In this newscast:
- Black bears are emerging from hibernation and roaming around Juneau in search of food,
- The Alaska Senate passed a bill today that would substantially boost long-term funding for public schools,
- Juneau’s firefighter union sent out a statement Thursday warning residents that emergency response times may be delayed due to major staffing concerns,
- The Juneau School District and its largest union are more than two months into contract negotiations,
- The U.S. Interior Department says it’s going to fast-track permits for oil, gas and mining, cutting a process that normally takes years down to no more than 28 days,
- Alaska residents have less than a week to apply to get on a rental assistance program waitlist with the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
