A Kodiak-based pollock trawler's accidental catch of 2,000 king salmon has led to the closure of a Gulf of Alaska fishery, causing layoffs and stranding $9 million worth of pollock. The closure is expected to cost millions in lost revenue and tax dollars.

CBJ presented its first phase of a flood mitigation plan, which includes heavy-duty sandbags from the Army Corps of Engineers to protect four miles of riverbank. The plan could cost up to $2 million, with further discussions on funding scheduled for October 21.

Alaska legislators have voted to limit protest signs in the state Capitol to 11x17 inches, following large protests earlier this year. The new rule aims to prevent disruptions while still allowing for public expression.

An Alaska man convicted of cyberstalking will receive a new trial after it was revealed that the presiding judge, former U.S. District Court Judge Joshua Kindred, had inappropriate relationships with prosecutors involved in his case. Kindred's misconduct has prompted a review of over 40 cases.

In Juneau's recent election, 60% of voters rejected Proposition 2, which aimed to ban cruise ships on Saturdays. Opponents spent $600,000 to defeat the measure, with significant support from local businesses and large cruise companies like Disney. Supporters raised less than $1,000.

Alaska residents have until Sunday, October 6, to register to vote for the November general election. In-person registration is available at election offices, and online registration is also open. Mail-in ballot requests must be submitted by October 26.

Voting for Katmai National Park’s annual Fat Bear Week started, where fans pick the fattest brown bear preparing for winter hibernation. The event was delayed after Bear 402, a fan favorite, was killed in a bear fight. Twelve bears will now compete, and voting continues until October 8.

Haines Borough Assembly approved a cruise passenger fee, starting at $9 per passenger in 2025, aimed at funding tourism-related infrastructure improvements. The fee will increase to $12 in 2027 and $13 in 2029, with funds used for projects that benefit cruise passengers.

Hilcorp has applied to install water level gauges in Birch Creek as part of ongoing oil and gas exploration efforts in partnership with Doyon, Interior Alaska's Native corporation. The exploration site is near the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge, raising potential environmental concerns.

With 23% of ballots counted, the "Ship-Free Saturdays" proposition is failing, while propositions one and three, regarding funding for city projects, are passing. The recall bids for Board of Education members are failing, and Mayor Beth Weldon is leading her re-election bid with 60% of the vote. Full results will be updated Friday.

Investigators with the Southeast Alaska Cities Against Drugs task force intercepted over $100,000 worth of drugs at the Juneau airport. Two women from Washington were arrested after authorities found thousands of fentanyl pills, cocaine, meth, and heroin in their possession. Both face multiple charges related to drug distribution.

The U.S. Coast Guard spotted Russian and Chinese vessels operating together in the Bering Sea. This joint activity raises concerns in Washington as cooperation between the two nations increases, particularly following similar military actions near Alaska in July.

The ACLU of Alaska uncovered a data breach by the Department of Corrections, where the health information of at least 74 inmates was publicly accessible on a training website. The ACLU has filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and demanded immediate action to protect the privacy of affected individuals.

A federal judge ruled that regulators did not adequately assess the risks of a major waste spill from the proposed Donlin Gold mine in Western Alaska. While the ruling is a partial victory for tribal governments opposing the project, the mine's permit remains valid pending further legal review.

Today is Election Day in Juneau, with ballots needing to be postmarked by today or submitted in person by 8 PM at designated drop boxes. In-person voting centers at City Hall and the Mendenhall Valley Library are available for those needing assistance or preferring to vote in person. The ballot includes the mayoral race, assembly and board of education seats, and two school board recall elections.

The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating a series of suspicious packages sent to election officials in over 15 states, including Alaska. The package sent to Minnesota bore the same return address as one previously sent to Colorado, raising concerns ahead of upcoming elections. No hazardous materials have been found, but the incidents are prompting increased security measures.

A storm system is bringing high winds and waves to Southeast Alaska, forcing cruise ships to stay docked in Juneau. Winds reached up to 67 knots, with waves of 5 to 6 feet in inner channels. High Wind Warnings remain in effect, and heavy rain is expected to continue through today. Cruise lines like Holland America have canceled some port calls due to the weather.

The U.S. military released footage of a Russian fighter jet dangerously flying close to an Air Force F-16 near Alaska. The incident is part of a series of Russian incursions into U.S. airspace, drawing condemnation from military officials and Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan. General Gregory Guillot described the Russian jet’s behavior as unsafe and unprofessional.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Ohio Senator JD Vance are set to face off in their only vice presidential debate today. With Harris and Trump in a tight race, this debate could have a significant impact on voters. Both candidates are expected to defend their respective tickets, and polls suggest Walz may have a slight advantage going into the debate.

Alaska ranks fourth in the nation for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. To address the crisis, Gov. Mike Dunleavy signed Senate Bill 151 into law on September 3. The law, effective January 1, creates a commission to review unsolved cases and mandates cultural training for new officers. It also requires an assessment of law enforcement resources for MMIP cases.

The Juneau Assembly has approved $3 million in local funding for a $6 million flood mitigation study with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This follows rapidly rising water levels at Suicide Basin, which could lead to another major flood. Efforts are underway to secure additional funding to reimburse the general fund used for the project.

Anchorage has seen six pedestrian deaths in September, pushing the city's fatality count to 13 for the year. Assembly members are advocating for improved lighting and lower speed limits in high-risk areas. The mayor's office and state authorities will play key roles in implementing traffic-calming measures to reduce fatalities.

Juneau International Airport has completed parking lot improvements and introduced a new payment system. Drivers can now pay for parking using contactless options like Apple and Google Pay. In-terminal kiosks accept cash and cards, and parking rates have not increased.

A natural gas shortage in Southcentral Alaska is driving increased demand for coal-fired power, despite environmental concerns. With Cook Inlet’s gas supply dwindling, coal is expected to play a key role in powering Anchorage and surrounding areas. Alaska’s only coal mine will see steady demand through the decade’s end, despite global trends moving away from coal.

Alaska saw the largest drop in life expectancy in the U.S. in 2021, falling from 76.6 to 74.5 years, largely due to COVID-19 and drug overdoses. While life expectancy has since risen to 77.2 years in 2023, it remains below pre-pandemic levels. Overdoses and accidents were significant factors, with cancer and heart disease remaining top causes of death.

The Southeast Conference’s 2024 Economic Summit and 66th annual meeting began today in Ketchikan, bringing together dignitaries and members from 32 regional communities. U.S. Senators Murkowski, Sullivan, and Representative Peltola will speak virtually. The event will cover regional issues such as housing, solid waste, child care, and economic innovation.

Alaska is experiencing a whooping cough epidemic, with 286 cases reported recently—the most since 2012. Despite some cases among vaccinated individuals, the unvaccinated are at greater risk for severe illness. Health officials urge testing and vaccination, especially for those around high-risk individuals such as infants.

A police officer and two civilians were shot during a standoff in East Anchorage on Monday. The suspect, who had barricaded himself in a Muldoon mobile home, was apprehended after a SWAT-led operation. All three victims are expected to survive. Nearby schools went into lockdown during the confrontation.

Alaska legislators and nonprofits are pushing for expanded mental health services for children, with a focus on after-school hours. The Alaska Children’s Caucus is highlighting the state's high suicide rates, particularly among Alaska Native youth. Sen. Elvi-Gray Jackson plans to reintroduce a bill to integrate mental health education into school curricula in the next session.

A group opposing the initiative to ban cruise ships from Juneau on Saturdays has raised more than $300,000. Major donations include $75,000 from a Norwegian Cruise Line affiliate and Westmark Hotels, among others. The anti-initiative campaign is being managed by Anchorage-based firm Thompson & Co.

Alaska is holding public hearings ahead of November's vote on two ballot measures. The first would raise the state's minimum wage to $15 by 2027 and require sick leave. The second would repeal Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system. Hearings for both measures took place today and will be repeated on Tuesday.

Ketchikan is expecting an additional 2-3 inches of rain following a rainy weekend, prompting concerns of landslides, especially in higher terrain areas. Residents are advised to monitor their surroundings and have an evacuation plan in place. Recovery work from a previous landslide continues, with a new webcam installed for monitoring.

Governor Mike Dunleavy has contracted international law firm WilmerHale to review the leadership and conflict-of-interest policies at the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation, which manages the state’s $80 billion fund. The review follows recent controversies and will focus on governance improvements, with a report expected by December.

The City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) is actively pursuing federal disaster aid and mitigation options after the Mendenhall flood. CBJ officials met with federal agencies in Washington, D.C., while Governor Dunleavy formally requested a federal emergency declaration from FEMA. Advocacy for flood prevention continues, with CBJ partnering with Tlingit & Haida to seek additional resources for damage prevention.

Over the past two months, crews have cleared more than 700 tons of debris from areas affected by the Mendenhall flood. As flood-damaged debris has decreased, the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) announced that Monday, September 30, will be the final day for routine debris collection. Residents should move any remaining flood-related waste to the right-of-way for pickup and email floodresponse@juneau.gov to arrange collection before the deadline.

The House of Representatives rejected Speaker Mike Johnson’s six-month funding proposal on Wednesday, intensifying the risk of a government shutdown. The bill included a provision for voter ID requirements in national elections, which faced opposition from both Democrats and some Republicans. With the September 30 deadline approaching, negotiations between the House and Senate are crucial to avoid a shutdown beginning October 1.

Alaskans will receive $1,702 this year from the Permanent Fund dividend and a one-time energy rebate, according to the Alaska Department of Revenue. Direct deposits will begin on October 3, with paper checks arriving later in the month. The energy rebate portion will be exempt from federal taxes, while the rest of the dividend remains taxable.

A 76-year-old Alaska man, Panos Anastasiou, has been indicted on federal charges for sending more than 465 graphic threats to six U.S. Supreme Court justices. He is accused of making threats of assassination, torture, and racist and homophobic statements in retaliation for court decisions. Anastasiou faces 22 charges, including making threats against a federal judge.

Emergency road repairs on View Drive, related to recent flood damage, are set to continue through tomorrow. The work will involve removing asphalt, regrading, and paving. Local traffic will have access during grading, but the area will be closed on the day of paving. Residents in the area should prepare for potential schedule changes, as the work is weather-dependent.