The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Storis is headed to Juneau as its permanent homeport after its Arctic mission this summer. It’s the first new polar icebreaker in over 25 years.

Congressman Nick Begich is calling recent anti-industry protests “fundraising stunts,” while promoting Alaska’s energy role. He’ll also headline next month’s first-ever Bitcoin Alaska conference in Juneau.

The Trump administration is proposing $9.4 billion in federal budget cuts, targeting public broadcasting and foreign aid, though the plan faces pushback in Congress.

Juneau Parks and Rec is rolling into summer with trail work, playground builds, and swim lessons underway, plus closures at Dimond Park and Augustus Brown Pool.

Exercise ORCA will bring street closures to downtown Juneau in July, check with JPD for details.

And in Sitka, 9-year-old Caleb Gray may have won his second Salmon Derby crown with a 34-pound king salmon.

Three proposed ballot measures backed by the Affordable Juneau Coalition face a signature deadline today.

Supporters must deliver signatures to the city clerk’s office by the close of business to get the initiatives on the ballot.

Citizens can sign any or all of the three petition booklets.

In Sitka, a measure to limit cruise ship traffic has failed at the ballot box.
Unofficial results from Wednesday’s special election show Proposition 1 losing by nearly a 3-to-1 margin.

The citizen-led initiative, supported by Small Town Soul, sought to cap daily visitors at 4,500, limit the season to 300,000 passengers, and require one ship-free day per week.

Absentee ballots will be counted June 2. Final certification is set for June 10.

The City and Borough of Juneau and Tlingit & Haida will host three flood preparedness events at Dimond Park on the next three Saturdays: May 31, June 7, and June 14.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., residents can pick up free sandbags at the Thunder Mountain Middle School parking lot and get info on flood insurance and property protection.

Alaska’s budget is now on Governor Mike Dunleavy’s desk. He has until June 19 to sign or veto the three bills—covering operating, capital, and mental health spending.

SEARHC is considering building rental housing for employees in Wrangell.

According to the Wrangell Sentinel, plans include developing SEARHC-owned land on Zimovia Highway. Preliminary layouts were presented to the local planning commission earlier this month.

The Wrangell school board has unanimously voted to offer the superintendent job to Joshua Garrett, currently working in Kazakhstan as director of an international school.

A federal judge has upheld Alaska’s restrictions on intoxicating hemp products, ruling they do not violate the U.S. Constitution.

The 2023 regulations, challenged by the Alaska Industrial Hemp Association and ban sales of intoxicating hemp outside licensed marijuana retailers.

The Nick Begich Scholarship Intern Fund has named its 2025–2026 award recipients. Three Juneau students were selected, along with others from Kake and Haines. Since its founding, the program has awarded more than $713,000 to nearly 500 Alaskans. Details are at kinyradio.com.

Perseverance Theatre’s Leslie Ishii has received the 2025 Paul Robeson Award. The national honor, given by the Actors’ Equity Association, recognizes theatre professionals who promote freedom of expression and social responsibility. Ishii is being honored for her work creating theatre by and for Alaskans.

The CBJ Assembly Finance Committee approved a proposed property tax rate of 10.24 mills—up from the current 10.04. Deputy City Manager Robert Barr said the increase addresses two key budget challenges.

Hoonah voters will decide next week whether to form a new borough. If approved, the City of Hoonah would dissolve into a service area under the new borough, which would rely on state funds and sales tax instead of property tax.

Wrangell is in early talks with American Cruise Lines to build a $3 million floating dock. The borough may issue bonds for the project, with costs repaid through docking fees.

Six people were rescued near Warren Island after their boat capsized earlier this week. A Coast Guard helicopter and a nearby vessel responded to the distress call. The group made it safely to shore and was later transported to Coffman Cove. The incident is under investigation.

The Ketchikan School Board is pausing its superintendent search until fall 2025. An interim leader will be appointed for the upcoming year. Current finalist Scott Huff will remain a candidate when the search resumes. The board is also addressing a vacancy following Tom Huette’s resignation.

Kodiak’s House race is taking shape. Republican Sheldon Prout and Democrat Katherine Simpler have filed to replace Rep. Louise Stutes, who’s running for Senate. Prout is a staffer for Vice President JD Vance; Simpler is a longtime educator. The district leans Republican but has a history of bipartisan support.

The Trump administration says it’s time to stop minting pennies.

House Bill 57, originally focused on banning cell phones in schools, passed the Senate on Monday after being expanded to include major education funding and policy changes.
Amendments added a $700 increase to the Base Student Allocation, a 10% boost in pupil transportation funding, and new oversight for student outcomes after graduation.

The City and Borough of Juneau Assembly will introduce its $480 million budget for Fiscal Year 2026 at a public hearing tomorrow night at 5:30 p.m.
The plan funds city and school operations, major capital projects, and could raise the property tax rate slightly.
Public comment is welcome in person or over Zoom — citizens using Zoom must contact the Clerk’s Office by 4 p.m.

A new survey shows most Haines residents view cruise tourism as positive or mixed — with 52% saying it’s a good thing, and 42% saying it’s a mix of pros and cons.
Only 2% said the industry’s impact is entirely negative.
While almost 95% say cruise ships help the local economy, residents want better management of internet congestion and visitor impacts.
Support is strongest for small ships; larger ship expansion is more controversial.

Alaska’s big-game hunting industry could soon have a full-time watchdog.
The Senate unanimously passed a bill requiring a permanent executive director for the Big Game Commercial Services Board.

Thinking about running for office?
The City and Borough of Juneau and the League of Women Voters are hosting a free workshop this Saturday, May 3, from 8:45 to 11:30 a.m. at City Hall.

Smoking rates continue to fall across Alaska.
According to the Alaska Beacon, adult smoking dropped to 16% last year — lower than the national average.

A new bill in Congress, co-sponsored by Rep. Nick Begich, would require candidates for federal office to disclose any dual citizenships.
The Dual Loyalty Disclosure Act would make second citizenships public in campaign filings.
The bill, House Resolution 2356, is awaiting committee action.

An unexploded grenade found on a Ketchikan beach was safely detonated over the weekend.
A survey crew discovered the device near mile 8 of North Tongass Highway.
U.S. Army explosives experts from Anchorage destroyed it without incident. No injuries were reported.

The Juneau Assembly will hold a special meeting April 30 to introduce a $480 million budget for Fiscal Year 2026.

The plan includes $61 million for capital projects and proposes a potential property tax increase.

Public testimony will be taken in person or over Zoom—Zoom users must contact the CBJ Clerk’s Office by 4 p.m. that day.

The University of Alaska Southeast has again been named a Military Friendly School, earning Gold distinction for 2025–26.

UAS also received a Military Spouse Friendly designation, with services coordinated by military advisor Deborah Rydman.

Commencement ceremonies will be held May 2–4 in Ketchikan, Sitka, and Juneau.

Thinking about public service?

The City and Borough of Juneau and the League of Women Voters are hosting a free workshop May 3 at City Hall.

Learn about campaigning basics, candidacy requirements, and hear directly from current elected officials.

Registration is encouraged at the League’s website.

Creating tribally operated public schools in Alaska, House Bill 59, advanced through the House Tribal Affairs Committee.

Supporters like Tristan Douville and Jodi Gatti testified to the importance of Native language instruction.

The bill expands on past compacting efforts, with Governor Dunleavy urging quick passage.

Daren Herman, grandson of Alaska flag designer Benny Benson, visited the state for the first time last week.

He arrived from North Dakota to accept an honorary doctorate from Alaska Pacific University.

Supporters welcomed him at the airport, and Herman said he hopes to return soon.

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 Push
Federal 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 Retaliation
Senator 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 Service
Capital 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 Rally
A 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 Week
Saturday 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 Proposal
Juneau 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 Clinic
Bartlett 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.