Wire Service

The Alaska State Capitol is seen on Jan. 18. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

For third year, Alaska’s top-paid public executive is the gas pipeline boss

The head of the state corporation in charge of a long-planned trans-Alaska natural gas pipeline is once again Alaska’s top-paid public executive. Frank Richards, president… Continue reading

The Alaska State Capitol is seen on Jan. 18. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
A northern red-backed vole is seen in this undated photo. Small mammals, especially northern red-backed voles, have been found to be infected with Alaskapox, a disease that was not identified until 2015. State health officials on Friday reported that a man died from the infection in January in the first known fatality associated with the viral disease. (Photo by Jim Dau/provided by Alaska Department of Fish and Game)

First fatal case of Alaskapox, a newly identified viral disease, claims Kenai Peninsula man

An elderly man on the Kenai Peninsula has died from Alaskapox, making him the first person to be killed by the viral disease that was… Continue reading

A northern red-backed vole is seen in this undated photo. Small mammals, especially northern red-backed voles, have been found to be infected with Alaskapox, a disease that was not identified until 2015. State health officials on Friday reported that a man died from the infection in January in the first known fatality associated with the viral disease. (Photo by Jim Dau/provided by Alaska Department of Fish and Game)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy delivers the State of the State address on Tuesday, Jan. 30, at the Alaska State Capitol. Behind him are Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, and Speaker of the House Cathy Tilton, R-Wasilla. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Alaska legislators are moving to reject some of Dunleavy’s executive orders

The Alaska Senate moved quickly on Monday to take the first formal steps needed to reject some or all of the 12 executive orders Gov.… Continue reading

Gov. Mike Dunleavy delivers the State of the State address on Tuesday, Jan. 30, at the Alaska State Capitol. Behind him are Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, and Speaker of the House Cathy Tilton, R-Wasilla. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Mila Hargrave (24) shoots under pressure from Thunder Mountain High School senior Ashlyn Gates (2) as JDHS sophomore Gwen Nizich (15) blocks out TMHS junior Cailynn Baxter (23) during the Crimson Bears 42-28 loss to the Falcons on Feb. 3 at the George Houston Gymnasium. The two teams split games during the weekend. (Klas Stolpe/Juneau Empire file photo)

THMS girls basketball rank fourth, boys fifth in first ASR/Class 4A Coaches Poll

Falcons only team ranked in both polls; both JDHS teams among those “also receiving votes.”

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Mila Hargrave (24) shoots under pressure from Thunder Mountain High School senior Ashlyn Gates (2) as JDHS sophomore Gwen Nizich (15) blocks out TMHS junior Cailynn Baxter (23) during the Crimson Bears 42-28 loss to the Falcons on Feb. 3 at the George Houston Gymnasium. The two teams split games during the weekend. (Klas Stolpe/Juneau Empire file photo)
A female white-winged crossbill contemplates a partly open spruce cone. (Photo by Helen Unruh)

On the Trails: Crossbills

Most birds have bills with tips that come together when the jaws close. But not crossbills — hence their common name. The crossed bill tips… Continue reading

A female white-winged crossbill contemplates a partly open spruce cone. (Photo by Helen Unruh)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy and the Premier of the Yukon Ranj Pillai, pose for a photo in the Cabinet office during a visit to Whitehorse on Thursday. (Photo by Justin Kennedy/Government of Yukon)

Dunleavy makes first official Yukon visit, signs Alaska Highway maintenance agreement

In his first official visit to the Yukon during five years as Alaska’s governor, Mike Dunleavy signed an agreement that commits more than $31 million… Continue reading

Gov. Mike Dunleavy and the Premier of the Yukon Ranj Pillai, pose for a photo in the Cabinet office during a visit to Whitehorse on Thursday. (Photo by Justin Kennedy/Government of Yukon)
(Juneau Empire file photo)

Letter: Leave the pro-life flag flying at the Governor’s Residence

Please leave up the pro-life flag at the Governor’s Residence. It represents my choice and the choice of many others to honor and dignify the… Continue reading

(Juneau Empire file photo)
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)

Police calls for Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
A view from an Alaska Marine Highway System ferry. (Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities photo)

State ferry system in third year of crew shortages

Kennicott will spend another summer in dock unless more people hired soon, AMHS director says.

A view from an Alaska Marine Highway System ferry. (Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities photo)
(Juneau Empire file photo)

Letter: Concerned about country’s future under Trump

Ex-president Donald Trump said that if he is reelected, he would be a dictator on day one. I am amazed how many Americans support him… Continue reading

(Juneau Empire file photo)
(Juneau Empire file photo)

Aurora forecast for the week of Feb. 12

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute and available online, along with more data, at www.gi.alaska.edu/monitors/aurora-forecast. The listings below will… Continue reading

(Juneau Empire file photo)
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)

Police calls for Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire)

Police calls for Friday, Feb. 9, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire)
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)

Police calls for Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)

Police calls for Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Joslyn Unger’s winning submission to the 2023 Alaska Fish Heritage Award, part of the Wildlife Forever Fish Art Contest. (Courtesy U.S. Forest Service)

Neighbors briefs

Alaska Fish Heritage Contest seeking entries from young artists Alaska Fish Heritage Contest is in full swing with a challenge to Alaska students in grades… Continue reading

Joslyn Unger’s winning submission to the 2023 Alaska Fish Heritage Award, part of the Wildlife Forever Fish Art Contest. (Courtesy U.S. Forest Service)
An image from the cover of the book “Sah Quah.” (Courtesy Sealaska Heritage Institute)

Neighbors: SHI publishes book on slavery in Alaska that endured after federal abolishment

Book explores Haida man’s quest for freedom that ended slavery in Alaska

An image from the cover of the book “Sah Quah.” (Courtesy Sealaska Heritage Institute)
A dance group sings in a presentation by the Alaska Native Heritage Center and Native Movement at the state Capitol on Monday. (Photo by Claire Stremple/Alaska Beacon)

Public safety commissioner seeks change in Alaska’s missing and murdered Indigenous people response

“We’ve closed our eyes and allowed rural Alaska to be seriously victimized,” Cockrell said.

A dance group sings in a presentation by the Alaska Native Heritage Center and Native Movement at the state Capitol on Monday. (Photo by Claire Stremple/Alaska Beacon)
The Alaska House Finance Committee is seen on Thursday. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Alaska politicians contemplate first statewide borrowing request since 2012

Dunleavy administration considering the possibility, but bond package not yet introduced.

The Alaska House Finance Committee is seen on Thursday. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Students in the Juneau Alaska Music Matters program perform for members of the Alaska Legislature and other attendees at an event Feb. 6 at the Alaska State Museum. (Photo by Emily Ferry)

Neighbors: Juneau Alaska Music Matters program receives state and national awards

For over 20 years Lorrie Heagy has been leading arts education integration in Juneau. This month the Alaska Arts Education Consortium awarded Lorrie the Arts… Continue reading

Students in the Juneau Alaska Music Matters program perform for members of the Alaska Legislature and other attendees at an event Feb. 6 at the Alaska State Museum. (Photo by Emily Ferry)