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A humpback whale breaches near Juneau. (Heidi Pearson/ NOAA/NMFS)

New paper explores whales as carbon sinks

University of Alaska Southeast biologist was lead author on the paper

A humpback whale breaches near Juneau. (Heidi Pearson/ NOAA/NMFS)
People walk to a cruise ship as it rains downtown in October, 2022. Juneau’s annual precipitation totaled 88.31 inches, breaking the previous annual rainfall record of 85.15 inches set in 1991 by more than 3 inches. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

Juneau tops annual rainfall record by more than 3 inches

It was the most rain recorded in Juneau since 1936

People walk to a cruise ship as it rains downtown in October, 2022. Juneau’s annual precipitation totaled 88.31 inches, breaking the previous annual rainfall record of 85.15 inches set in 1991 by more than 3 inches. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
The Coast Guard 45-foot response boat-medium. (Juneau Empire file)

Coast Guard rescues two people, one dog

AMHS LeConte provided assistance in rescue.

The Coast Guard 45-foot response boat-medium. (Juneau Empire file)
Dozens of people run into the cold ocean water on a cloudy Sunday afternoon for the annual Polar Dip at the Auke Recreation Area. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Dipping into 2023: Juneau residents brave the cold ocean water to start the new year

“It was very cold and fun”

Dozens of people run into the cold ocean water on a cloudy Sunday afternoon for the annual Polar Dip at the Auke Recreation Area. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
James Snookes plays with his son Harry in the pool at the Dimond Park Aquatic Center as part of the SAFE Child Advocacy Center’s free sponsored event Family Day at the Pool. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)

A resilient ripple: Pool day held to promote positive childhood experiences

SAFE Child Advocacy Center hosts family day at the pool.

James Snookes plays with his son Harry in the pool at the Dimond Park Aquatic Center as part of the SAFE Child Advocacy Center’s free sponsored event Family Day at the Pool. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)
JDHS junior guard Sean Oliver scores a layup against West Valley High School on Friday during the conclusion of the Princess Cruises Capital City Classic tournament. The Crimson Bears girls team also played against Anchorage Christian School. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)

Capital City Classic finales offer chance for growth, coaches say

JDHS teams fall short of tournament titles.

JDHS junior guard Sean Oliver scores a layup against West Valley High School on Friday during the conclusion of the Princess Cruises Capital City Classic tournament. The Crimson Bears girls team also played against Anchorage Christian School. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)
Revelers watch a sound and light show projected on the Arc de Triomphe as they celebrate the New Year on the Champs Elysees, in Paris, France, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)

Time zone by time zone, another new year sweeps into view

NEW YORK — New Year’s celebrations are sweeping across the globe, ushering in 2023 with countdowns and fireworks — and marking an end to a… Continue reading

  • Dec 31, 2022
  • By Bobby Caina Calvan Associated Press
Revelers watch a sound and light show projected on the Arc de Triomphe as they celebrate the New Year on the Champs Elysees, in Paris, France, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
FILE - A pedestrian carries an umbrella while crossing a street in San Francisco, Thursday, April 14, 2022. A variety of new laws take effect Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023 that could have an impact on people's finances and, in some cases, their personal liberties. (AP Photo / Jeff Chiu)

Taxes fall, wages rise and jaywalking OK’d by new state laws

Taxes will fall and minimum wages rise for residents in numerous states…

  • Dec 31, 2022
  • By David A. Lieb and Geoff Mulvihill Associated Press
  • Nation-World
FILE - A pedestrian carries an umbrella while crossing a street in San Francisco, Thursday, April 14, 2022. A variety of new laws take effect Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023 that could have an impact on people's finances and, in some cases, their personal liberties. (AP Photo / Jeff Chiu)
Juneau’s biggest news stories of 2022 ranged from historic victories (and Celebrations) to severe struggles due to shortages of workers and housing. Virtually all were connected by overlapping factors to other top stories. (Juneau Empire staff)

The stories that shaped our 2022

Unprecedented elections, record rain and much more.

Juneau’s biggest news stories of 2022 ranged from historic victories (and Celebrations) to severe struggles due to shortages of workers and housing. Virtually all were connected by overlapping factors to other top stories. (Juneau Empire staff)
Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire The privately owned 107-foot tugboat named Tagish sits partially below the water next to the National Guard dock south of the downtown cruise ship docks Thursday morning. Recovery plans by the owner are now underway, but are expected to come at a steep price.

Planning for removal of sunken tugboat underway

The owner said the effort could cost between $150,000 to $500,000

Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire The privately owned 107-foot tugboat named Tagish sits partially below the water next to the National Guard dock south of the downtown cruise ship docks Thursday morning. Recovery plans by the owner are now underway, but are expected to come at a steep price.
This map from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management shows the sale area for a recently concluded oil and gas lease sale.

U..S. gets 1 bid for oil and gas lease in Alaska’s Cook Inlet

Hilcorp Alaska LLC submitted the sole bid — $63,983 for an area covering 5,693 acres.

This map from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management shows the sale area for a recently concluded oil and gas lease sale.
William Dall’s sketch of the mouth of what is now called the Melozitna River, which enters the Yukon River near the village of Ruby, from “Alaska and its Resources.”

Alaska Science Forum: A scientist’s view of Alaska, 150 years ago

One year before Alaska became part of America, 21-year old William Dall ascended the Yukon River on a sled, pulled by dogs. The man who… Continue reading

William Dall’s sketch of the mouth of what is now called the Melozitna River, which enters the Yukon River near the village of Ruby, from “Alaska and its Resources.”
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Ketchikan police chief charged with assaulting man

A police chief in Ketchikan pleaded not guilty Friday to charges that he assaulted an intoxicated man while he was off-duty at a resort restaurant,… Continue reading

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Junior guard Sean Oliver pushes through a crowd of players for a layup during the third period during Thursday night’s game against South Anchorage High School during the first night of the Princess Cruises Capital City Classic. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Crimson Bears teams secure victories at 2nd night of tournament

JDHS girls and boys keep the momentum at Princess Cruises Capital City Classic

Junior guard Sean Oliver pushes through a crowd of players for a layup during the third period during Thursday night’s game against South Anchorage High School during the first night of the Princess Cruises Capital City Classic. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Free At-home test kits are available in Juneau at City Hall and all Juneau public libraries, masks and kits are available to patients experiencing symptoms at Bartlett Regional Hospital and Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

COVID-19 tests still available amid New Year’s celebrations

Respiratory viruses remain at high levels, officials say.

Free At-home test kits are available in Juneau at City Hall and all Juneau public libraries, masks and kits are available to patients experiencing symptoms at Bartlett Regional Hospital and Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
Juneau’s Telephone Hill neighborhood is seen at center right, beneath the State Office Building, on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022. The neighborhood, owned by the state of Alaska, is being transferred to the City and Borough of Juneau. (James Brooks / Alaska Beacon)

Historic neighborhood, once envisioned for new Alaska Capitol, is given away by the state

Order signed transferring Telephone Hill to the capital city.

Juneau’s Telephone Hill neighborhood is seen at center right, beneath the State Office Building, on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022. The neighborhood, owned by the state of Alaska, is being transferred to the City and Borough of Juneau. (James Brooks / Alaska Beacon)
President Joe Biden arrives at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, late Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022. Biden on Thursday signed a $1.7 trillion spending bill that will keep the federal government operating through the end of the federal budget year in September 2023, and provide tens of billions of dollars in new aid to Ukraine for its fight against the Russian military. (AP Photo / Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Biden signs $1.7 trillion bill funding government operations

It includes $15.3B lawmakers sought for their home states and districts.

  • Dec 29, 2022
  • By Darlene Superville Associated Press
  • Nation-World
President Joe Biden arrives at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, late Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022. Biden on Thursday signed a $1.7 trillion spending bill that will keep the federal government operating through the end of the federal budget year in September 2023, and provide tens of billions of dollars in new aid to Ukraine for its fight against the Russian military. (AP Photo / Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire The privately owned 107-foot tugboat named Tagish sits partially below the water next to the National Guard dock south of the downtown cruise ship docks Thursday morning. Officials were at the at the scene to assist cleanup mitigation and recovery efforts.

Tugboat sinks near cruise ship docks

Owner says he is unsure of next steps for recovery efforts

Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire The privately owned 107-foot tugboat named Tagish sits partially below the water next to the National Guard dock south of the downtown cruise ship docks Thursday morning. Officials were at the at the scene to assist cleanup mitigation and recovery efforts.
Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire Fireworks from the finale of Juneau’s Fourth of July celebration light up the sky earlier this year. No such official celebration is planned New Year’s Eve, and both restrictions on personal fireworks use and stormy winter weather will mean a darker hue to the celebrations welcoming in the year 2023.

Weather drops the ball on New Year’s Eve

Personal fireworks again available for limited locations, but wet and windy night may dampen spirits

Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire Fireworks from the finale of Juneau’s Fourth of July celebration light up the sky earlier this year. No such official celebration is planned New Year’s Eve, and both restrictions on personal fireworks use and stormy winter weather will mean a darker hue to the celebrations welcoming in the year 2023.
Senior guard Skylar Tuckwood shoots a free throw during Wednesday night’s game against Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School during the first night of the Princess Cruises Capital City Classic. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Crimson Bears teams start red-hot at Capital City Classic

JDHS girls and boys takes home their first wins of the tournament

Senior guard Skylar Tuckwood shoots a free throw during Wednesday night’s game against Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School during the first night of the Princess Cruises Capital City Classic. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)