In this newscast: The U. S. Coast Guard may briefly be unable to hear distress calls in Southeast Alaska for 3-5 minute intervals this week; Tenants living in Juneau’s historic Telephone Hill neighborhood had until this past weekend to move out. But some didn’t, and several are now suing the city to reverse the evictions. At the same time, city officials are discussing the next steps for the downtown neighborhood’s redevelopment into new, denser housing; A controversial higher education compact from the Trump administration has sparked a petition from several University of Alaska unions, who say they’re worried about political overreach stifling academic freedom; Alaska’s state-owned economic development and finance corporation is committing another $50 million to the controversial Ambler Road Project. Earlier this month, the board of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority unanimously voted to make the money available to support the 211-mile project, which would connect the Dalton Highway to an undeveloped, mining region near the Brooks Range.
Clarise Larson
City Government Reporter, KTOO
"My mission is to hold Juneau’s elected officials accountable for their actions and how their decisions impact the lives of the people they represent. It’s rooted in the belief that an informed public has the power to make positive change."
When Clarise isn't working, you can find her skijoring with her dog, Bloon, or climbing up walls at the Rock Dump.
Telephone Hill tenants file lawsuit as city plans next steps for redevelopment project
The city’s Nov. 1st eviction date for Telephone Hill tenants has come and gone, and now, the city is laying out the plan for what lies ahead for the neighborhood.
Haines and Skagway both oppose Cascade Point ferry terminal. Juneau hasn’t taken a stance.
The new ferry terminal would be located beyond where the road ends in Juneau on land owned by Goldbelt Incorporated, a local Alaska Native Corporation. The project is slated to cost tens of millions of dollars.
Telephone Hill tenants must vacate homes by Saturday ahead of demolition plans
The evictions come after outcry by local advocates, who asked the city to halt them until it produces a clearer redevelopment plan. Right now, a developer has not signed on to the project.
Debate over Alaska’s ranked choice voting continues at Juneau Chamber of Commerce luncheon
According to data from the state’s Division of Elections, Juneau voters appear to support ranked choice voting. The capital city overwhelmingly voted against an effort to repeal the statewide system last year, which only very narrowly failed statewide.
Newscast – Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025
In this newscast: Federal subsidies for rural air travel will continue through at least mid-November despite the government shutdown. That’s according to a notice from the Transportation Department telling air carriers that it’s found enough funding to continue paying Essential Air Service subsidies through Nov. 18; The state’s plan to build a new ferry terminal north of Juneau has sparked calls for more information about the project … and, what justifies it. The state recently released an economic analysis to that effect. But, at least so far, the report hasn’t done much to ease concerns – particularly among members of a key oversight board; The University of Alaska Anchorage kicked off its new school psychology master’s program this fall to address a shortage in school psychologists. But the program has so far failed to get approval from the state Board of Education over concerns about social justice advocacy. That could make it harder for students to get jobs after they graduate; John Boyle, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, abruptly resigned his position on Friday. Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced the appointment of his deputy, John Crowther, as acting head of the agency that regulates Alaska’s agriculture, mining, oil and gas.