Jacob Resneck, CoastAlaska - Juneau
Jacob Resneck is CoastAlaska's regional news director in Juneau.
AEL&P to share the wealth from corporate tax cut
Electricity rates in Juneau are coming down by 6.73 percent. That’s because of a tax windfall realized by Alaska Electric Light & Power whose rates are regulated by the state. Listen now
AK: Cross-border effort tracks Taku wild salmon
Wild salmon are meticulously trapped and tagged by U.S. and Canadian researchers on both sides of the border as part of the Pacific Salmon Treaty. The data helps gauge marine survival rates of salmon after they leave fresh water. Listen now
Juneau Empire and Alaska sister papers sold again
The 105-year-old Juneau Empire has been sold to a Canadian newspaper chain just six months after its longtime owner offloaded some of its Alaska holdings to GateHouse Media. Listen now
Juneau, Hydro One reach settlement over AEL&P
Hydro One makes 39 binding commitments covering corporate independence for AEL&P and assurances over its assets and transparency on how it operates in a 22-page joint-agreement. Listen now
Kensington Mine audit outlines environmental challenges
A third-party audit finds the mine is “generally in compliance” with conditions required of two state permits. Kensington’s permits for waste management and reclamation are up for renewal this year. Listen now
Bill would lift restrictions on Alaska’s naturopaths
Naturopathic doctors argue they should be able to prescribe some medications and perform minor surgical procedures. There’s been pushback from professional medical associations over the proposal.
New poll shows Juneau leaning pro-road
A new poll shows 54 percent of Juneauites say they support “the road” in the form of Juneau Access Project. The survey conducted by the McDowell Group asked 402 people transportation questions and was jointly funded by the City and Borough of Juneau and a pro-development group. Listen now
Juneau police end policy of flagging flying weed
A change in policy by Juneau police means licensed marijuana producers should now be able to fly their product out of Juneau on commercial airlines. Until recently commercial cannabis was allowed to fly in but not out of Juneau International Airport. Listen now
Alaska SB 92 would crack down on derelict boats
Senate Bill 92 would expand title and registration requirements for the tens of thousands of boats in Alaska. Supporters say better vessel tracking is key to cracking down on derelicts. Listen now
Scrutiny urged over Hydro One’s Alaska foray
More than 100 people turned up to Centennial Hall to observe, listen and speak to state regulators reviewing the acquisition of Juneau’s electric utility by a Canadian firm. Listen now
Bill would exempt utility companies from pesticide pollution
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists discovered “concerning levels” of the pesticide Penta in soils around power poles running through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Listen now
Juneau Assembly to intervene over AEL&P purchase
The City and Borough of Juneau will petition state regulators for a seat at the table as it reviews Alaska Electric Light & Power’s acquisition by Hydro One of Canada. The Juneau Assembly unanimously approved $75,000 in legal fees to make its case to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska. Listen now
Alaska Sen. Dennis Egan won’t seek re-election
Alaska Sen. Dennis Egan won’t seek re-election this year due to poor health. Early contenders to seek his seat include Aleutian Pribilof Island Community Development Association CEO Larry Cotter and possibly Juneau Assemblyman Jesse Kiehl. Listen now
Alaska Attorney General started defending Juneau in a lawsuit. Then it changed its mind.
The Attorney General filed a friend of the court brief in support of the City and Borough of Juneau in its cruise ship lawsuit. Less than 24 hours the state withdrew, claiming the filing was an “error due to internal miscommunications.” Listen now
Alaska marijuana board gets more industry-friendly chair
Mark Springer of Bethel has been elevated to chairman by his peers on the Alaska Marijuana Control Board. The state’s pot industry had criticized his predecessor as a “prohibitionist.” Listen now
Angoon protests Admiralty Island annexation
A delegation from Angoon including the city’s mayor is protesting the City and Borough of Juneau’s attempt to annexing parts of Admiralty Island. Listen now
Alaska Board of Fisheries navigates ‘uncharted territory’ for Southeast’s king salmon
The Alaska Board of Fisheries faces some tough decisions this week. One of those is how to conserve dwindling king salmon stocks in a way that won’t financially cripple Southeast salmon fishermen.Listen now
Prince of Wales Island schools started growing food. Now 1st graders are binging on broccoli
One Southeast school district has been raising fruits and vegetables in greenhouses, because it’s easier to get kids to eat their greens if those children have grown those vegetables themselves. Listen now
Juneau’s eagle nest buffers scrapped on 5-4 vote
Protections for eagle nests have been removed from Juneau’s land use code following action by the Juneau Assembly that came down to a single vote. Listen now
Juneau’s legal bills mount from cruise ship lawsuit
The Juneau Assembly approved another quarter million dollars to defend itself in a federal lawsuit brought by the cruise ship industry. Listen now