In this newscast: The Anchorage Forestry Sciences Lab is set to close and the future of the Pacific Northwest Research Station lab in Juneau is uncertain since the U.S. Forest Service began a national restructuring last week; The city’s cold weather emergency shelter, which was set to close for the season next week, is turning into a year-round operation; Judge Sharon Gleason dismissed a federal class-action lawsuit filed against the Alaska Office of Children’s Services last week; Tongass Voices: Hiram Henry on the volunteers who drive Alaska Folk Festival
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Juneau Assembly agrees to reexamine Telephone Hill demolition plan and timeline
Assembly member Nano Brooks made the motion, which passed in a 6-2 vote. Brooks was elected last fall after the Assembly voted to move forward with the neighborhood’s demolition to redevelop the area into newer, denser housing.
Juneau Assembly approves opening winter warming shelter year-round
The aim is to address Juneau’s current lack of shelter space and housing units and reduce the number of unhoused people camping outside in the summer.
Southeast Alaska back to average harvest goal for king salmon after 2025 low
Fishermen in Southeast Alaska will be able to harvest about 70,000 more king salmon this season than last year.
House committee OKs $3,800 dividend that would spend half of state savings
Nome Democratic Rep. Neal Foster voted with Republicans to insert the $3,800 PFD as Alaskans face high costs. Independent Rep. Calvin Schrage says it gives Alaskans “false hope.”
Future of Juneau’s Forest Service lab in limbo after agency announces restructuring, closes Anchorage Forestry Lab
Juneau will remain the headquarters for Alaska’s national forests, but much is still unknown for current employees of the lab.