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A sign notifies people about plans by Gastineau Human Services to build a 51-unit apartment building in a Lemon Creek neighborhood. (Photo from Juneau Planning Commission documents)

51-unit low-income apartment for people recovering from substance abuse gets OK from Planning Commission

Lemon Creek facility would be first phase in expansion of Gastineau Human Services programs.

A sign notifies people about plans by Gastineau Human Services to build a 51-unit apartment building in a Lemon Creek neighborhood. (Photo from Juneau Planning Commission documents)
The Aiviq icebreaker, targeted by the U.S. Coast Guard for purchase and deployment in Alaska, completes a chartered refueling operation at Davis Research Station in Antarctica. (Kirk Yatras/Australian Antarctic Program)

It’s official: Private icebreaker acquired by Coast Guard will be homeported in Juneau

Vessel with up to 190 personnel expected to “reach initial operational capability in two years.”

The Aiviq icebreaker, targeted by the U.S. Coast Guard for purchase and deployment in Alaska, completes a chartered refueling operation at Davis Research Station in Antarctica. (Kirk Yatras/Australian Antarctic Program)
In a photo provided by Adam Pack and NOAA, the humpback whale Old Timer is seen in Frederick Sound in Southeast Alaska, on July 29, 2024. Old Timer, a male first photographed in 1972, was spotted last month near Alaska, enduring in the Pacific Ocean while some other humpbacks have struggled in a changing environment. (Adam Pack/NOAA via The New York Times)

Survival of world’s oldest humpback whale, spotted in Southeast Alaska last month, is a mystery

Male known as “Old Timer” is now at least 53 years old, according to marine mammal researcher.

  • Aug 14, 2024
  • By Emily Anthes, © 2024 The New York Times Company
  • Whales
In a photo provided by Adam Pack and NOAA, the humpback whale Old Timer is seen in Frederick Sound in Southeast Alaska, on July 29, 2024. Old Timer, a male first photographed in 1972, was spotted last month near Alaska, enduring in the Pacific Ocean while some other humpbacks have struggled in a changing environment. (Adam Pack/NOAA via The New York Times)
Republican businessperson Nick Begich III, Republican Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom and Democratic U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola are among 12 candidates competing in the primary for the seat currently held by Peltola. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Peltola still holds fundraising cash advantage in U.S. House race, new figures show

Ahead of Alaska’s Aug. 20 primary election, incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola continues to hold a fundraising advantage against her 11 competitors, new filings… Continue reading

Republican businessperson Nick Begich III, Republican Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom and Democratic U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola are among 12 candidates competing in the primary for the seat currently held by Peltola. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
Bordetella pertussis, the bacteria that causes the disease pertussis, is show in this 2019 medical illustration based on microscopic images. This image, in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publication on antibiotic resistance threats, shows a strain that has developed a resistance to drugs used to treat the disease. Pertussis cases are rising in Alaska and nationwide following a lull during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Image by Dan Higgins/Provided by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Rising cases of ‘whooping cough’ in Alaska prompt warnings and prevention recommendations

A spike in pertussis, a contagious disease commonly known as whooping cough, has swept through Alaska, the state Department of Health reported. Through the end… Continue reading

Bordetella pertussis, the bacteria that causes the disease pertussis, is show in this 2019 medical illustration based on microscopic images. This image, in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publication on antibiotic resistance threats, shows a strain that has developed a resistance to drugs used to treat the disease. Pertussis cases are rising in Alaska and nationwide following a lull during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Image by Dan Higgins/Provided by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Salomé Starbuck, founder of the group Juneau Justice for Steve, calls for local policy and service changes to prevent a reoccurrence of the circumstances that led to Steven Kissack’s death during a memorial show for him Saturday night at the Crystal Saloon. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Songs of sadness, anger and hope at memorial show for Steven Kissack that raises more than $4,600

More than 100 people attend fundraiser seeking to benefit homeless, other disadvantaged residents.

Salomé Starbuck, founder of the group Juneau Justice for Steve, calls for local policy and service changes to prevent a reoccurrence of the circumstances that led to Steven Kissack’s death during a memorial show for him Saturday night at the Crystal Saloon. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé cross-country team runs toward the Under Thunder Trail from Floyd Dryden Middle School on Monday evening for a team practice. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)

Juneau cross-country team runs into the new school year

Season takes off with alumni race against team from consolidated high school.

The Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé cross-country team runs toward the Under Thunder Trail from Floyd Dryden Middle School on Monday evening for a team practice. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Kristen Wells, science teacher at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé, moves boxes into her Project Lead the Way: Intro to Engineering Design classroom on Monday. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)

Back to one high school: Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé combines TMHS and JDHS students

The first day of school for students in grades 1-12 is Thursday; some excited, some stressed.

Kristen Wells, science teacher at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé, moves boxes into her Project Lead the Way: Intro to Engineering Design classroom on Monday. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Brenna Heintz explains work being done at the Melvin Park flood recovery center to U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola on Sunday. Two disaster assistance centers are scheduled to open at other locations in Juneau from Wednesday through Friday of this week. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

Two Disaster Assistance Centers for people affected by record floods open Wednesday through Friday

Updated official survey of 287 flooded homes reports 51 sustained major damage.

Brenna Heintz explains work being done at the Melvin Park flood recovery center to U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola on Sunday. Two disaster assistance centers are scheduled to open at other locations in Juneau from Wednesday through Friday of this week. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Emily Wright, an assistant attorney for the City and Borough of Juneau, is scheduled to become the new municipal attorney later this month. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Juneau’s new municipal attorney already has plenty of experience with the duties of the job

CBJ Assistant Attorney Emily Wright hired to replace departing Robert Palmer later this month.

Emily Wright, an assistant attorney for the City and Borough of Juneau, is scheduled to become the new municipal attorney later this month. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Tesla Cox (left) explains the damage done to her home and possessions by a record flood to a delegation of leaders on Sunday including (from left in foreground) Tlingit and Haida Regional Housing Authority President Jacqueline Pata, U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, Tlingit and Haida Tribal Emergency Operations Center Incident Commander Sabrina Grubitz, and Juneau state Rep. Sara Hannan. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Peltola, visiting homes where flood recovery efforts are underway, says FEMA aid request may be difficult

New estimate of nearly 300 homes damaged qualifies as a disaster, but agency’s funding limited, she says.

Tesla Cox (left) explains the damage done to her home and possessions by a record flood to a delegation of leaders on Sunday including (from left in foreground) Tlingit and Haida Regional Housing Authority President Jacqueline Pata, U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, Tlingit and Haida Tribal Emergency Operations Center Incident Commander Sabrina Grubitz, and Juneau state Rep. Sara Hannan. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
A ballot and instructions for the 2024 Alaska primary election are seen on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Alaska Beacon voter guide: Answers to 15 questions by legislative, U.S. House candidates

Alaskans voting in the Aug. 20 primary election again have a resource to learn where the candidates stand on a wide range of issues: the… Continue reading

A ballot and instructions for the 2024 Alaska primary election are seen on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Poll workers set up an early voting statiion in the atrium of the State Office Building in Juneau on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, the first day of early voting for the 2024 Alaska primary election. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Alaska’s pre-primary election turnout is down from extraordinary 2022 and 2020 primaries

Voter turnout ahead of Alaska’s Aug. 20 primary election is down from the past two elections but is running ahead of what it was in… Continue reading

Poll workers set up an early voting statiion in the atrium of the State Office Building in Juneau on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, the first day of early voting for the 2024 Alaska primary election. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Yago Jacob of Napaskiak, one of the Calista Corp. shareholders employed at the Donlin Gold project, holds up a sliced piece of a geological core on Aug. 11, 2022. Calista is the Native corporation that owns the mineral rights at the mine project. Donlin is one of eight large mine projects listed in a new report as being near development or in advanced exploration. Seven large Alaska mines currently are producing. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Economic impacts of mining in Alaska include wages, taxes and career training, report says

Alaska’s mining industry supported 11,800 jobs and $1.1 billion in total wages in 2023, according to a report commissioned by the Alaska Miners Association and… Continue reading

Yago Jacob of Napaskiak, one of the Calista Corp. shareholders employed at the Donlin Gold project, holds up a sliced piece of a geological core on Aug. 11, 2022. Calista is the Native corporation that owns the mineral rights at the mine project. Donlin is one of eight large mine projects listed in a new report as being near development or in advanced exploration. Seven large Alaska mines currently are producing. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
Cars enter a redesigned left-turn lane designed to improve the line-of-sight of drivers and reduce the distance necessary to cross Egan Drive at the Fred Meyer intersection on Monday. A traffic light on Egan Drive is scheduled to be installed at the intersection by 2027. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Enpire)

Bids to design traffic light, other upgrades at Fred Meyer intersection now being sought by DOT

Project comes after redesign of turn lanes; alternate route recommended by state still on hold.

Cars enter a redesigned left-turn lane designed to improve the line-of-sight of drivers and reduce the distance necessary to cross Egan Drive at the Fred Meyer intersection on Monday. A traffic light on Egan Drive is scheduled to be installed at the intersection by 2027. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Enpire)
A sign posted on the door of the Division of Public Assistance office in Bethel, Alaska, on Oct. 11, 2023. The office offers full services. (Claire Stremple/Alaska Beacon)

Alaska invested millions to fix food stamp backlogs. Some users still can’t get through.

State has not finished tech rollout, officials say they are still working to reopen offices.

A sign posted on the door of the Division of Public Assistance office in Bethel, Alaska, on Oct. 11, 2023. The office offers full services. (Claire Stremple/Alaska Beacon)
People carry signs at a Juneau rally in favor of an increase to the amount the government pays schools per student on Jan. 29, 2024. (Claire Stremple/Alaska Beacon)

Alaska school districts got a one-time funding boost. It came too late for many teachers.

Districts say instructors are leaving because of uncertainty in what is usually a stable profession

People carry signs at a Juneau rally in favor of an increase to the amount the government pays schools per student on Jan. 29, 2024. (Claire Stremple/Alaska Beacon)
Mike Bethers and his wife, Astrid, turn over two fish to Alysha Reeves, dock chair at the Auke Nu weighing station during the final day of the 78th annual Golden North Salmon Derby on Sunday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Slow fishing at 78th Golden North Salmon Derby still reels in heavier winning catch than last year

27.7-pound king salmon turned in by Karie Sims tops the scales as three-day event ends Sunday.

Mike Bethers and his wife, Astrid, turn over two fish to Alysha Reeves, dock chair at the Auke Nu weighing station during the final day of the 78th annual Golden North Salmon Derby on Sunday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
From left to right: Jeff Smith, Tanna Peters and Gwenna Corvez return for food after finishing pulling insulation out of two crawlspaces in a row on Saturday morning. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)

Juneau comes together to help residents recover from the Mendenhall River flood

Hauling wet fiberglass insulation from crawlspaces is currently the biggest need

From left to right: Jeff Smith, Tanna Peters and Gwenna Corvez return for food after finishing pulling insulation out of two crawlspaces in a row on Saturday morning. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
At the Kake Dog Salmon Festival on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, residents and visiting Quakers examined artifacts returned to the village by the ancestor of a Quaker missionary. (Photo courtesy of Jan Bronson)

Alaska Native artifacts returned to Kake as Quakers continue reparations

Sen. Murkowski, federal officials hear of roadblocks to proposed cultural healing center.

At the Kake Dog Salmon Festival on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, residents and visiting Quakers examined artifacts returned to the village by the ancestor of a Quaker missionary. (Photo courtesy of Jan Bronson)