Early voting for Alaska's election begins on Monday, October 21, with the deadline to request absentee ballots approaching. Voters will rank their choices for president, U.S. House, and state races. They will also vote on two statewide ballot measures: Ballot Measure 1: Proposes raising the state minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2027 and adding sick leave benefits.Ballot Measure 2: Aims to eliminate ranked-choice voting and the state’s top-four nonpartisan primary system.Absentee ballots must...

The Alaska Division of Elections has discontinued its ballot dropbox program, requiring absentee voters to either mail ballots with $1.46 postage or drop them off at election offices across the state. Absentee ballots need to be postmarked by Election Day, but voters are encouraged to mail them early to ensure timely processing. A recent report shows an increase in cold-related injuries among Alaska's homeless population, with unhoused individuals experiencing significantly higher rates of...

Nearly 18 months after a fatal collision on Egan Drive, 57-year-old Patrick Dealexandro has been arrested on charges including manslaughter and DUI. The incident involved a truck crossing over a median and hitting a turning car, resulting in the death of a 27-year-old Juneau resident. Dealexandro is currently held on $30,000 bail, with his next court date scheduled for late November. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has reopened the Bering Sea snow crab harvest with a conservative limit...

The Legislative Affairs Agency is considering implementing a new security screening system at the Alaska Capitol, similar to airport checkpoints. The plan would involve hiring a private firm to screen visitors and incoming packages. The proposal, still awaiting approval, will be discussed by the Legislative Council on Dec. 12. On Indigenous Peoples Day, Native communities across the U.S. celebrated culture and heritage, with events aimed at registering voters for the upcoming presidential...

The Elders and Youth Conference and the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) Convention will bring thousands to Anchorage this week. The events feature discussions on culture, land stewardship, and issues facing Alaska Natives, including subsistence rights and voting access. Alaska, the first state to officially recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day, joins 12 others in honoring Indigenous heritage and opposing racism against Native communities, as declared in former Gov. Bill Walker’s 2013...

In this episode of Local First News, we report on the pressing issues impacting Alaska. Alaskans face significant economic and environmental challenges, from the $1.8 billion hit to the seafood industry and new tariffs for cruise passengers in Haines to over 400 earthquakes rattling the state. But first, we will update you on a potential Suicide Basin release in Juneau, with local experts confirming no immediate flood risk. Stay tuned as we explore how these events are shaping our capital...

In this episode of Local First News, we report on he latest from Juneau’s municipal election, where voter turnout has surpassed last year's numbers. We also bring you a breakdown of key measures, including updates on local bond initiatives and the outcome of the controversial "Ship-Free Saturday" proposition. Plus, the Juneau Huskies dominate the field in a big win, and Eaglecrest announces a major lift closure for the season. Tune in for updates on a local vandalism case, restrictions on...

A Kodiak-based pollock trawler's accidental catch of 2,000 king salmon has led to the closure of a Gulf of Alaska fishery, causing layoffs and stranding $9 million worth of pollock. The closure is expected to cost millions in lost revenue and tax dollars. CBJ presented its first phase of a flood mitigation plan, which includes heavy-duty sandbags from the Army Corps of Engineers to protect four miles of riverbank. The plan could cost up to $2 million, with further discussions on funding...

In Juneau's recent election, 60% of voters rejected Proposition 2, which aimed to ban cruise ships on Saturdays. Opponents spent $600,000 to defeat the measure, with significant support from local businesses and large cruise companies like Disney. Supporters raised less than $1,000. Alaska residents have until Sunday, October 6, to register to vote for the November general election. In-person registration is available at election offices, and online registration is also open. Mail-in ballot...

With 23% of ballots counted, the "Ship-Free Saturdays" proposition is failing, while propositions one and three, regarding funding for city projects, are passing. The recall bids for Board of Education members are failing, and Mayor Beth Weldon is leading her re-election bid with 60% of the vote. Full results will be updated Friday. Investigators with the Southeast Alaska Cities Against Drugs task force intercepted over $100,000 worth of drugs at the Juneau airport. Two women from Washington...

Today is Election Day in Juneau, with ballots needing to be postmarked by today or submitted in person by 8 PM at designated drop boxes. In-person voting centers at City Hall and the Mendenhall Valley Library are available for those needing assistance or preferring to vote in person. The ballot includes the mayoral race, assembly and board of education seats, and two school board recall elections. The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating a series of suspicious packages...

Alaska ranks fourth in the nation for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. To address the crisis, Gov. Mike Dunleavy signed Senate Bill 151 into law on September 3. The law, effective January 1, creates a commission to review unsolved cases and mandates cultural training for new officers. It also requires an assessment of law enforcement resources for MMIP cases. The Juneau Assembly has approved $3 million in local funding for a $6 million flood mitigation study with the U.S. Army...

Alaska saw the largest drop in life expectancy in the U.S. in 2021, falling from 76.6 to 74.5 years, largely due to COVID-19 and drug overdoses. While life expectancy has since risen to 77.2 years in 2023, it remains below pre-pandemic levels. Overdoses and accidents were significant factors, with cancer and heart disease remaining top causes of death. The Southeast Conference’s 2024 Economic Summit and 66th annual meeting began today in Ketchikan, bringing together dignitaries and members...

A group opposing the initiative to ban cruise ships from Juneau on Saturdays has raised more than $300,000. Major donations include $75,000 from a Norwegian Cruise Line affiliate and Westmark Hotels, among others. The anti-initiative campaign is being managed by Anchorage-based firm Thompson & Co. Alaska is holding public hearings ahead of November's vote on two ballot measures. The first would raise the state's minimum wage to $15 by 2027 and require sick leave. The second would repeal...

Over the past two months, crews have cleared more than 700 tons of debris from areas affected by the Mendenhall flood. As flood-damaged debris has decreased, the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) announced that Monday, September 30, will be the final day for routine debris collection. Residents should move any remaining flood-related waste to the right-of-way for pickup and email [email protected] to arrange collection before the deadline. The House of Representatives rejected Speaker...

During a town hall in Flint, Michigan, former President Donald Trump mixed up Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) with Afghanistan’s Bagram air base while discussing his energy policies. Trump inaccurately claimed ANWR held oil reserves comparable to Saudi Arabia’s, though ANWR’s recoverable reserves are much smaller. The former president's confusion drew criticism, including remarks on social media questioning his mental clarity. Trump had signed a bill allowing oil drilling in...

The U.S. House of Representatives is voting on a Republican plan to prevent a government shutdown by extending funding for six months. The plan includes a controversial voter ID rule that would require proof of citizenship for federal elections. Alaska’s Congresswoman Mary Peltola opposes the six-month extension, preferring a shorter plan through December. The outcome of the vote could influence Alaska’s upcoming U.S. House race, where polls show a tight contest between Peltola and Republican...

The Juneau School District alerted parents on Sunday night about a school shooting threat circulating on social media, though authorities do not believe it to be credible. The threat, shared among local students, involves pulling a fire alarm and shooting outside a school, but it is not directed at any specific individual. Increased police presence was seen at Thunder Mountain Middle School as a precaution. Similar threats have been reported nationwide, with some schools responding by...

Juneau started mailing ballots for the 2024 municipal election yesterday. Voters will decide on three propositions, two recalls, mayoral and assembly seats, and Board of Education members. Ballots must be postmarked by October 1 and received before election certification on October 15. Drop boxes are now open at five locations around town.  August inflation reached its lowest point in over three years, rising just 2.5% from the previous year. While housing costs increased, gasoline prices...

In Alaska’s U.S. House race, Rep. Mary Peltola and challenger Nick Begich share similar views on economic issues but clash over abortion rights. Begich supports a federal ban after the 12th week of pregnancy and opposes public funding for infertility treatments and abortion services beyond the Hyde Amendment. Peltola, however, supports abortion rights and public funding for both IVF and abortion services.  Alaska is seeing a sharp increase in whooping cough cases, with 234 reported so far...

The Juneau Police Department has released bodycam footage from a July 15th incident where officers fatally shot Steven Kissack, a 35-year-old homeless man. The footage shows a tense encounter lasting several minutes, with officers repeatedly asking Kissack to drop his knife before the situation escalated. The Alaska Office of Special Prosecutions has cleared the officers of any wrongdoing.  Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris met for their first debate, clashing on issues like...

The water level in Suicide Basin is rising quickly after the recent Mendenhall River flood, potentially posing another risk to Juneau. City officials are working with the Army Corps of Engineers and the National Weather Service to monitor the situation and plan flood mitigation efforts.  Eric Hafner, currently imprisoned for threatening public officials, will appear on Alaska’s U.S. House ballot this November. Despite his lack of ties to Alaska and being incarcerated in New York, Hafner joins...

A Seward man, Matthew Stanley, was arrested after threatening to bomb and shoot Governor Dunleavy over a wage dispute. Federal authorities charged Stanley with identity theft and making terroristic threats.  The Juneau Police Department postponed the release of bodycam footage from the July shooting of Steven Kissack, a homeless man, until the state’s investigation concludes. Alaska’s Office of Special Prosecutions has never filed charges in its 148 prior officer-involved death...

Emergency overdose kits, including naloxone, are being distributed to Alaska schools as part of a law aimed at combating the opioid crisis. Signed by Governor Dunleavy, the measure ensures that schools have life-saving tools on hand, particularly in rural areas where access to medical services is limited.  Governor Dunleavy vetoed a bipartisan bill that would have required insurance companies to provide a full year’s supply of birth control at once. Supporters argue the measure would improve...

Faculty at the University of Alaska have reported missing paychecks, with some employees seeing $0 scheduled for their upcoming payments. The issue, possibly linked to HR understaffing, surfaced as union contract negotiations continue. The university is working to resolve the problem before the next payday. A recently enacted Alaska law will expand eligibility for food stamps and improve access to Medicaid services for school-age children. The law, effective in 2025, raises the income...