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Cars zoom across the downtown bridge connecting Juneau to Douglas Island. Thursday evening the City and Borough of Juneau Public Works and Facilities Committee hosted an open forum meeting to discuss a proposed second crossing from Juneau to Douglas Island. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Opinions cross at city-hosted second crossing meeting

Residents express support and concern about the potential project.

Cars zoom across the downtown bridge connecting Juneau to Douglas Island. Thursday evening the City and Borough of Juneau Public Works and Facilities Committee hosted an open forum meeting to discuss a proposed second crossing from Juneau to Douglas Island. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Alaskan Brewing Co. staff presents a check to Southeast Alaska Food Bank director Chris Schapp on Tuesday as part of the company’s “Cheers to the Southeast Alaska Food Bank!” celebration. The evening also celebrated the selection of Alaskan Brewing Co. next year recipient SEADOGS. (Courtesy Photo / Erin Youngstrom)

Alaskan Brewing Co. selects 2023 nonprofit partner, donates $8,000 to food bank

Tasting Room event celebrates 2022 donation to Southeast Food Bank.

Alaskan Brewing Co. staff presents a check to Southeast Alaska Food Bank director Chris Schapp on Tuesday as part of the company’s “Cheers to the Southeast Alaska Food Bank!” celebration. The evening also celebrated the selection of Alaskan Brewing Co. next year recipient SEADOGS. (Courtesy Photo / Erin Youngstrom)
Rates of violent offenses in Alaska have outstripped national rates since 1993. Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer UCR data, 1979-2020. Alaska data for 2021 from Crime in Alaska 2021, Alaska Department of Public Safety. (Graph provided by UAA Alaska Justice Information Center)

Rapes and aggravated assaults push Alaska’s violent-crime rates up; property-crime rates fall

Alaska’s rate of violent crimes has increased, a contrast to the national trends, and the increase is driven by extremely high rates of rape and… Continue reading

Rates of violent offenses in Alaska have outstripped national rates since 1993. Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer UCR data, 1979-2020. Alaska data for 2021 from Crime in Alaska 2021, Alaska Department of Public Safety. (Graph provided by UAA Alaska Justice Information Center)
“I voted” stickers await voters on Election Day 2022. That election was the first regular general election in Alaska to include ranked choice voting, which was narrowly approved by voters in 2020. Bills to do away with ranked choice voting have been introduced in the Legislature and a petition to put the matter before voters is circulating. However, a pro-ranked choice petition has been launched to show support for the state’s current elections system, which also includes open primaries. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Pro-ranked choice petition launched

Signatures sought to persuade Legislature not to overturn RCV and open primaries.

“I voted” stickers await voters on Election Day 2022. That election was the first regular general election in Alaska to include ranked choice voting, which was narrowly approved by voters in 2020. Bills to do away with ranked choice voting have been introduced in the Legislature and a petition to put the matter before voters is circulating. However, a pro-ranked choice petition has been launched to show support for the state’s current elections system, which also includes open primaries. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
This photo shows the Alaska State Capitol, where lawmakers are considering a proposed overhaul of Alaska’s public retirement system that would provide a new pension plan for state workers and is seen by supporters as a way to address concerns with recruiting and retaining employees. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

State lawmakers propose pension plan for state workers

Half of the Senate’s 20 members have signed onto the bill.

This photo shows the Alaska State Capitol, where lawmakers are considering a proposed overhaul of Alaska’s public retirement system that would provide a new pension plan for state workers and is seen by supporters as a way to address concerns with recruiting and retaining employees. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
University of Alaska President Pat Pitney speaks to members of the Greater Juneau Chamber of Commerce Thursday afternoon at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

UA president talks new UAS chancellor, ‘fiscal stability’ of university system

Chancellor selection to be announced in coming weeks, president says

University of Alaska President Pat Pitney speaks to members of the Greater Juneau Chamber of Commerce Thursday afternoon at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Swimmers compete in the USMS state masters swimming meet over the weekend, hosted for the first time by the Glacier Swim Club at the Dimond Park Aquatic Center. (Courtesy Photo / Philip Loseby)

Glacier Swim Club hosts masters meet for the first time in Juneau

GSC breaks state records at masters meet.

Swimmers compete in the USMS state masters swimming meet over the weekend, hosted for the first time by the Glacier Swim Club at the Dimond Park Aquatic Center. (Courtesy Photo / Philip Loseby)
Rep. Rebecca Himschoot, I-Sitka, offers an overview Wednesday of Southeast Alaska’s commercial troll fisheries while asking for support on a resolution opposing a lawsuit by a Washington-based group that would shut the fisheries down due to their alleged impacts on species in that state. The resolution passed by a 35-1 vote. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Challenges spawning rapidly in salmon lawsuit

Juneau Assembly and Alaska House join opposition to Washington case that could halt SE fisheries

Rep. Rebecca Himschoot, I-Sitka, offers an overview Wednesday of Southeast Alaska’s commercial troll fisheries while asking for support on a resolution opposing a lawsuit by a Washington-based group that would shut the fisheries down due to their alleged impacts on species in that state. The resolution passed by a 35-1 vote. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The Juneau School District was scammed out of nearly $270,000 this fall, according to a memo shared with the City and Borough of Juneau Finance Committee at its Wednesday night meeting. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

School district scammed out of nearly $270,000 by someone posing as a vendor

City officials say CBJ may assist in covering the financial burden

The Juneau School District was scammed out of nearly $270,000 this fall, according to a memo shared with the City and Borough of Juneau Finance Committee at its Wednesday night meeting. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Three arrested on robbery and assault charges

Only minor injuries were reported.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire State Rep. Andi Story, D-Juneau, advocates for more state funding on behalf of Alaska residents with disabilities so they can “live as independently as possible” with the help of service providers during a rally in a heavy snowstorm at midday Wednesday on the steps of the Alaska State Capitol.

Rally for disability services plows ahead despite weather

About 20 people make their way to Capitol to seek solutions for service shortages.

Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire State Rep. Andi Story, D-Juneau, advocates for more state funding on behalf of Alaska residents with disabilities so they can “live as independently as possible” with the help of service providers during a rally in a heavy snowstorm at midday Wednesday on the steps of the Alaska State Capitol.
Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire Plows work to clear Mendenhall Valley streets on Wednesday.

Blizzard prompts closures, elevates avalanche risk in Juneau

Officials say as the snow continues to fall, the avalanche risk rises

Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire Plows work to clear Mendenhall Valley streets on Wednesday.
FILE - Jeff King takes his sled dog team through a snowstorm in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, March 4, 2022, during the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Only 33 mushers will participate in the ceremonial start of the Iditarod on Saturady, March 4, the smallest field ever. (AP Photo / Mark Thiessen)

‘A little scary’: Iditarod begins with smallest field ever

Only 33 mushers will participate in the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

  • Mar 1, 2023
  • By Mark Thiessen Associated Press
  • Iditarod
FILE - Jeff King takes his sled dog team through a snowstorm in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, March 4, 2022, during the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Only 33 mushers will participate in the ceremonial start of the Iditarod on Saturady, March 4, the smallest field ever. (AP Photo / Mark Thiessen)
Andrew Brownell, an internationally acclaimed pianist who has performed worldwide the past two decades, is scheduled to play the first in a trio of concerts featuring the final piano sonatas of Franz Schubert. Brownell’s concert is scheduled at 7 p.m. March 10 at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center. (Publicity photo by Nathan Russell)
Capital City Weekly

Springing forward with a famous farewell

Trio of piano concerts at JACC highlight Schubert’s last sonatas

Andrew Brownell, an internationally acclaimed pianist who has performed worldwide the past two decades, is scheduled to play the first in a trio of concerts featuring the final piano sonatas of Franz Schubert. Brownell’s concert is scheduled at 7 p.m. March 10 at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center. (Publicity photo by Nathan Russell)
Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire TMHS junior Thomas Baxter (30) watches as his game-winning shot makes its way past the arms of JDHS senior Orion Dybdahl (20) and JDHS senior Kai Hargrave (24) who contested the shot closely.

Thunder Mountain strikes twice in senior night games

Boys and girls win in cross-town contests against JDHS.

Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire TMHS junior Thomas Baxter (30) watches as his game-winning shot makes its way past the arms of JDHS senior Orion Dybdahl (20) and JDHS senior Kai Hargrave (24) who contested the shot closely.
The sun shines over the Montana Creek area Saturday afternoon. Earlier this week, the City and Borough of Juneau released the final draft of the Montana Creek Draft master plan, which is now open for public comment until March. 29. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

City releases final draft of Montana Creek master plan

Residents have until the end of March to submit comments

The sun shines over the Montana Creek area Saturday afternoon. Earlier this week, the City and Borough of Juneau released the final draft of the Montana Creek Draft master plan, which is now open for public comment until March. 29. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire Fresh snow covers West Douglas Pioneer Road Saturday afternoon. Monday evening the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly discussed whether to move forward with a local company which seeks to gain access to provide electric-assisted bicycle tours on the city-owned gravel road.

Longer road ahead for proposed e-bike tours on Pioneer Road

A company seeks to provide tours three times per day, six days a week

Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire Fresh snow covers West Douglas Pioneer Road Saturday afternoon. Monday evening the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly discussed whether to move forward with a local company which seeks to gain access to provide electric-assisted bicycle tours on the city-owned gravel road.
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities drops explosives via helicopter to trigger controlled avalanches above Thane Road Tuesday afternoon. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Explosives used to reduce avalanche risk

Mission comes ahead of expected heavy snowfall.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities drops explosives via helicopter to trigger controlled avalanches above Thane Road Tuesday afternoon. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire Tamara Kruse and Frank Rue, volunteers with Moms Demand Action, discuss their meetings about proposed gun safety legislation with state lawmakers at the Alaska State Capitol on Tuesday.

Guns a low-caliber issue at Capitol this session

Few bills from majority and scant interest from minority as safety advocates visit legislators

Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire Tamara Kruse and Frank Rue, volunteers with Moms Demand Action, discuss their meetings about proposed gun safety legislation with state lawmakers at the Alaska State Capitol on Tuesday.
Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire Coast Guard Cutter Munro docks in Juneau for a scheduled port visit Monday. The port visit marks Munro’s final stop before returning to its homeport in Alameda, California after 11,500 miles and 105 days away from homeport.

Coast Guard Cutter Munro makes stop in Juneau

Munro partnered with NOAA to enforce sustainable fishing.

Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire Coast Guard Cutter Munro docks in Juneau for a scheduled port visit Monday. The port visit marks Munro’s final stop before returning to its homeport in Alameda, California after 11,500 miles and 105 days away from homeport.