August 28, 2024

Andrew Robulack

Andrew Robulack

— 2 min read

Yukon Star closes after 4 months due to lack of capital (CBC)

The Yukon Star, a local news outlet that launched in May 2024, has closed after just four months due to insufficient capital. Despite initial success with crowdfunding and local investors, the publisher, Max Fraser, failed to secure enough funding to sustain operations through its first year. The closure marks a setback for local journalism in Whitehorse.

  • Yukon Star closes after only 4 months of operation due to insufficient operating capital.
  • The outlet aimed to continue local journalism following the Whitehorse Star's closure, hiring several of its former staff.
  • Despite strong initial support and readership, the lack of working capital to sustain operations through the startup phase led to its closure.
  • Editor Jim Butler expressed concern over the impact on the community and the challenging media landscape.
  • The closure highlights ongoing challenges in sustaining local journalism and its role in maintaining accountability.

Yukon foreign worker programs up for audit by Canada’s auditor general (Yukon News)

Canada’s Auditor General will audit Yukon’s foreign worker programs to assess their effectiveness and compliance. The audit aims to evaluate how well the programs support local labor needs and whether they meet regulations. The review follows concerns about program management and its impact on the local workforce.

  • Audit announced: Canada's auditor general will audit Yukon's Economic Development department's nominee programs, including the Yukon Nominee Program and Yukon Business Nominee Program.
  • The Yukon Party welcomes the audit, citing concerns from the business community about program issues and the temporary halt of new applications in Whitehorse.
  • Program details: The Yukon Nominee Program allows employers to hire long-term foreign employees, while the Yukon Business Nominee Program nominates foreign business people for permanent residence.
  • Political tensions are evident, with accusations of connections between political parties and businesses involved in the programs.
  • The audit results are expected to be presented to the Yukon Legislative Assembly in fall 2025.

Yukon Quest unveils new route for 2025 dog-sled race amid safety concerns (Yukon News)

The Yukon Quest dog sled race has announced a new route for its 2025 race due to safety concerns. The revised path aims to address risks identified in previous races and ensure better conditions for both mushers and dogs. The changes come in response to feedback from participants and safety reviews.

  • The Yukon Quest has unveiled a new route for the 2025 dog-sled race, running from Teslin to Faro, covering approximately 425 miles.
  • Safety concerns and poor weather conditions on trails leading to Dawson City prompted the route change.
  • Racers will have the option to complete either a 175-mile or full 425-mile course.
  • The race organizers are working with First Nations to identify safe trail options, aiming to reestablish a route to Dawson City for the 2026 race.
  • Local communities and First Nations along the new route have provided support for the 2025 race.

Yukon court sentences first person with manslaughter in an overdose death case (APTN)

A Yukon court has sentenced the first person for manslaughter in an overdose death case. The individual was found guilty of causing death through the distribution of illegal drugs. This landmark decision highlights the judicial system's approach to addressing overdose deaths and drug-related crimes in the region.

  • First manslaughter sentence in Yukon for a drug overdose death case, potentially setting a precedent.
  • Jared Skookum, 34, sentenced to two years less a day for selling opioids that led to Stephanie Pye's death.
  • Sentence considered lenient due to mitigating factors, including Skookum's FASD diagnosis and efforts to rehabilitate.
  • Victim's family expressed disappointment with the sentence, calling it "a disgrace" and "a slap on the wrist".
  • Case highlights the complex issues surrounding drug-related deaths and the justice system's response.

Read more