News

Bethel’s Kuskokwim library expecting budget cuts

BETHEL — The Kuskokwim Consortium Library in Bethel is preparing to pare down its staff and services as the state budget is likely to shrink.The… Continue reading

FILE - In this Nov. 19, 205 file photo, President Barack Obama listens as Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during their bilateral meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Manila, Philippines. The president is now staring down 11 months before his successor is chosen in an election shaping up to be a referendum on his leadership at home and abroad. He stirs deep anger among many Republicans, a constant reminder of his failure to make good on campaign promises to heal Washington's divisiveness. But he remains popular among Democrats and foresees a role campaigning for his party's nominee in the general election. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

No lame duck

WASHINGTON — In June, during one of the best stretches of his presidency, Barack Obama strode through a West Wing hallway exclaiming, “Offense! Stay on… Continue reading

FILE - In this Nov. 19, 205 file photo, President Barack Obama listens as Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during their bilateral meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Manila, Philippines. The president is now staring down 11 months before his successor is chosen in an election shaping up to be a referendum on his leadership at home and abroad. He stirs deep anger among many Republicans, a constant reminder of his failure to make good on campaign promises to heal Washington's divisiveness. But he remains popular among Democrats and foresees a role campaigning for his party's nominee in the general election. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

ISIS leader: Group well, mocks Saudis

BEIRUT — The Islamic State group on Saturday released a new message purportedly from its reclusive leader, claiming that his self-styled “caliphate” is doing well… Continue reading

Judge sides with Kodiak radio station in records request

KODIAK — A judge has ordered the city of Kodiak to release records related to an encounter between three police officers and an autistic man… Continue reading

Police calls for Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015

This report contains information provided to the Empire from law enforcement agencies. This report includes arrest and citation information, not conviction information. Anyone listed in… Continue reading

Strip club owner found guilty of dumping waste in harbor

KODIAK — The owner of a crabbing boat that was converted into a floating strip club off the shore of an Alaskan island has been… Continue reading

Around town for Sunday, Dec. 27

Open trap shooting, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Juneau Trap Club, 1 Mile Montana Creek Road. The Juneau Trap Club is open to members and public trap… Continue reading

Lawyer, ex-Marine living Alaska dream

FAIRBANKS — If you’re ever in trouble, Thomas Temple is the guy you want on your side. Calm, strong, intelligent and capable, this ex-marine combat… Continue reading

A scandal in the world of fancy chocolate

NEW YORK — A scandal is roiling the world of fancy chocolate: Did two brothers misleadingly sell remelted chocolate and sprout beards to cultivate a… Continue reading

  • Dec 27, 2015
  • By CANDICE CHOI
LeapFrog's Android-based Epic kids tablet is shown Monday, Dec. 21, 2015, in New York. As competition has increased, kids' tablets have come a long way from bad graphics, slow processors, chunky exteriors and child-like operating systems. The Epic has a sleek design, but the bright green bumper is removable. It's much faster than a LeapPad and can run Android-based content, but in-app purchases and inappropriate ads are blocked. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

Kid tablets ‘grow up’ as competition increases

NEW YORK — Kiddie tablets have grown up.Tablets designed just for kids are getting more sophisticated as they face increased competition from regular tablets. The… Continue reading

  • Dec 27, 2015
  • By BREE FOWLER
LeapFrog's Android-based Epic kids tablet is shown Monday, Dec. 21, 2015, in New York. As competition has increased, kids' tablets have come a long way from bad graphics, slow processors, chunky exteriors and child-like operating systems. The Epic has a sleek design, but the bright green bumper is removable. It's much faster than a LeapPad and can run Android-based content, but in-app purchases and inappropriate ads are blocked. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

Around town for Friday, Dec. 25

Overeaters Anonymous meeting, 10-11 a.m., Juneau Public Health Center, 3412 Old Glacier Highway, downstairs health center. Details: 463-1224.Inner Power Yoga, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Juneau Family Health… Continue reading

Dawn Leadbetter-Thorp, left, and Stephanie Leadbetter-Thorp, right, pose for a photo with their grandson, Isaiah, after he arrived at the Homer Airport on Monday. The Leadbetter-Thorps legally adopted their grandson last week, and he was able to come to Homer in time for Christmas after traveling with a social worker from Billings, Mont.

Boy gets Christmas wish: A forever home in Alaska

HOMER — Like any 9-year-old boy, Isaiah wants all sorts of cool toys for Christmas — an Xbox, a go-cart, a motorcycle and a Nintendo.… Continue reading

Dawn Leadbetter-Thorp, left, and Stephanie Leadbetter-Thorp, right, pose for a photo with their grandson, Isaiah, after he arrived at the Homer Airport on Monday. The Leadbetter-Thorps legally adopted their grandson last week, and he was able to come to Homer in time for Christmas after traveling with a social worker from Billings, Mont.
The nearly full moon rises behind a christmas tree of lights near the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry Terminal on Wednesday evening. The full moon is on Christmas at 2:11 am.

Photos: Christmas lights in Juneau

Christmas decorations light up a home on Riverside Drive on Wednesday evening.… Continue reading

The nearly full moon rises behind a christmas tree of lights near the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry Terminal on Wednesday evening. The full moon is on Christmas at 2:11 am.

Fights shape up over taxes, money

There seems little doubt that the 2016 state legislative session will be pretty ugly.The money situation is getting worse and there’s no reason to believe… Continue reading

Sullivan discusses first year in office

Economics, regulation and the military ruled the conversation during Sen. Dan Sullivan’s speech to the joint Kenai and Soldotna chambers of commerce luncheon on Wednesday.Sullivan,… Continue reading

African migrants hit it big in Spain Christmas lottery

MADRID — About 35 African migrants, including at least one rescued at sea from an overcrowded wooden boat, are among the top prize winners of… Continue reading

District besieged by Taliban still under Afghan control

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Afghan forces backed by U.S. air strikes pushed back a Taliban onslaught Thursday in a strategically important district in the southern… Continue reading

Burundi: New rebel group says it aims to oust Nkurunziza

KIGALI, Rwanda (AP) — Burundi edged closer toward a civil war Thursday with the announcement of the launch of a new rebel group that aims… Continue reading

Christmas in Bethlehem clouded by Israeli-Palestinian violence

BETHLEHEM, West Bank — Christian faithful from around the world on Thursday descended on the biblical city of Bethlehem for Christmas Eve celebrations at the… Continue reading

Defying Fed hike, 30-year mortgage rate slips to 3.96 pct.

WASHINGTON — What Fed rate hike?One week after the Federal Reserve raised short-term interest rates slightly from record lows, the average on a 30-year fixed… Continue reading