In this newscast: Local advocates have gathered more than 600 signatures in an effort to pause the looming evictions and demolition of the historic Telephone Hill neighborhood in downtown Juneau; Alaskans will not receive SNAP, or food stamp, benefits for November, according to the state division of public assistance. That’s unless the federal government shutdown ends before then; Dozens of communities in Western Alaska are working to restore essential infrastructure and repair damaged homes after the remnants of Typhoon Halong devastated coastal communities. But one stands out. In Kipnuk, Halong’s high winds and storm surge left a catastrophe. The state Department of Transportation estimates that 90% of the structures in the community were destroyed. Most of Kipnuk’s residents evacuated on military helicopters in the days after the storm; Alaska Congressman Nick Begich has a new challenger. Pastor Matt Schultz of First Presbyterian Church in Anchorage launched his campaign earlier this week.
A News
Interior Dept. advances Ambler mining road, King Cove road and ANWR drilling in signing ceremony
Three controversial projects received a boost on Thursday from the Trump administration but remain far from construction.
This Alaska town gets weekly barges. So why do people use Instacart to fly in groceries?
In Skagway, one of Alaska’s most popular cruise ports, food problems revolve around one big issue: The number of people in town can range from 900 to 10,000.
Trump administration approves disaster declaration for Western Alaska storm
The president also pledged $25 million in immediate disaster relief funding to cover costs as storm damage is still assessed.
Advocates collect more than 600 signatures to halt looming Telephone Hill evictions
The petition is called “Stop the Bulldozers on Telephone Hill.” The city plans to demolish the houses on the hill in December to make way for newer, denser housing in response to the city’s housing crunch.
‘We got hope’: The few who remain in storm-ravaged Kipnuk race to rebuild
The remnants of Typhoon Halong left a catastrophe in this Western Alaska village. The handful of people left there are determined — but face an immense challenge.