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An image from the cover of the book “Sah Quah.” (Courtesy Sealaska Heritage Institute)

Neighbors: SHI publishes book on slavery in Alaska that endured after federal abolishment

Book explores Haida man’s quest for freedom that ended slavery in Alaska

An image from the cover of the book “Sah Quah.” (Courtesy Sealaska Heritage Institute)
A map showing some orange streams found in national park units in northern Alaska. (Map created by Carson Baughman, USGS; photos by Ken Hill, National Park Service)

Alaska Science Forum: The rusting of northern Alaska streams

During these late winter days, researchers who are studying the rusty discoloration of northern Alaska streams are prepping for summer field trips. Jon O’Donnell of… Continue reading

A map showing some orange streams found in national park units in northern Alaska. (Map created by Carson Baughman, USGS; photos by Ken Hill, National Park Service)
In this file photo taken July 11, 2013, a Clarksville Schools faculty member, top right, carries an air-powered practice handgun to a classroom as firearms instructors, left, watch and students, lying on the floor, portray victims during a training exercise in Clarksville, Ark. (AP Photo/Danny Johnston, File)

Opinion: The gaping hole in Sen. Hughes’s Safe School Act

Sen. Shelly Hughes (R-Palmer) thinks one trained volunteer carrying a concealed weapon in a school will effectively augment law enforcement by providing “life-saving protection for… Continue reading

In this file photo taken July 11, 2013, a Clarksville Schools faculty member, top right, carries an air-powered practice handgun to a classroom as firearms instructors, left, watch and students, lying on the floor, portray victims during a training exercise in Clarksville, Ark. (AP Photo/Danny Johnston, File)
Deven Mitchell is the executive director and chief executive officer of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. (Photo courtesy of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corp.)

My Turn: APFC remains focused on continuing legacy for generations of Alaskans

The Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. is honored to have its headquarters in Juneau. Since the corporation’s establishment in 1980, our objective has been to manage… Continue reading

Deven Mitchell is the executive director and chief executive officer of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. (Photo courtesy of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corp.)
Maj. Gina Halverson is co-leader of The Salvation Army Juneau Corps. (Robert DeBerry/The Salvation Army)

Living and Growing: How well have you loved lately?

Patient: Waiting without getting irritated in the car, waiting for family to get out of the house, when you told them an hour ago, it… Continue reading

Maj. Gina Halverson is co-leader of The Salvation Army Juneau Corps. (Robert DeBerry/The Salvation Army)
Redpolls have come to Juneau in large numbers this year. (Photo by Mark Schwan)

On the Trails: Snow flies and other wintery things

January brought us two massive snowfalls, piling up about six feet deep, and pretty much shutting down the whole city for a couple of days.… Continue reading

Redpolls have come to Juneau in large numbers this year. (Photo by Mark Schwan)
Students depart Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)

My Turn: Consolidating into one modestly sized high school is best for Juneau’s students

It has been known for years that the Juneau School District student population (which is where funding begins) has been dropping and will continue to… Continue reading

Students depart Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
A long line of people wait their turn during the Southeast Alaska Food Bank’s weekly food pantry on Dec. 7, 2023. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

My Turn: We need to make food security a priority in Alaska’s 2024 legislative session

As Alaskans we understand the value of harvesting, fishing and foraging as a fundamental part of our lives. But even though these lands and waters… Continue reading

A long line of people wait their turn during the Southeast Alaska Food Bank’s weekly food pantry on Dec. 7, 2023. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
John Martin’s painting “Fallen Angels in Hell,” circa 1841. (Public domain via The Yorck Project)

Living and Growing: Rethinking Hell?

Does a merciful God really torture unbelievers, forever? Now, more than ever, more people reject God. One reason could be the idea of an “eternal,… Continue reading

John Martin’s painting “Fallen Angels in Hell,” circa 1841. (Public domain via The Yorck Project)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson to mark the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Sept. 11, 2023, in Anchorage. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

Opinion: Dunleavy’s immigration duplicity

“People will go where they believe they have a future. That should be obvious” Gov. Mike Dunleavy said in his State of the State speech… Continue reading

Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson to mark the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Sept. 11, 2023, in Anchorage. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
Fairbanks residents engage in a favorite cold-weather activity of taking photographs of themselves in front of the University of Alaska Fairbanks time-and-temperature sign on the morning of Jan. 27, 2024. (Photo by Ned Rozell)

Alaska Science Forum: Alaska still excellent at manufacturing cold

Moments after bashing some drywall with a hammer to expose my home’s water pipes to warmer air, I logged in to see another Special Weather… Continue reading

Fairbanks residents engage in a favorite cold-weather activity of taking photographs of themselves in front of the University of Alaska Fairbanks time-and-temperature sign on the morning of Jan. 27, 2024. (Photo by Ned Rozell)
Pouring sauce over finished rockfish. (Photo by Patricia Schied)
Capital City Weekly

Cooking for Pleasure: Alaska Rockfish for dinner

The halibut and salmon being sold right now are superb, delicious fish. But there are other options out there that shouldn’t be underestimated in terms… Continue reading

Pouring sauce over finished rockfish. (Photo by Patricia Schied)
While the weather forecast plays a big role in ocean adventures, the gut often has final say. (Photo by Jeff Lund)

I Went to the Woods: Math meets guts

I found myself emotionally involved Sunday and felt the pending demise of the Detroit Lions with every dropped pass. I liked the story of the… Continue reading

While the weather forecast plays a big role in ocean adventures, the gut often has final say. (Photo by Jeff Lund)
(Photo courtesy of the Sealaska Heritage Institute)

Neighbors: SHI, stakeholders to develop first-ever Alaska Native language reading standards

Two virtual meetings scheduled next week to consult with Alaskans statewide.

(Photo courtesy of the Sealaska Heritage Institute)
Juneau School District administrators and board members listen to a remote presentation Jan. 9 by Lisa Pearce, hired as a budget expert in December, about how her analysis during the previous few weeks revealed a $9.5 million deficit facing the district this fiscal year. The amount has since been revised to $8 million. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

Opinion: Juneau School District financial challenges require deliberate, thoughtful response

As the extent of the financial difficulties facing the Juneau School District (JSD) unfolds, it’s clear that their situation did not develop overnight. For years,… Continue reading

Juneau School District administrators and board members listen to a remote presentation Jan. 9 by Lisa Pearce, hired as a budget expert in December, about how her analysis during the previous few weeks revealed a $9.5 million deficit facing the district this fiscal year. The amount has since been revised to $8 million. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
A mallard feeding on rockweed in North Tee Harbor. (Photo by Bob Armstrong)

On the Trails: Mallards eating rockweed (and how plants hear)

Mallards are omnivores, eating seeds, little invertebrates, an occasional tiny fish, and whatnot. Recent midwinter observations at North Tee Harbor documented them grazing on rockweed,… Continue reading

A mallard feeding on rockweed in North Tee Harbor. (Photo by Bob Armstrong)
From left, Cole Richards, Lynn Kaluzienski and Carl Tape prepare to stick seismometers in frozen ground during a February 2019 mission to deploy instruments along the Denali seismic fault. The instruments helped scientists recently find the presence of a body of molten rock seven miles deep. (Photo by Ned Rozell)

Alaska Science Forum: Magma found beneath volcano-less country

For years, scientists have wondered why North America’s highest mountain is not a volcano. All the ingredients for volcanic activity lurk deep beneath Denali, which… Continue reading

From left, Cole Richards, Lynn Kaluzienski and Carl Tape prepare to stick seismometers in frozen ground during a February 2019 mission to deploy instruments along the Denali seismic fault. The instruments helped scientists recently find the presence of a body of molten rock seven miles deep. (Photo by Ned Rozell)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks to a joint meeting of the Juneau and Alaska chambers of commerce Thursday at Centennial Hall. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Efficient administration in governance according to Dunleavy

Don’t be fooled by the “efficient administration” justification for the decision by Gov. Mike Dunleavy to assume total control of the Alaska Marine Highway Operations… Continue reading

Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks to a joint meeting of the Juneau and Alaska chambers of commerce Thursday at Centennial Hall. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Holiday lights remain strung in a backyard covered with record snowfall a month after Christmas. (Photo by Peggy McKee Barnhill)
Capital City Weekly

Gimme A Smile: Wouldn’t it be nice…

I like to look at the bright side of life. I try to be a glass-half-full kind of gal. But the glass could always get… Continue reading

Holiday lights remain strung in a backyard covered with record snowfall a month after Christmas. (Photo by Peggy McKee Barnhill)
Alaska students hold up numbers representing the amount of an educator award presented in 2022. (Alaska Department of Education and Early Development photo)

My Turn: Double dippers — snatched education with a bonus, too

In a time of fiscal turbulence, why are we allowing Alaska’s children to exploit our budget through no fault of their own? K-12 education is… Continue reading

Alaska students hold up numbers representing the amount of an educator award presented in 2022. (Alaska Department of Education and Early Development photo)