The cruise line industry is suing Skagway over a new policy that makes a controversial change to how the borough taxes excursions sold by cruise companies. The Alaska Desk’s Avery Ellfeldt has the story.  And sometimes, getting a hold of basic over-the-counter medications in Skagway can be difficult. A new vending machine at the local […]

Haines’ tourism season is revving up yet again. But this time, there’s a new operator in town.  A local tribe has launched a new tourism effort that’s been in the making for a decade. The Chilkoot Indian Association is banking on the venture for an economic boost – particularly amid federal funding cuts by the […]

The Skagway Assembly is considering an ordinance meant to clean up code around using lighted signs in Skagway’s historic district. But frustrated business owners say the rules are impractical and an overreach. KHNS’ Melinda Munson has the details.

Skagway voters will decide in the fall if they want to increase sales tax by 2% during the tourist season. In exchange, they’ll receive free municipal utilities and money for capital projects. Advocates say the funds the tax would raise is necessary to pay for infrastructure, in a time when federal dollars are uncertain. But […]

Skagway’s mayor resigned the day after a tense borough assembly meeting. For months, the assembly and mayor have been at odds over his refusal to sign assembly correspondence, a task he says is not the responsibility of what he calls the “executive branch.” KHNS reporter Melinda Munson has this update. And, Senator Lisa Murkowski has […]

AT&T Mobility is proposing to install a cell tower in downtown Haines. The local borough assembly voted to send a letter opposing the height and location of the structure, and one assembly member is drafting an ordinance that would make the tower illegal. KHNS’ Melinda Munson has the details.

Last week, a group of Skagway tour guides crossed into Canada to spend some time with their international counterparts. The trip emphasized cooperation in tough political times. KHNS contributor Molly McCluskey joined the tour and has this report.

The deadline for submitting proposals to amend commercial ski tour area maps for the Haines Borough is this May 15. The process happens every five years and is usually marked with some controversy as the borough balances winter tourism with wildlife concerns. And, journalists from across the state attended last month’s annual Alaska Press Club […]

Reporters around the state went into their communities to ask Alaskans how they feel about President Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office. KHNS’ Avery Ellfeldt did the same in Haines, which voted for Trump in 2024 – and is known for being sharply politically divided. A number of people declined interviews, saying they don’t […]

The federal government each year provides tens of thousands of dollars in grants to tribal libraries across Alaska. The money pays staff, buys books and fuels programming related to traditional knowledge. But as Avery Ellfeldt reports for the Alaska Desk, the Trump administration has started cancelling those grants in communities across the state. For some, the […]