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A view of Gastineau Channel, where a second crossing between Juneau and Douglas north of the current bridge is in the evaluation stage. (City and Borough of Juneau photo)
A view of Gastineau Channel, where a second crossing between Juneau and Douglas north of the current bridge is in the evaluation stage. (City and Borough of Juneau photo)
The Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé tennis team. Seated left to right: Aurora Madsen, Isabella Reyes-Boyer, Milina Mazon, Maya Breedlove, Madeline Gibson, Lydia Heidemann, Hazel McWilliams and Maggie Fairchild. Middle L-R: Daniela Lamas, Shakti Tellez-Perez, Skylar Hayes, Dan Degener, Jaime Snedden, Riley Dale and Katharine Hieb. Standing L-R: Paige Kirsch, Isaac Hill, Elliot Welch, Kajson Cunningham, Hayden Soboleff, Alex Rehfeldt, Taliesin Paul, Riley Soboleff and Ainsley Mallott. (Photo courtesy JDHS Tennis)

JDHS tennis team hits Anchorage courts for state tournament

Milina Mazon, Alexander Rehfeldt are #1 seed in mixed doubles for competition that starts Thursday.

The Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé tennis team. Seated left to right: Aurora Madsen, Isabella Reyes-Boyer, Milina Mazon, Maya Breedlove, Madeline Gibson, Lydia Heidemann, Hazel McWilliams and Maggie Fairchild. Middle L-R: Daniela Lamas, Shakti Tellez-Perez, Skylar Hayes, Dan Degener, Jaime Snedden, Riley Dale and Katharine Hieb. Standing L-R: Paige Kirsch, Isaac Hill, Elliot Welch, Kajson Cunningham, Hayden Soboleff, Alex Rehfeldt, Taliesin Paul, Riley Soboleff and Ainsley Mallott. (Photo courtesy JDHS Tennis)
Juneau Huskies linemen (left-to-right) senior Ricky Tupou, senior Gunnar Tarver, junior Walter Haube-Law, junior Jonah Mahle, junior Kyle Carter, senior Merrick Hartman, senior Stefano Rivera and junior Hyrum Fish. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Juneau’s unsung heroes tasked with holding the line in state football playoffs at West Anchorage

Sixth-seeded Huskies face third-seeded Eagles at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Juneau Huskies linemen (left-to-right) senior Ricky Tupou, senior Gunnar Tarver, junior Walter Haube-Law, junior Jonah Mahle, junior Kyle Carter, senior Merrick Hartman, senior Stefano Rivera and junior Hyrum Fish. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
From left to right, Nick Begich, Republican candidate for U.S. House; Alaskan Independence Party candidate John Wayne Howe and Rep. Mary Peltola, D-Alaska, hold up paddles indicating their opposition to finfish farming in Alaska. Howe had jokingly looked at Begich’s paddle before making a decision. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

At U.S. House debate in Kodiak, candidates differ on future of Alaska fisheries

Begich emphasizes fighting for the state, Peltola focuses on building support in Congress.

From left to right, Nick Begich, Republican candidate for U.S. House; Alaskan Independence Party candidate John Wayne Howe and Rep. Mary Peltola, D-Alaska, hold up paddles indicating their opposition to finfish farming in Alaska. Howe had jokingly looked at Begich’s paddle before making a decision. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Tyson Duckworth (left) and Marco Reina face off in the main event at AK Beatdown 36 on Saturday night at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Fight night returns to Juneau after five years with a 10-count of boxing and MMA bouts

AK Beatdown 36 reunites brawlers from Southeast and beyond, with some eyeing bigger dreams.

Tyson Duckworth (left) and Marco Reina face off in the main event at AK Beatdown 36 on Saturday night at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Republican challenger Nick Begich III and Democratic U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola are on the stage at the beginning of the Alaska Oil and Gas Association’s candidate forum on Aug. 28, 2024. (Andrew Kitchenman/Alaska Beacon)

Alaska’s U.S. House candidates face each other three times in three days this week

Rep. Mary Peltola, D-Alaska, and her leading challenger, Republican U.S. House candidate Nick Begich, will appear on stage at three election forums and debates this… Continue reading

Republican challenger Nick Begich III and Democratic U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola are on the stage at the beginning of the Alaska Oil and Gas Association’s candidate forum on Aug. 28, 2024. (Andrew Kitchenman/Alaska Beacon)
The Black Bear chairlift at Eaglecrest Ski Area may be closed throughout the 2024-25 ski season due to mechanical problems. (City and Borough of Juneau photo)

Eaglecrest facing rocky ski season due to loss of Black Bear lift, problems with snowmaking system

One of two mountaintop lifts may close all season; report says snowmaking needs “immediate safety upgrades.”

The Black Bear chairlift at Eaglecrest Ski Area may be closed throughout the 2024-25 ski season due to mechanical problems. (City and Borough of Juneau photo)
June Troxel (left), a sophomore for Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé’s varsity volleyball team, sets up a teammate during Saturday’s game against Mountain City Christian Academy in an elimination game of the Juneau Invitational Volleyball Extravaganza at JDHS. Pictured on the court with Troxel are Amelia Elfers (13), Lavinia Ma’ake (11) and Braith Dihle (2). Head Coach Jody Levernier is standing behind them holding a clipboard. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

JDHS volleyball teams find their new groove hosting JIVE tournament

Varsity built from 91 players seeking spots after consolidation settles in; two JV teams face off in semifinal.

June Troxel (left), a sophomore for Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé’s varsity volleyball team, sets up a teammate during Saturday’s game against Mountain City Christian Academy in an elimination game of the Juneau Invitational Volleyball Extravaganza at JDHS. Pictured on the court with Troxel are Amelia Elfers (13), Lavinia Ma’ake (11) and Braith Dihle (2). Head Coach Jody Levernier is standing behind them holding a clipboard. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
An early voting station is set up in the atrium of the State Office Building on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, the first day of early voting for the 2024 Alaska primary election. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Alaska records show no evidence of widespread noncitizen voting or registration

Trump and in-state Republicans have falsely claimed that noncitizens are voting in large numbers.

An early voting station is set up in the atrium of the State Office Building on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, the first day of early voting for the 2024 Alaska primary election. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Four businesses and four apartments in a building owned by Mike Ward burn on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Haines. It’s not yet clear exactly how the fire started, but Ward and others on the scene said it appeared to have been set in one of the apartments. (Rashah McChesney/Chilkat Valley News)

Building fire destroys four businesses and four apartments in Haines

“I feel like I’m losing part of my life here,” Haines Quick Shop owner Mike Ward says.

  • Oct 6, 2024
  • By Rashah McChesney, Chilkat Valley News
  • Fire
Four businesses and four apartments in a building owned by Mike Ward burn on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Haines. It’s not yet clear exactly how the fire started, but Ward and others on the scene said it appeared to have been set in one of the apartments. (Rashah McChesney/Chilkat Valley News)
The Division I girls begin their first loop during the 2024 ASAA cross-country running state championships Saturday on the Bartlett High School Trails in Anchorage. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Crimson Bears leave large paw prints at state cross-country running championships

Meyer places second for Division I girls, Thompson second among Division I boys.

The Division I girls begin their first loop during the 2024 ASAA cross-country running state championships Saturday on the Bartlett High School Trails in Anchorage. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Petersburg junior Gaje Ventress (413) leads classmate Alex Holmgrain (407) to the finish of the Division III boys 2024 ASAA cross-country running state championships Saturday on the Bartlett High School Trails in Anchorage. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Petersburg boys and girls sweep Division III State XC team titles

Craig’s Nelson defeats state boys field, Unalakleet’s Busk defends girls championship.

Petersburg junior Gaje Ventress (413) leads classmate Alex Holmgrain (407) to the finish of the Division III boys 2024 ASAA cross-country running state championships Saturday on the Bartlett High School Trails in Anchorage. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Sitka senior Clare Mullin defends her Division II state championship as she approaches the finish of the 2024 ASAA cross-country running state championships Saturday on the Bartlett High School Trails in Anchorage. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Division II state cross-country harriers fed to the Wolves and Lions

Sitka’s Clare Mullin, Grace’s Robbie Annett defend their crowns.

Sitka senior Clare Mullin defends her Division II state championship as she approaches the finish of the 2024 ASAA cross-country running state championships Saturday on the Bartlett High School Trails in Anchorage. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
A person seen at an entrance sign to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area is being sought by the Juneau Police Department following several instances of swastikas being spray painted at locations in the Mendenhall Valley in recent days. (Juneau Police Department)

Man sought following multiple incidents of swastika graffiti in the Mendenhall Valley

Several incidents of swastikas being spray painted at locations in the Mendenhall Valley have been reported since Wednesday, with the Juneau Police Department publishing photos… Continue reading

A person seen at an entrance sign to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area is being sought by the Juneau Police Department following several instances of swastikas being spray painted at locations in the Mendenhall Valley in recent days. (Juneau Police Department)
Juneau Huskies’ senior Jayden Johnson (4) runs for a 51-yard touchdown midway through the first quarter of Friday night’s game against Colony High School in Palmer. Johnson scored five touchdowns in the first half as Juneau defeated Colony 42-6. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Jayden Johnson puts on super-hot show on frigid night as Huskies run over Colony 42-6

Juneau senior runs for 5 TDs, more than 150 yards in first half; Huskies enter playoffs as likely sixth seed.

Juneau Huskies’ senior Jayden Johnson (4) runs for a 51-yard touchdown midway through the first quarter of Friday night’s game against Colony High School in Palmer. Johnson scored five touchdowns in the first half as Juneau defeated Colony 42-6. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
The Alaska State Museum is seen in the fall sun on Wednesday. (Claire Stremple/Alaska Beacon)

Grant increases museum access for Alaska Native artists and culture bearers

The Access to Alaska Native Collections grant is part of a broader movement.

The Alaska State Museum is seen in the fall sun on Wednesday. (Claire Stremple/Alaska Beacon)
A dropoff box for ballots at the Mendenhall Valley Public Library. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire file photo)

Updated election results show no change as turnout surpasses last year’s total vote

Ballots from 34.27% of voters tallied as of Friday, final results expected Oct 15; last year’s total 33.98%.

A dropoff box for ballots at the Mendenhall Valley Public Library. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire file photo)
32 Chunk is competing in this year’s Fat Bear Week, after he made a lot of progress on his salmon-eating goals this summer. (E. Johnston/National Park Service)

Ten years in, Fat Bear Week has drawn millions of viewers to a live webcam in Alaska

Weeklong competition in Katmai National Park culminates Tuesday after delayed start due to a death.

  • Oct 4, 2024
  • Remy Tumin, ©2024 The New York Times Company
  • bearsNature
32 Chunk is competing in this year’s Fat Bear Week, after he made a lot of progress on his salmon-eating goals this summer. (E. Johnston/National Park Service)
Juneau Board of Education President Deedie Sorensen (left) and Vice President Emil Mackey (right), with his son Emil Mackey IV between them, listen to a presentation during a school board retreat at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé on Saturday, Sept 28. Recall votes for both board members are failing in the initial vote tally in this year’s municipal election. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

School board that made lots of changes appears it will remain the same after election

Three incumbents leading by large margins; recall petitions against two members failing

Juneau Board of Education President Deedie Sorensen (left) and Vice President Emil Mackey (right), with his son Emil Mackey IV between them, listen to a presentation during a school board retreat at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé on Saturday, Sept 28. Recall votes for both board members are failing in the initial vote tally in this year’s municipal election. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
An aerial view of part of Southeast Alaska’s Kensington gold mine. (James Brooks via Wikipedia under Creative Commons 2.0)

Dozens of fish died near the Kensington mine. Two months later, state regulators haven’t determined what killed them.

Scientists say circumstances suggest a water quality problem, but awaiting data from mine’s operator.

  • Oct 4, 2024
  • By Max Graham, Northern Journal
  • Fishmining
An aerial view of part of Southeast Alaska’s Kensington gold mine. (James Brooks via Wikipedia under Creative Commons 2.0)