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Former state lawmaker from Fairbanks John Coghill was in Juneau on Friday, April 22, 2022, and is running for Alaska's lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, vacated recently by the death of Don Young. Coghill faces a crowded field but says he has the experience and pragmatism to get the job done. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Former state lawmaker John Coghill says Congress needs his experience

Not long after Don Young’s death, several people reached out to John Coghill asking if he’d be interested in running for Alaska’s lone seat in… Continue reading

Former state lawmaker from Fairbanks John Coghill was in Juneau on Friday, April 22, 2022, and is running for Alaska's lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, vacated recently by the death of Don Young. Coghill faces a crowded field but says he has the experience and pragmatism to get the job done. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
This August 2021 photo shows a Princess Cruise Line ship docked in Juneau. The cruise line announced this week that a controversial contactless payment method will not be expanded to Alaska in the immediate future. Prior to the decision, MedallionPay was panned by members of the business community. (Michael Lockett / Juneau Empire file)

Princess puts plans for ’contactless’ MedallionPay system on hold in Alaska

Businesses and municipal officials bristle at proposed no-contact system.

This August 2021 photo shows a Princess Cruise Line ship docked in Juneau. The cruise line announced this week that a controversial contactless payment method will not be expanded to Alaska in the immediate future. Prior to the decision, MedallionPay was panned by members of the business community. (Michael Lockett / Juneau Empire file)
George Divoky and his friend Matt Thomas pose in front of Divoky’s cabin on Cooper Island after repairing polar-bear damage in April, 2022. (Courtesy Photo / Craig George)

Alaska Science Forum: His 48th summer on top of the world

In the ’80s, 225 pairs of black guillemots nested on Cooper Island. Last year: 25 pairs counted.

George Divoky and his friend Matt Thomas pose in front of Divoky’s cabin on Cooper Island after repairing polar-bear damage in April, 2022. (Courtesy Photo / Craig George)
FILE - In this April 23, 2021 photo, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland speaks during a news briefing at the White House in Washington. Secretary Haaland vowed on her first day on the job to ensure Native American tribes have opportunities to speak with her and the agencies she oversees. Native American and Alaska Native groups are seeing change under Haaland but some remain frustrated with the pace of action. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

Haaland announces land transfers for Alaska Native veterans

An additional 27 million acres of land will be made available to Vietnam War-era veterans.

FILE - In this April 23, 2021 photo, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland speaks during a news briefing at the White House in Washington. Secretary Haaland vowed on her first day on the job to ensure Native American tribes have opportunities to speak with her and the agencies she oversees. Native American and Alaska Native groups are seeing change under Haaland but some remain frustrated with the pace of action. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
Joe Shockley prepares a car for baling at Skookum Recycling on April 19, 2022. Skookum is partnered with the City and Borough of Juneau to dispose of junk cars for free for the first 50 registrants beginning on April 22, 2022. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

City offers free junk car recycling for first 50 registrants

All towing and recycling fees will be waved for those who meet the requirements.

Joe Shockley prepares a car for baling at Skookum Recycling on April 19, 2022. Skookum is partnered with the City and Borough of Juneau to dispose of junk cars for free for the first 50 registrants beginning on April 22, 2022. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
Some of the bowls available for selection by attendees of the Empty Bowls event, the Glory Hall’s annual fundraiser, sit on display at the shelter’s new garden. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Empty Bowl returns resurgent as pandemic recedes

The event is open to all who purchase a ticket online.

Some of the bowls available for selection by attendees of the Empty Bowls event, the Glory Hall’s annual fundraiser, sit on display at the shelter’s new garden. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
Audience members listen to Port Director Carl Uchytil present the proposed docks and harbors budget for next year to the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly’s Finance Committee on Wednesday. The public will get an opportunity to comment on the city’s full spending plan at an Assembly meeting at 7 p.m. Monday.(Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

SimCity 2023: Online tool allows people to submit their own spending plans

Assembly to take testimony on the budget on Monday.

Audience members listen to Port Director Carl Uchytil present the proposed docks and harbors budget for next year to the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly’s Finance Committee on Wednesday. The public will get an opportunity to comment on the city’s full spending plan at an Assembly meeting at 7 p.m. Monday.(Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The Alaska House of Representatives passed a bill reducing sentences for and clearing records for marijuana possession on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, a day adopted as an unofficial holiday by cannabis users. The maker of the bill said the timing was no intended. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

House passes marijuana bill on cannabis ‘holiday’

Pure coincidence.

The Alaska House of Representatives passed a bill reducing sentences for and clearing records for marijuana possession on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, a day adopted as an unofficial holiday by cannabis users. The maker of the bill said the timing was no intended. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin speaks briefly to reporters as she leaves a courthouse in New York, Feb. 14, 2022. Palin is one of 48 candidates for Alaska's lone U.S. House seat, which was held for decades by Republican Rep. Don Young, who died last month. Palin says she's serious about the run though some critics have questioned her motivations. (AP Photo / Seth Wenig)

Palin on serving in Congress: ‘It would be all about Alaska’

Palin is among 48 candidates running for Alaska’s lone House seat.

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin speaks briefly to reporters as she leaves a courthouse in New York, Feb. 14, 2022. Palin is one of 48 candidates for Alaska's lone U.S. House seat, which was held for decades by Republican Rep. Don Young, who died last month. Palin says she's serious about the run though some critics have questioned her motivations. (AP Photo / Seth Wenig)
Construction on Capital Transit's new Mendenhall Valley Transit Center was underway on Thursday, April 14, 2022, on Mendenhall Mall Road. Officials hope the center to be open in July and are seeking public feedback about the scheduling of bus routes from the new center. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

With new transit center opening, officials seek feedback on bus scheduling

Take the survey.

Construction on Capital Transit's new Mendenhall Valley Transit Center was underway on Thursday, April 14, 2022, on Mendenhall Mall Road. Officials hope the center to be open in July and are seeking public feedback about the scheduling of bus routes from the new center. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
Axel Gillam, inventory supervisor for the Alaskan Kush Company, talks the state of business ahead of 4/20. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau empire)

Regulations, wait time make future of on-site pot consumption hazy

Some retail outlets see sobering loss of sales as first post-COVID 4/20 arrives.

Axel Gillam, inventory supervisor for the Alaskan Kush Company, talks the state of business ahead of 4/20. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau empire)
U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, speaks to a joint session of the Alaska State Legislature at the Alaska State Capitol on Tuesday, April 19, 2022. In his annual address to state lawmakers, Sullivan was highly critical of the environmentally-focused policies of the Biden Administration and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, who's visiting Alaska this week. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Sullivan has harsh words for Haaland, White House in annual address

Senator urges feds to “unleash” Alaska’s energy.

U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, speaks to a joint session of the Alaska State Legislature at the Alaska State Capitol on Tuesday, April 19, 2022. In his annual address to state lawmakers, Sullivan was highly critical of the environmentally-focused policies of the Biden Administration and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, who's visiting Alaska this week. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
Courtesy photo / Travis Mead A Capital City Fire/Rescue firefighter moves to extinguish and early morning vehicle fire on April 19, 2022. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

CCFR investigating early-morning vehicle fire

The vehicle, which had been parked for several months, was totally gutted.

Courtesy photo / Travis Mead A Capital City Fire/Rescue firefighter moves to extinguish and early morning vehicle fire on April 19, 2022. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The City and Borough of Juneau announced on April 19 that masks were no longer required on public transit, including Juneau International Airport, Capital Transit and CAPITAL AKcess. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Juneau airport and public transit drop mask requirement

Nationwide, many locations have made masks optional.

The City and Borough of Juneau announced on April 19 that masks were no longer required on public transit, including Juneau International Airport, Capital Transit and CAPITAL AKcess. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
Hiring signs in the windows of businesses in downtown Juneau on Monday, April 18, 2022. Over a million passengers are expected to arrive aboard large cruise ships this summer, and local business say its been a challenge finding enough workers. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Cruise ships are returning to Juneau, will seasonal workers?

Businesses cite disruption, housing in challenging hiring market.

Hiring signs in the windows of businesses in downtown Juneau on Monday, April 18, 2022. Over a million passengers are expected to arrive aboard large cruise ships this summer, and local business say its been a challenge finding enough workers. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
A Forest Service fire crew gets brief during an operation. Fire crews from Alaska are frequently deployed to the Lower 48 to help combat wildfires that are growing larger and closer to urban areas in many cases. (Courtesy photo / Parker Anders)

Into the fire: Alaska’s wildlands firefighters eye coming dry season

Alaska’s wildlands firefighters lend a hand where needed nationwide.

A Forest Service fire crew gets brief during an operation. Fire crews from Alaska are frequently deployed to the Lower 48 to help combat wildfires that are growing larger and closer to urban areas in many cases. (Courtesy photo / Parker Anders)
Michael Patz, raised in Juneau, stands on the ice in front of the S.A. Agulhas II next to a sign showing the location of the wreck of Ernest Shackleton’s vessel, the Endurance, rediscovered by searchers aboard the icebreaker. (Courtesy photo / Michael Patz)

‘My interest was in the adventure’: Man from Juneau talks role in finding long-lost ship near Antarctica

Cold ice, clear water and lots of sealife.

Michael Patz, raised in Juneau, stands on the ice in front of the S.A. Agulhas II next to a sign showing the location of the wreck of Ernest Shackleton’s vessel, the Endurance, rediscovered by searchers aboard the icebreaker. (Courtesy photo / Michael Patz)
In this Jan. 30, 2014 photo, an RQ7 Shadow unmanned aircraft flies from its pneumatic catapult launcher at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. U.S. military bases in the Arctic and sub-Arctic are failing to harden their installations against long-term climate change as required, even though soaring temperatures and melting ice already are cracking base runways and roads and worsening flood risks up north, the Pentagon’s watchdog office said April 14, 2022. (AP Photo / Dan Joling)

Climate toll on Arctic bases: Sunken runways, damaged roads

Watchdog office: Military bases are failing to prepare for long-term climate change.

In this Jan. 30, 2014 photo, an RQ7 Shadow unmanned aircraft flies from its pneumatic catapult launcher at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. U.S. military bases in the Arctic and sub-Arctic are failing to harden their installations against long-term climate change as required, even though soaring temperatures and melting ice already are cracking base runways and roads and worsening flood risks up north, the Pentagon’s watchdog office said April 14, 2022. (AP Photo / Dan Joling)
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Gondola is a go: City agrees to pay $1.33 million for used lift in Austria

Now, the trick is getting it home and installed at Eaglecrest Ski Area.

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Paula Casperson (center) meets Wednesday at JDHS with Amanda Duvall (left) the district’s teacher and learning support coordinator, and Carrie Pusich, an activities assistant for the district. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

A principal of matter: Longtime JDHS leader Paula Casperson named regional principal of the year

Ordinarily parents aren’t thrilled to get a call from the principal…

Paula Casperson (center) meets Wednesday at JDHS with Amanda Duvall (left) the district’s teacher and learning support coordinator, and Carrie Pusich, an activities assistant for the district. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)