News of the North

Cruise Ship Fees May Rise in Juneau Docking costs could nearly double for cruise ships and large yachts visiting Juneau starting in 2026. The Docks and Harbors Board is proposing a new fee structure for vessels 200 feet or longer, charging $7.32 per foot or $7 per lower berth—whichever is more. A public hearing is scheduled for 5 p.m. tonight at the Port Director’s Office and online.Cruise Industry, City Meet Today City officials and cruise industry representatives, including CLIA Alaska, are meeting today at noon to discuss the 2025 season. The joint session in Assembly Chambers aims to address economic opportunities as well as concerns about overcrowding and the environment. The public can attend or watch via Zoom at juneau.org.Downtown Rally and Street Closure Today A rally organized by Alaskans For Life is happening from noon to 1 p.m. on the Capitol steps. Fourth Street between Main and Seward will be closed to vehicles during that time.Jorden Nigro Honored as ‘Champion for Kids’ Jorden Nigro, head of Zach Gordon Youth Services, is being recognized today in Anchorage by the Alaska Children’s Trust. Over the past decade, she’s expanded Juneau’s youth programs from a drop-in center to a full-service community hub.Financial Literacy Bill Advances House Bill 90 would require Alaska high schools to offer financial literacy classes starting in 2026. The bill passed out of committee this week and aims to teach students budgeting, debt management, and financial aid navigation.Court Upholds Airplane Seizure in Bootlegging Case The Alaska Supreme Court has ruled that the state’s seizure of an airplane used in a 13-year-old bootlegging case does not violate the Constitution. The plane belonged to Kenneth Jouppi, who was convicted of illegally transporting beer into the dry village of Beaver.Wrangell School District Faces Budget Crisis The Wrangell school board is dealing with a projected shortfall of over $1.3 million for the 2025-26 school year. A special meeting to finalize the budget is set for Wednesday, April 30.Bill Would Reinstate Campaign Donation Limits Senate Bill 116 would reinstate limits on campaign contributions in Alaska—$2,000 from individuals and $4,000 from groups per election cycle. The bill is in response to a federal court ruling that struck down the previous limits in 2021.Senate Finance Briefed on State Salary Study A new state salary study shows Alaska’s pay is about average compared to market medians but lags behind competitive rates—especially for engineers, executives, and scientists. Law enforcement and trade jobs were more competitive.

Federal Marijuana Rescheduling Stalls, Despite 4/20 Sales PushFederal efforts to reschedule marijuana have stalled after a pause in proceedings back in January. Cannabis entrepreneur Precious Erese told ABC News that while sales were strong on 4/20, nationwide decriminalization still depends on federal support. President Trump, who campaigned in favor of legalization, has yet to take action during his new term.Murkowski Says She Fears Trump RetaliationSenator Lisa Murkowski told an Anchorage crowd she’s concerned about political retaliation from President Trump if she speaks out on certain issues. Capital Transit Launches Expanded Summer ServiceCapital Transit’s summer schedule begins today with earlier and later service on Sundays, new stops including one near Safeway, and an added inbound Route 8 express run. All routes will run on regular schedules for Memorial Day and Labor Day. Full details are available at juneaucapitaltransit.org.CBJ Comprehensive Plan Listening Sessions Begin This Week Juneau’s Comprehensive Plan update kicks off this week with public listening sessions scheduled Tuesday and Wednesday at multiple locations. The sessions aim to collect community feedback that will shape city development for the next two decades.Downtown Road Closures Thursday for Anti-Abortion RallyA rally hosted by Alaskans for Life will take place on the Capitol steps Thursday from noon to 1 p.m., prompting a temporary closure of Fourth Street between Main and Seward streets. Drivers are advised to plan ahead for midday disruptions downtown.Juneau Honors Dispatchers During National Recognition WeekSaturday marked the end of National Public Safety Dispatchers Week. Juneau Police Chief Derek Bos acknowledged the crucial role of the city’s 11 dispatchers, who support 44 officers in serving the capital’s population of over 31,000 residents.Sen. Jesse Kiehl Pushes Back on Governor's Education ProposalJuneau Senator Jesse Kiehl responded to Governor Dunleavy’s veto of House Bill 69, which would have raised the Base Student Allocation by $1,000. Kiehl criticized the governor’s proposed substitute — a smaller BSA increase paired with targeted spending — and said investing in education must be a top priority.Bartlett Regional Hospital Moves Ahead with New ClinicBartlett Regional Hospital is establishing Bartlett Family Medicine, a new Juneau-based primary care clinic. The facility will be managed by Bartlett but operated by the current Family Practice Physicians provider team. Final board approval is expected April 22.

The Assembly Finance Committee will meet tonight at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall to discuss potential school bond projects, visitor industry revenue, and local grant funding. Twelve organizations are seeking a combined $1.4 million from the city, including a $500,000 request from the Juneau Community Foundation. Assembly member Wade Bryson told News of the North the city’s support helps meet needs that would otherwise go unmet.The Alaska Senate passed Senate Bill 39 Tuesday, removing a legal exception that allowed payday lenders to charge rates above the state’s 36% APR cap. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Forrest Dunbar, aims to protect Alaskans from predatory short-term lending, where some rates have reached over 500%. The legislation now moves to the House.Freddy Hamilton III has been inducted into the Alaska School Activities Association Class of 2025 Hall of Fame. A standout basketball player from 2001 to 2003, Hamilton helped lead his team to a state championship and earned multiple tournament honors. He continues to play in Juneau’s annual Gold Medal Tournament and is the grandson of ASAA Hall of Famer Herb Didrickson.Congressman Nick Begich announced he raised over $824,000 in the first quarter of 2025, with support from more than 21,000 individual donors. The average contribution was $38. Begich defeated Mary Peltola in 2024 despite her significant fundraising advantage. With Peltola reportedly eyeing the governor’s race, it’s still unclear who Democrats will run against Begich.Russian military aircraft entered the Air Defense Identification Zone off Alaska on Monday. NORAD tracked the planes but did not intercept them, noting they did not enter U.S. or Canadian airspace. The ADIZ extends about 150 miles from U.S. territory, where aircraft are required to identify themselves.The Senate unanimously passed SB 40, which would designate September 15 to October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month in Alaska. The bill now moves to the House. Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson said the month honors the independence of several Latin American countries, including Mexico and five Central American nations.

Fire at Cove View Place Prompts Caution from CCFR Capital City Fire/Rescue responded to a late-night fire Saturday that spread from the ground to a vehicle and threatened a nearby home. CCFR urges residents to use extreme caution when open burning—especially in windy conditions.Capital Transit Launches Token Transit App Riders can now pay fares using their smartphones with the new Token Transit app. To encourage use, Capital Transit is offering 50% off fares this week through April 20.City Finance Committee to Review $1.4M in Grant Requests The CBJ Assembly Finance Committee meets Wednesday to consider grant requests from 12 organizations, including $500,000 for Juneau’s Hope Endowment and Social Service Grant Program. Other agenda items include school bond project discussions and tourism revenue.REAL ID Enforcement Begins May 7 at Airports TSA will no longer accept non-REAL ID licenses at checkpoints starting May 7. All travelers 18 and older must show a REAL ID or other valid ID like a passport to fly.Alaska Lawmakers Tackle Major Bills in Busy House Session Four key bills are on the House agenda today, including budget matters and proposals to ban cell phones in schools and alter PFD eligibility. The session follows a contentious week that included passage of an education funding bill facing a likely veto.Senator Sullivan Renews Push to Reopen Adak Base Sen. Dan Sullivan is calling for the reopening of Naval Air Facility Adak, citing increased threats from Russia and China. The Navy has sent a team to assess the base's readiness.Senate Considers Creating State Department of Agriculture SB 128 would establish a formal state agriculture department and may include mariculture oversight. Lawmakers debated amendments Friday, and the bill will be heard again in committee.Let me know if you want any of these expanded or tailored for different formats.

Senate Takes Up Slimmed-Down Education Bill HB 69, now stripped down to just a $1,000 increase in Base Student Allocation, heads to the Senate floor today after a fast-tracked process. The move sparked debate over the bill’s rapid advancement.Tlingit & Haida to Hold 90th Tribal Assembly Delegates will gather April 16–18 in Juneau for a constitutional convention, shaping the future of tribal governance. Highlights include elections and the State of the Tribe address by President Richard Peterson.MMIWG Working Group Shares Stark Data At the Capitol, co-directors of the MMIWG2S Alaska Working Group presented sobering statistics to the House Tribal Affairs Committee, spotlighting the ongoing crisis and efforts toward solutions.Study Finds State Worker Pay Competitive A long-awaited salary study shows 72% of Alaska state employees earn wages at or above market rates. Public safety and legal workers are especially competitive compared to peers in the Lower 48.Voting Reform Bill Offers Ballot Fixes, Same-Day Registration SB 64 would allow Alaskans to correct mail-in ballot mistakes and register to vote on election day. The bill was introduced in Senate Finance this week and mirrors practices in over 20 other states.Wage Disclosure Bill Headed to Senate Hearing SB 78 would ban questions about salary history during hiring and require job postings to list pay. It protects workers discussing wages and brings state law in line with existing federal protections.Egg Prices Spike Ahead of Easter Egg prices continue to rise nationwide, just in time for Easter celebrations. ABC's Brian Clark reports on the trend and what’s driving it.

Juneau riders will get 50% off Capital Transit fares for one week if they use the new Token Transit mobile app. Traditional fare options will remain available. Bus tokens will be phased out, despite concerns from community members.The Juneau Assembly approved a $200 million plan for a fifth cruise ship dock at Áak’w Landing. Huna Totem Corporation will own the dock. The project passed 8–1, with promises of job creation and lower emissions.The Alaska Humanities Forum lost its federal funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, due to a shift in priorities under the Trump administration.A new CBJ ordinance would require Juneau Police to release body camera footage within 30 days of deadly force incidents, unless delayed by court order or prosecutor request.House Joint Resolution 13 calls on the president to resume and expand visa processing for Afghan nationals who aided U.S. forces. The bill highlights stalled efforts since the 2021 U.S. withdrawal.A proposal in the Alaska House would create a task force to study the impact of artificial intelligence on the state. Supporters say it would help Alaska prepare for future tech challenges.

CBJ Assembly Reviews FY26 Budget Amid Federal Funding ConcernsThe City & Borough of Juneau held special meetings Saturday to review its proposed Fiscal Year 2026 operating budget.More than 1,500 people gathered on the steps of the Alaska State Capitol on Saturday as part of a national day of protest against President Trump. The “Hands Off!” rally in Juneau was one of over 1,100 events held across all 50 states.House Bill 78, sponsored by House Majority Leader Chuck Kopp, would establish a shared-risk pension plan. Unlike pre-2006 pensions, this version would spread risk between employees and the state. Kopp says it would provide more financial security and stability than individual contribution plans.Financial Literacy Bill for Alaska High Schoolers AdvancesSenate Bill 22, sponsored by Anchorage Sen. Bill Wiehlechowski, was heard Friday in the Senate Finance Committee. The bill would require Alaska school districts to offer financial literacy education for high school students in grades 9 through 12.Sealaska Corporation will hold a shareholder meeting in Wrangell this Wednesday, April 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Nolan Center. The meeting is part of a spring tour across Southeast Alaska ahead of the annual meeting on June 21 in Kake.The City & Borough of Sitka will hold a regular assembly meeting Tuesday, with budget adoption and decisions on the Commercial Passenger Vessel Tax Fund on the agenda.The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly will meet tonight at 5:30 p.m.The agenda includes a work session on the borough’s FY26 budget and a request from the Ketchikan School District to approve a lease agreement for technology equipment.

Alaska State Capitol Chief of Security Ramey Vinson was honored Wednesday during a House floor session. Vinson, who has worked in public safety for 50 years, has served as legislative security chief since 2020.Senate Bill 15, which amends state law on alcohol sales and service, passed the House on Wednesday in a 32-8 vote.During a Joint State Affairs Committee meeting Tuesday, Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) Executive Director Randy Ruaro outlined economic opportunities for the state, including AI data centers.The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upheld the FDA’s decision to block the sale of flavored e-cigarettes and vapes, citing concerns over their appeal to children.Senate Bill 24, which proposes raising the legal age for tobacco and e-cigarette sales from 19 to 21, was discussed in the Senate Finance Committee this week.A House resolution urging Congress to reinstate Secure Rural Schools funding was discussed Tuesday in the House Community & Regional Affairs Committee.A rally organized by The Resisters is set for Saturday, April 5, at the Alaska State Capitol. The event will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m., prompting street closures on Fourth Street between Main and Seward.

Starting Monday, the City & Borough of Juneau will begin construction at the Valley Transit Center to install electric bus chargers for Capital Transit. During the project, the public parking lot, restrooms, and EV chargers will be unavailable. Passenger pick-ups and drop-offs will shift to the Park & Ride lot. Work is expected to be completed by mid-summer. For updates, visit juneaucapitaltransit.org.The City & Borough of Juneau will hold a special assembly meeting on April 5 to introduce the city’s Fiscal Year 26 budget. The proposed $537 million operating budget excludes school district funding, which is set at just under $95 million—an increase of $9.5 million from last year.House Bill 137, currently in the House Judiciary Committee, would allow the state to apply for Permanent Fund Dividends on behalf of eligible residents behind on child support who fail to file for their PFDs.House Bill 16, introduced in the House State Affairs Committee, seeks to change Alaska’s campaign finance rules. The bill proposes shifting contribution limits to a per-election-cycle basis, raising the individual-to-candidate limit from $500 per year to $2,000 per cycle, and increasing the group-to-candidate limit to $4,000 per cycle.House Bill 98, now before the legislature, would establish classroom size limits for different grade levels in the Anchorage School District. The limits would not apply to subjects like music, art, or PE.Senate Bill 128, introduced Friday, would formally establish a state Department of Agriculture, continuing efforts that stalled after Governor Mike Dunleavy’s executive order was rejected by the legislature.The board of the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation (AGDC) has approved a deal making Glenfarne Group the majority owner of the Alaska LNG project. AGDC will transfer 75% of its 8-Star Alaska subsidiary, which manages project assets, to Glenfarne.