When Mount Spurr last erupted, some light ashfall reportedly made its way to Juneau and airlines grounded flights for about a day.
Clarise Larson
City Government Reporter, KTOO
"My mission is to hold Juneau’s elected officials accountable for their actions and how their decisions impact the lives of the people they represent. It’s rooted in the belief that an informed public has the power to make positive change."
When Clarise isn't working, you can find her skijoring with her dog, Bloon, or climbing up walls at the Rock Dump.
Newscast – Monday, March 31, 2025
In this newscast: President Trump last Tuesday issued an executive order to reshape U.S. elections. The order, among other things, mandates absentee and mail-in ballots to be received by Election Day. It also requires proof of citizenship for registering to vote in federal elections. There’s some concern that the changes might disenfranchise voters in rural Alaska Native communities; U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Gleason ruled last week that the Biden administration was wrong to cancel oil and gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. As it happens, she did exactly what U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan says she never does: decided against environmental groups. Sullivan’s recent criticism of the judge caused a stir in the legal community.
Canadian company pushes forward with plans for new gold mine in Juneau
The project is called the New Amalga Gold Deposit and it’s being led by Grande Portage Resources, a Vancouver-based mineral exploration company. It’s proposed to be located near Herbert Glacier, about 15 miles north of downtown Juneau.
SEARHC expands reach again with new dental clinic in Mendenhall Valley
Developers on the project plan to break ground on construction this summer. The organization anticipates the clinic will be open to the public in the fall of 2027.
Juneau’s short-term rental task force only has one member who rents
Mayor Beth Weldon hand-picked the members of the group. Despite the lack of renters, she says the group can still make decisions that represent the various viewpoints on short-term rentals in town.
Newscast – Tuesday, March 25, 2025
In this newscast: A Fairbanks Republican lawmaker wants to put the governor’s mansion on Airbnb; Alaska already imports most of its food. But for many tribes in rural areas, cuts to federal grants and staff by the Trump administration could make food security even tougher; A draft of the 20-year plan for Alaska’s state ferry system is open for public comment. Officials with the Alaska Department of Transportation are asking residents to weigh in on the plan that will guide the Alaska Marine Highway System through the year 2045; Juneau’s Valley Transit Center will soon have a new charging station for the city’s fleet of electric buses. According to Capital Transit Superintendent Rich Ross, construction will begin next week (March 31) and should be completed in mid-July.