Local First News (News of the North‪)‬ Local First Media Group

Celebration returns today! The cultural extravaganza, organized by the Sealaska Heritage Institute, kicks off its 21st edition in Juneau. From traditional dance performances to Native food contests, Celebration promises an immersive experience for attendees. Tune in to learn more about this vibrant event celebrating indigenous cultures.
Juneau imposes strict limits on cruise ship passengers In a landmark decision, the city has agreed to cap the number of passengers disembarking each day, starting in 2026. This move aims to address concerns about overcrowding and environmental degradation while ensuring sustainable tourism practices. Hear from city officials and industry representatives on this significant development.
Anchorage police investigate two separate shootings Tragic incidents unfolded in the city, resulting in fatalities and injuries. Join us as we delve into the ongoing investigations and hear from authorities on efforts to bring justice to those affected.
Innovative wildfire management in the Yukon Flats region. With wildfires posing increasing threats to the boreal forest, managers at the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge are implementing a novel approach to protect the environment and mitigate climate change. Learn about this groundbreaking initiative and its implications for wildfire management worldwide.
From Arctic terns to marine mammals, Alaska hosts some of the longest migrations in the world. Discover the fascinating journeys of these animals and the importance of protecting their habitats during their seasonal movements.
Key information about seafood harvesting in federal waters is gathered through observer programs. Join us as we explore efforts to enhance observer coverage and ensure sustainable practices in Alaska's fisheries.

Story 1: Healthcare Challenges in Alaska
Alaska's unique geographic and demographic makeup presents significant challenges for healthcare delivery. With vast distances, extreme weather, and sparse populations, accessing healthcare can be a daunting task for many Alaskans. Despite these hurdles, the healthcare system in Alaska operates through a blend of public and private options, emphasizing teamwork to overcome obstacles, from sharing meals to executing daring rescue missions. However, improving health outcomes in Alaska requires addressing lifestyle choices, access to fresh produce, and promoting awareness and education about preventive care.
Story 2: Political Shifts in Alaska
Senator Click Bishop's decision not to seek re-election has sparked a wave of retirements among Alaska's legislators, reshaping the state's political landscape. With potential gubernatorial bids and changes in party affiliations, Alaska's political future remains uncertain. Additionally, health concerns prompt Representative Dan Ortiz's withdrawal from the upcoming election, leaving his seat open for competition. These developments set the stage for a dynamic political season in Alaska.
Story 3: Tourism Management in Juneau
A new agreement between the City and Borough of Juneau and cruise lines aims to manage the influx of cruise ship visitors, balancing tourism with community needs. The memorandum sets daily visitor limits and outlines an annual review process to ensure sustainable tourism practices. By fostering collaboration between stakeholders, Juneau seeks to preserve its unique charm while supporting local businesses and residents.
Story 4: Environmental Concerns in the Far North
Scientists are investigating the phenomenon of "zombie fires" in Alaska, Canada, and Siberia, which reignite underground after smouldering during the winter months. These fires, believed to be exacerbated by climate change, pose a significant challenge to firefighting efforts and environmental preservation in the region.
Story 5: Infrastructure Improvements in Juneau
Major improvements to 10th Street in Juneau are underway, including resurfacing, sidewalk replacements, and upgrades to utilities. The project aims to enhance safety and accessibility for residents and businesses while minimizing disruptions during construction.

A climber from Malaysia, stranded for three days near the summit of North America's tallest mountain, has been rescued, but his partner is dead. Officials say after days of cloudy, windy conditions, personnel were able to rescue the surviving climber at 19,600 feet on Denali. He had been holed up in a snow cave with his deceased partner, Zulkifli Bin Yusof, since late Tuesday. Yusof, who likely died of exposure and altitude-related illness, was 36 years old. The surviving climber has been taken to an Anchorage hospital for further care. Another member of their team had been rescued earlier this week after descending lower on Denali.
The state of Alaska has sued the owners of three Ketchikan jewelry stores, accusing them of defrauding Alaskans and tourists by selling fake made-in-Alaska jewelry. The stores, including Soni Inc. and Colors Fine Jewelry, were found to be operating despite the state’s request for a court order to close them. The lawsuit is part of several recent consumer-protection actions by the Alaska Department of Law. The state's draft operating budget includes nearly $600,000 for new positions in the consumer protection section. These additions were approved by the Alaska Legislature and are awaiting Governor Mike Dunleavy’s signature.
The Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation will keep its Anchorage office open, defying state lawmakers' instructions to shut it down. The Board of Trustees voted 4-2 to continue operating the office, despite legislative opposition and limited funding. The decision followed the publication of leaked emails suggesting board member Gabrielle Rubenstein may have engaged in self-dealing. The board has hired a third-party law firm to investigate the source of the leaks and review six years of interactions between staff and board members. The investigation aims to identify broader issues within the organization and rebuild a high-trust environment.
Bartlett Regional Hospital is facing unsustainable operating losses, prompting significant changes and community discussions to ensure its future independence. As an enterprise fund of the City and Borough of Juneau, Bartlett must be self-sustaining. The hospital has not achieved an operating margin since 2019 and has been losing about $1 million monthly since summer 2020. To address this, the Board of Directors is seeking public input on healthcare priorities and non-core hospital programs. Community Feedback Forums will be held on Tuesday, June 4, and Monday, June 10, at 5:30 p.m. on the hospital campus, with a virtual participation option available.
Juneau city leaders have reached an agreement with cruise lines to limit the number of daily cruise passengers starting in 2026. This decision follows a record-breaking surge in cruise ship tourism post-COVID-19. The new cap will limit passengers to 16,000 on most days and 12,000 on Saturdays, a significant reduction from the current peak of 21,000 visitors. City officials believe this measure will help balance tourism with the needs of the community.
Perseverance Trail will be closed from the Granite Creek intersection to the Upper Red Mill juncture starting today, June 3, for the replacement of the bridge at Gold Creek. Trail Mix crews will begin dismantling and removing the old bridge, with helicopter crews delivering materials later in the week, weather permitting. Trail users can access Granite Creek Basin Trail and Silverbow Basin via the Red Mill Trail. Please follow signed detours and avoid the construction site for your safety.

Denali Climbers in Crisis: Efforts to rescue two hypothermic climbers stranded at 19,600 feet on Denali continue to be hampered by severe weather. The climbers, part of a Malaysian team, have been in a snow cave since Tuesday night, dealing with exhaustion and hypothermia. Despite communication challenges, rescue teams remain on standby, waiting for conditions to improve.
Support for Trump Amid Conviction: Following Donald Trump's conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records, the three Republican candidates for Alaska’s U.S. House seat have voiced their support for the former president. With the candidate filing deadline approaching and Trump’s sentencing set for July 11, this issue adds a new layer of complexity to the race.
Alaska’s Changing Rivers: A new study reveals that rivers and streams in Alaska are changing color from clear blue to rusty orange due to toxic metals released by thawing permafrost. This environmental shift poses significant risks to aquatic life and local communities dependent on these water sources.
Natural Gas Project Controversy: Two environmental groups are challenging the Biden administration’s approval of a new natural gas project in Alaska, citing potential harm to endangered species and insufficient environmental review. The $39 billion project aims to transport natural gas from the North Slope to markets in Asia, but faces legal and environmental hurdles.
Hoverboard Dentist's License Revoked: The Alaska Supreme Court has upheld the suspension of former dentist Seth Lookhart’s license. Lookhart, infamous for extracting a tooth while riding a hoverboard, has been convicted of numerous crimes, including Medicaid fraud. His appeal against the revocation was denied, and he remains in prison with further appeals pending.
Community Park Improvements: Join CBJ Parks & Recreation and Corvus Design at Steelhead Park on Thursday, June 13, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for an informal public meeting about park improvements. Enjoy free barbecue, games, and prizes while sharing your ideas on enhancing the park.
Stay tuned for more detailed coverage and insights on these stories in today’s episode.

As KINY marks its 89th anniversary today, the station’s rich history echoes the evolution of broadcasting and the enduring spirit of Juneau. Since its establishment in 1935, KINY has remained a pillar of the community, offering news, entertainment, and a platform for local voices.
Beginning its broadcast on May 30, 1935, amidst the challenges of the Great Depression, KINY emerged as Juneau’s inaugural commercial radio station, founded by the Alaska Broadcasting Company. Despite its humble beginnings with just 250 watts of power and a modest staff, KINY swiftly became an indispensable source of information and connection for residents. Over the years, it has weathered changes, including the relocation from the Goldstein Building to the Decker Building in downtown Juneau after the former was destroyed by fire in 1939.
During World War II, KINY expanded its role, providing vital news updates to the local population. The 1950s and 1960s heralded a golden era for radio, with KINY at the forefront, offering beloved programs like “Problem Corner,” which fostered community dialogue on local issues.
Today, KINY stands as a testament to the enduring power of local radio. With a diverse lineup of news, talk shows, music, and community programming, the station remains a trusted source of information and entertainment. Its coverage of local events, from festivals to sports, keeps it deeply ingrained in the fabric of Juneau life.
As KINY commemorates its 89th anniversary, it reflects on a legacy defined by service, innovation, and community engagement. From its modest beginnings to its current status as a modern media hub, KINY's journey epitomizes adaptation and growth. As Juneau looks to the future, KINY remains steadfast in its mission to bridge the past and the present while embracing the opportunities ahead, under the ownership of Local First Media Group.
For nearly nine decades, KINY has been more than just a radio station—it has been an integral part of Juneau’s identity, celebrating the voices and stories that make the community unique.
In other news, the National Park Service reports that two climbers are awaiting rescue near the peak of North America’s tallest mountain, Denali. This comes a day after they, along with a third climber, requested assistance following their summit of the 20,310-foot peak.
While the condition of the two climbers awaiting rescue remains unknown, all three individuals listed experience on high-elevation international peaks and two had prior history on Denali.
Despite efforts from park personnel, clouds and high winds are hindering rescue operations. The climbers had indicated plans to descend to a flat area known as the “Football Field” at approximately 19,600 feet, but communication has since been lost.
Turning to public health news, the Alaska Division of Public Health aims to expand wastewater-monitoring programs following their success in detecting outbreaks of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases.
Testing at Anchorage’s John M. Asplund Wastewater Treatment Facility provided early notice of a spike in COVID-19 cases in January 2023, several days ahead of confirmed cases by health laboratories. This method, utilized in multiple Alaska communities including Juneau, Fairbanks, and Bethel, is funded in part by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While wastewater sampling has proven effective, unique challenges exist in Alaska, including the lack of centralized sewer systems in many communities and logistical difficulties due to geographic remoteness and inclement weather.
Despite these challenges, wastewater monitoring serves as a valuable tool for disease surveillance and could potentially expand to detect community use of opioids.

As the November 2024 presidential election approaches, some commentators and observers express concern about the possibility of an electoral tie, while in healthcare, more than 20 million people have been disenrolled from Medicaid,

Alaska’s new election system, featuring open primaries and ranked-choice voting, debuted in 2022, helping elect the first Alaska Native to Congress. However, this system faces legal challenges from opponents aiming to repeal it. We'll explore how this change is inspiring other states like Oregon, Nevada, and Idaho, where voters are considering similar reforms to combat political polarization and enhance voter choice.
Alaska lawmakers are set to nearly double funding for early childhood programs to tackle the state's child care crisis. This increase, essential for supporting low-income families, needs the governor's approval. We talk with Mark Lackey from a Wasilla Head Start program about the potential impact of this funding on staffing and services, especially in rural areas.
 Residents in the Crow Hill Drive area will experience a water service interruption today from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. due to maintenance work. This segment provides crucial information for affected residents on how to prepare for the outage and who to contact for more details.
 A new study shows a decrease in certain contaminants in the Arctic over the past 30 years, thanks to effective regulations. However, unregulated 'forever chemicals' are on the rise, posing new health risks. We discuss the study’s findings and legislative efforts in Alaska to phase out these harmful substances.
Thunder Mountain High School held its last graduation ceremony before merging with Juneau Douglas High School. We celebrate the achievements of the class of 2024 and highlight an interview with standout graduate Elizabeth who’s heading to Harvard.
 The City and Borough of Juneau is auctioning off a foreclosed property at 520 Sixth Street. We provide details on the bidding process, what prospective buyers need to know, and where to find more information.
 Louisiana State University is developing a promising new drug for chronic pain sufferers. Although it's still in early stages, this segment offers a glimpse into its potential future impact.
Tune in for these stories and more on this week's episode of our news podcast.