The Skagway Assembly met for the second time this week to review a document that could provide a way forward on port improvements. The group made some notable edits to a memorandum of understanding with White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad.
Government
Fansler: SB 54 could disproportionately impact Alaska Natives
People in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta haven’t been talking much about Senate Bill 54, the crime bill working its way through the special session of the Alaska State Legislature, but House Rep. Zach Fansler said that it’s time to start paying attention.
Alaska Senate passes crime bill, adjourns from special session
Legal experts say flaw in bill could lead to provision from unpopular Senate Bill 91 remaining in place.
First lady stops by military family celebration at JBER
First Lady Melania Trump spent some time in Alaska this morning. On her way back from the president’s visit to Asia, the first lady landed to refuel at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage.
Arctic drilling foes find public passion has cooled
Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., on Thursday lamented that the refuge drilling proposal isn’t drawing public outrage like it did more than a decade ago.
Legislative leaders seek update to sexual harassment policies
The national reckoning with sexual harassment has reached Juneau. Both chambers of the Alaska Legislature are seeking to make changes to their sexual harassment policies, lawmakers said Thursday.
University of Alaska approves tuition increases, budget amid uncertain fiscal future
Most University of Alaska students will see a 10 percent tuition increase during the next two academic years. The University of Alaska Board of Regents approved the hike with a 9-1 vote at Thursday’s meeting in Anchorage.
Regulator stalls Hydro One’s bid for Juneau utility
Hydro One had requested the Regulatory Commission of Alaska waive the requirement that the Canadian company obtain an Alaska business license. The RCA refused,restaring the process from scratch.
Haines residents, representatives push back on local government drone use
The use of drones, or unmanned aircraft systems, by the Haines Borough has raised concerns about privacy and local government overreach. Residents and representatives pushed back at an Assembly meeting Tuesday on the use of the technology as a routine tool for government.
Mental Health Trust bides its time on sale of Juneau waterfront parcel
The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority offered a prime piece of Juneau’s waterfront for sale last year. Prospective developers sent offers but have grown irritated that almost a year later there’s been no formal response.