners gathered in Bethel Jan. 19 to observe the Russian Orthodox holy day of Theophany.
Cruise lines, Juneau still at odds over passenger fee ruling
Cruise industry attorneys are asking a federal judge to define more precisely what the City and Borough of Juneau can — and can’t — spend its passenger fees on. The judge recently ruled passenger fees can only be spent on services to vessels. The city may appeal the ruling.
Last year, local governments shelled out $2.6 million for ‘ears on the ground’ in Alaska’s capital
At least $2.6 million in public money went to state lobbyists in 2018. That’s Alaska cities, boroughs and school districts hiring private contractors to represent them in the state capital.
Cruise industry’s victory over Juneau has implications for other port communities
This year’s record cruise ship season brought in $21.6 million in state passenger fees that will be mostly shared with coastal communities. But the cruise industry’s recent victory in a lawsuit against Juneau has implications on how port communities can spend their share.
Hecla Greens Creek wants to close mine to hunters
The Hecla Greens Creek Mine is asking the Board of Game to ban hunting near its mine facility southwest of Juneau, saying hunters are endangering its workers.
Coastal House lawmakers push for bipartisan coalition
Ten state lawmakers — including two moderate Republicans — say they won’t aid Republicans in taking control of Alaska’s narrowly divided House of Representatives.
Alaska’s top forester talks timber in Southeast
Dave Schmid is tasked with managing over 22 million acres of federal land. Asked about the balancing act required for managing public lands, he spoke of his office’s commitment to all facets of Southeast Alaska’s economy, including timber.
Hoonah’s Icy Strait Point plans new dock for megaships
Hoonah is on track to add a second, larger cruise ship dock to accommodate the growing number of megaships visiting Southeast Alaska.
Diocese of Juneau taps panel to investigate claims of sexual misconduct
The Roman Catholic Church’s historic archives in Southeast Alaska will be opened to an independent panel investigating allegations of sexual misconduct by church personnel, the Diocese of Juneau announced Wednesday.
This Alaskan crossed the Bering Sea in an eight-foot dinghy. Russia wants to send him back.
Packed with provisions, John W, Martin III floated down the Tanana and Yukon rivers with the aim of reaching China. He ended up in Russia’s Far East and is writing a book about his experiences.