Anchorage is anticipating hundreds more homeless in the days and weeks ahead, taxing local emergency response resources and organizations.
Politics
Governor’s veto could close Head Start classrooms in Southeast Alaska
Tlingit & Haida’s Head Start pre-K program serves 10 communities in Southeast Alaska. Without state funding, they may have to reduce staff, cut spots or close classrooms altogether.
Petersburg police to end round-the-clock coverage
The police chief’s announcement follows the Petersburg Borough Assembly’s decision last week not to fill a vacant sergeant’s job. Assembly members cited concerns over the future of state funding.
It’s back: US Interior Dept. signs new land swap deal for King Cove road
The U.S. Interior Department has already signed a new land swap agreement for a King Cove road, just days after it gave up its appeal of a court ruling that its prior agreement violated federal law.
Feds withdraw appeal of Izembek Refuge road decision
For now, that leaves in place a federal judge’s decision blocking a land exchange for a road through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge.
Financial exigency likely means UAS layoffs and program reductions — but not before fall classes begin
The UAS chancellor says programs with larger enrollments are more likely to be retained. But he adds that some smaller programs, like Alaska Native languages, are critical to the mission of UAS.
Juneau moves forward with annexation proposal
The Juneau Assembly is advancing its petition to annex parts of Admiralty Island, despite an attempt by an Assembly member to bring the issue back for further review.
House committee proposes $1,600 PFD and accepts some vetoes — but falls short of governor’s goal
The bill would accept $89 million in vetoes, including $20 million in cuts to the University of Alaska, a $49 million cut to school bond debt reimbursement and a $20 million cut to rural school construction.
Alaska House falls one vote short of funding capital budget, with re-vote planned
Seven minority-caucus Republicans voted against it and four were absent, leaving the bill one vote short of the level the state constitution requires to draw from reserves.
University of Alaska Board of Regents votes to declare financial exigency
The declaration comes as the university grapples with a roughly 40% funding cut from Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s line-item veto and legislators’ failed attempts to override the veto.