Like what you see? For an entertaining inside take on the biggest news in Alaska, try The Signal – just enter your email to get the latest edition delivered every week - it's free, we keep your email safe, and you can easily unsubscribe any time.

This email is member supported. Become a member
Share this email on Facebook Share this email on Facebook
Tweet it Tweet it
Forward it Forward it

February 10, 2021 / This week from The Signal
All the latest news and information from around Alaska.

Last week, we started running KNOM's powerful five-part series, “Seeking Protection, Wanting Justice.” It explores the community dynamics around sexual assault in Nome, but the articles take on problems that exist everywhere in Alaska. This third installment looks at how Alaska's outdated laws and biased policing mean that far too few sexual assault cases ever get charged. (Photo by Brisa Alarcon/KNOM & Story by Emily Hofstaedter/KNOM)

But first… 

Last year's cruise season in Alaska ended piece by piece, week after week. Delays turned into cancelations over the course of several months.

But after some tentative predictions about what this year might bring, most hopes were dashed in one fell swoop last week when Canada banned cruise ships from its waters for another full year. 

It wasn't a total surprise, and it's not necessarily a done deal. The ban could be lifted if the Canadian government decides the pandemic has "improved" enough, but that's probably not enough hope to hang a tourism season on. There's also the outside chance that Alaska's congressional delegation can convince the Biden administration to find a legal workaround to the maritime law that requires foreign flagged ships to stop in Canada on the way to Alaska. But again — how do you decide whether to start hiring seasonal staff based on those odds? 

This news is huge in Southeast Alaska. And it means we have our work cut out for us as reporters in port communities. The impacts of the tourism industry leave hardly anyone untouched around here.

This is one of KTOO's priority coverage areas. Please share your stories about what this news means for you and your businesses and your families with us by responding to this email or by sending us a message. We want to do our best to share our community's reaction to this news.

-- Jennifer Pemberton, KTOO Managing Editor

Top stories from last week

Stories you may have missed

One thing to share...

A Haines man is recuperating from a broken arm and other injuries after he and two friends stumbled on a brown bear's den this weekend while backcountry snowboarding near Chilkoot Lake. A Coast Guard crew from Sitka hoisted him off the mountain and flew him to Juneau for treatment. (Watch video)
KTOO Public Media would like to acknowledge the L'eeneidí and the Wooshkeetaan of the Áak’w Khwáan. Our broadcast studios are on their ancestral homeland. Our building sits on fill that was once tideland and part of what is called the Indian Village. The families of the Juneau Indian Village, like their ancestors, cherish and depend upon their immediate connection to the waterfront. KTOO is working to lift up Tlingit voices and the Tlingit language. Please excuse us for our mistakes, and gunalchéesh for your patience as we learn.

KTOO News is member supported.
Become a Member

Did a friend forward you this email?
Sign up to receive The Signal in your inbox.
Copyright © 2021 KTOO, All rights reserved.


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp

What are you waiting for? For an entertaining inside take on the biggest news in Alaska, try The Signal – just enter your email to get the latest edition delivered every week - it's free, we keep your email safe, and you can easily unsubscribe any time.