Haines was awarded a $1 million federal grant to put towards an early childhood education building. That’s good news for a town that is struggling with a childcare crisis. But how to use those funds is still being worked out. KHNS reporter Melinda Munson has more.

Two state lawmakers introduced legislation this month that aims to crack down on water pollution from major ships – including cruises. The Alaska Desk’s Avery Ellfeldt reports. And, several high school exchange students gathered in Juneau earlier this month for a student orientation. KTOO’s Jamie Diep spoke with some of them and sent along this audio […]

Staff capacity, mining rules, and who gets to shape the future of Haines’ freight dock all took center stage at a marathon borough assembly meeting Tuesday night. Members also took steps toward helping local childcare providers — and heard some good news about the Haines Public Library. KHNS’ Brandon Wilks reports.

Skagway for decades has contended with contamination left behind by mining companies that exported ore from its port. The last mine to move ore through Skagway shut down in 2023. But a newly formed company is courting the town in hopes of doing so again. As Avery Ellfeldt reports for the Alaska Desk, the development […]

Visitors to the Haines Airport might get colder than they expect. The airport’s septic tank is having problems, and the solution is portable bathrooms outside — that may or may not be frozen. KHNS reporter Melinda Munson has the chilly details.

The Feb. 24 Haines Borough Assembly meeting will discuss several repeat issues including Porcupine Road, child care and of course, cell towers. But there’s a new issue on the agenda – a containerization ordinance for bulk ore. Chilkat Valley News reporter Will Steinfeld sat down with KHNS’ Melinda Munson to talk about the upcoming issues.

The Haines Assembly voted in January to change how it collects sales tax. Now, cruise ships docked in Haines will be required to charge local sales tax on onboard purchases.  And, Skagway held a peace walk last Thursday, in solidarity with similar marches across the United States and Canada. A large group gathered and didn’t […]

Alaska saw its 8th hottest year on record last year, with temperatures coming in a degree and a half warmer than the last three decades on average. That’s according to a 2025 annual report by the Alaska Climate Research Center released in January. Also in the news: Community members, leaders and experts from across Southeast […]

COVID-19 was, in many ways, Skagway’s worst nightmare. The pandemic shuttered the town’s tourism-based economy for one full season and much of a second one. That left most families and businesses without income for nearly two years. A new documentary chronicles that period in southeast Alaska’s northernmost town – and raises key questions about the […]

Former mayor and local business owner Doug Olerud is trying something new. He launched a podcast called “Doug Has Questions”  in November. His interviews highlight Haines locals and are available in both audio and video format. Olerud sat down with Chilkat Valley News’ Rashah McChesney to talk about what he hopes to accomplish and how […]