CBJ's $2 Million Dollar Flood Plan and Political Endorsements

Local First News (News of the North)

Alaska Native educators have developed reading standards for the state’s 23 official Native languages, presented to the Board of Education on October 9. If adopted, these standards will fulfill the state's reading requirements while emphasizing cultural literacy and oral traditions. The standards, created with the support of Sealaska Heritage Institute, aim to integrate Alaska Native knowledge into the education system, allowing students to showcase not only reading but also listening and speaking skills.

The City and Borough of Juneau approved a $2 million plan to install HESCO sandbag barriers along four miles of the Mendenhall River as part of its flood defense strategy. Homeowners along the river must give consent for the barriers to be installed on their properties, with most showing support. While long-term solutions are still being studied, the city is moving forward with this quick-action plan. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will hold public meetings next week to discuss further flood prevention measures.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump urged Alaskans to vote for U.S. House candidate Nick Begich during a tele-rally on Monday. Trump emphasized that control of the House could come down to one vote, praising Alaska and voicing support for reopening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling, a position shared by both Begich and his opponent, Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola. Begich encouraged early voting, citing Alaska's unpredictable weather.

Albertsons Companies has recalled 12 types of ReadyMeals and deli items due to potential Listeria contamination. This follows a larger recall involving 7 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products distributed by Boarshead. The U.S. Department of Agriculture found Listeria in a sample of liverwurst, prompting the nationwide recall. Consumers are advised to check the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s Recall Alerts webpage for affected products.

Anchorage has recorded its 30th homicide of 2024, following a recent surge in violent crime.

Alaska’s U.S. House candidates Mary Peltola and Nick Begich faced off in their final debate before the November election, discussing topics like ocean shipping, transgender athletes, and ranked choice voting. Begich criticized Peltola’s resource policies, while Peltola emphasized her bipartisan approach. Begich also voiced support for banning transgender women from women’s sports, while Peltola downplayed the relevance of the issue, noting that Alaska has only had one transgender athlete. Early voting began Monday.