The kennels manager and park ranger Denali National Park and Preserve David Tomeo’s son, Will, runs down a trail while the five puppies chase him. This year marks 100 years since the national park began the program of owning and raising Alaskan Huskies to serve as sled dogs throughout the park — which continues to remain the only sled dog operation in the federal government. (Courtesy / David Tomeo)
The kennels manager and park ranger Denali National Park and Preserve David Tomeo’s son, Will, runs down a trail while the five puppies chase him. This year marks 100 years since the national park began the program of owning and raising Alaskan Huskies to serve as sled dogs throughout the park — which continues to remain the only sled dog operation in the federal government. (Courtesy / David Tomeo)
A Palmer man was convicted of ten felonies following three home invasions that resulted in two deaths, as well as setting the bodies and detached garage on fire. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Palmer man convicted of murder in string of robberies

The man committed multiple home invasions near Wasilla, targeting houses allegedly involved in drug trafficking.

A Palmer man was convicted of ten felonies following three home invasions that resulted in two deaths, as well as setting the bodies and detached garage on fire. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
It's a police car until you look closely and see the details don't quite match. (Juneau Empire File / Michael Penn)

Police calls for Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

  • Aug 25, 2022
  • Juneau Empire
  • Crime
It's a police car until you look closely and see the details don't quite match. (Juneau Empire File / Michael Penn)
President Joe Biden speaks about student loan debt forgiveness in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022, in Washington. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona listens at right. (AP Photo / Evan Vucci)

How will the student loan forgiveness plan impact Alaskans?

Biden’s $10K relief effort will aid 20 million people who are expected to have their debt completely.

President Joe Biden speaks about student loan debt forgiveness in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022, in Washington. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona listens at right. (AP Photo / Evan Vucci)
This photo shows the old Glory Hall building on South Franklin Street. Leaders of the longtime homeless shelter and soup kitchen hope that the building will be developed into low-income housing.  (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)

Another step forward for old Glory Hall housing project

Proposed conversion of downtown shelter to low-income housing to get new consideration in October

This photo shows the old Glory Hall building on South Franklin Street. Leaders of the longtime homeless shelter and soup kitchen hope that the building will be developed into low-income housing.  (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)
A chart shows statewide non-farm jobs since 2007 which remained relatively stable until the sharp drop caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. While the total has recovered somewhat, employment is still well below pre-pandemic levels and state labor officials said they cannot yet project if and for how long the increase in recovery will continue, (Alaska Department of Labor)

Recent reports show more jobs, less oil revenue

Cruise tourism helps fuel better employment than a year ago, but state coffers may suffer

A chart shows statewide non-farm jobs since 2007 which remained relatively stable until the sharp drop caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. While the total has recovered somewhat, employment is still well below pre-pandemic levels and state labor officials said they cannot yet project if and for how long the increase in recovery will continue, (Alaska Department of Labor)
Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire File 
Juneau resident Corrie Weikle heads to to finish line during the Ironman Alaska in early Aug. Weikle has qualified for the VinFast Ironman World Championship and preparation is already underway to get ready to race in just under six weeks.

Juneau Ironman Alaska athletes head to the world stage

A group of local Ironman Alaska finishers prepare for Ironman World Championship in Hawaii

Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire File 
Juneau resident Corrie Weikle heads to to finish line during the Ironman Alaska in early Aug. Weikle has qualified for the VinFast Ironman World Championship and preparation is already underway to get ready to race in just under six weeks.
Michaela Goade, an award-winning illustrator who recently released the book "Berry Song," works in her studio. (Courtesy Photo / Bethany Goodrich)

Resilient Peoples & Place: The magic and power of berry picking with Michaeala Goade

Adventure, magic and feeling connected and grounded to home.

Michaela Goade, an award-winning illustrator who recently released the book "Berry Song," works in her studio. (Courtesy Photo / Bethany Goodrich)
A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka aircrew medically evacuates a 65-year-old woman from the cruise ship Zuiderdam in Cross Sound, Alaska, Aug. 21, 2022. (Petty Officer 3rd Class Ian Gray / USCG)

Coast Guard aircrew medevacs woman near Cross Sound

The passenger was suffering from loss of vision.

A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka aircrew medically evacuates a 65-year-old woman from the cruise ship Zuiderdam in Cross Sound, Alaska, Aug. 21, 2022. (Petty Officer 3rd Class Ian Gray / USCG)
Mercedes Muñoz smiles at her dog, Coco, as she works on shaping ceramic pieces on her potter’s wheel. Muñoz is set to host first ever show at the her late grandmother’s galley, the Rie Muñoz Gallery, on Sunday which will feature her summer collection of work. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Mercedes Muñoz smiles at her dog, Coco, as she works on shaping ceramic pieces on her potter’s wheel. Muñoz is set to host first ever show at the her late grandmother’s galley, the Rie Muñoz Gallery, on Sunday which will feature her summer collection of work. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
It's a police car until you look closely and see the details don't quite match. (Juneau Empire File / Michael Penn)

Police calls for Wednesday, August 24, 2022

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

  • Aug 24, 2022
  • Juneau Empire
  • Crime
It's a police car until you look closely and see the details don't quite match. (Juneau Empire File / Michael Penn)
Courtesy / Owen Squires
Steven Ireland-Haight sits in his kayak as he continues his journey traveling across the country to raise awareness about climate change. Born and raised in Juneau, Ireland-Haight said the capital city is what nurtured his love for the outdoors.
Courtesy / Owen Squires
Steven Ireland-Haight sits in his kayak as he continues his journey traveling across the country to raise awareness about climate change. Born and raised in Juneau, Ireland-Haight said the capital city is what nurtured his love for the outdoors.
Tara Sweeney, a Republican seeking the sole U.S. House seat in Alaska, speaks during a forum for candidates, May 12, 2022, in Anchorage, Alaska. Sweeney said Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022, she plans to end her campaign, saying she does not see a path to victory or to raise the money needed to be successful in the November general election. (AP Photo / Mark Thiessen)

Little change in election results as Sweeney drops out

Updated count shows Sarah Palin solidifying chances of ultimately prevailing in U.S. House race

Tara Sweeney, a Republican seeking the sole U.S. House seat in Alaska, speaks during a forum for candidates, May 12, 2022, in Anchorage, Alaska. Sweeney said Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022, she plans to end her campaign, saying she does not see a path to victory or to raise the money needed to be successful in the November general election. (AP Photo / Mark Thiessen)
Norwegian Cruise Line announced Tuesday that it would donate a 2.9-acre plot of land owned by the cruise line since 2019 on Juneau’s harborfront to Huna Totem Corp. to develop. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
Norwegian Cruise Line announced Tuesday that it would donate a 2.9-acre plot of land owned by the cruise line since 2019 on Juneau’s harborfront to Huna Totem Corp. to develop. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
This photo shows the state seal on a ballot for June 11 special primary election. a lawsuit was filed on behalf of the Arctic Village Council, League of Women Voters of Alaska and two voters who a complaint says made mistakes on their ballot envelopes in the June special U.S. House primary that resulted in their ballots being rejected. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Groups sue over lack of process to fix mail ballot mistakes

Lawsuit filed on behalf of the Arctic Village Council, League of Women Voters of Alaska and 2 voters

  • Aug 23, 2022
  • By Becky Bohrer Associated Press
This photo shows the state seal on a ballot for June 11 special primary election. a lawsuit was filed on behalf of the Arctic Village Council, League of Women Voters of Alaska and two voters who a complaint says made mistakes on their ballot envelopes in the June special U.S. House primary that resulted in their ballots being rejected. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
Members of United Academics - American Association of University Professors/American Federation of Teachers Local 4996 gathered on the steps of the Alaska State Capitol on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, to call on University of Alaska officials to agree to a negotiated contract. After an agreement failed to materialize Monday, negotiations are ongoing. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

University contract impasse continues as classes near

Union and administration schedule talks through September after negotiations fall short Monday

Members of United Academics - American Association of University Professors/American Federation of Teachers Local 4996 gathered on the steps of the Alaska State Capitol on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, to call on University of Alaska officials to agree to a negotiated contract. After an agreement failed to materialize Monday, negotiations are ongoing. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire 
William Stich-Smith stands on the steps of the Alaska State Capitol building on Tuesday morning to showcase his pandemic quilt, which he’s currently touring all throughout the country. Alaska marks the 39th state he’s traveled to so far.
Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire 
William Stich-Smith stands on the steps of the Alaska State Capitol building on Tuesday morning to showcase his pandemic quilt, which he’s currently touring all throughout the country. Alaska marks the 39th state he’s traveled to so far.
A female hairy woodpecker brings insect prey to chicks in an excavated nest cavity. (Courtesy Photo / Bob Armstrong)

On the Trails: Cavity-nesting birds

Hole sweet home.

A female hairy woodpecker brings insect prey to chicks in an excavated nest cavity. (Courtesy Photo / Bob Armstrong)
Fire trucks flash their lights in a line during an emergency drill at Juneau International Airport. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)

Fire department needs volunteers

Volunteerism reaches 20-year low for fire department.

Fire trucks flash their lights in a line during an emergency drill at Juneau International Airport. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)
Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire 
A for sale sign sits outside a house in the Mendenhall Valley area. The City and Borough of Juneau’s finance staff recently released an online FAQ dedicated to answering a series of frequently asked questions about the borough’s real estate mandatory disclosure policy.

Disclosure FAQ met with more questions

Local Realtors share their take on new web page; city officials say more answers coming.

Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire 
A for sale sign sits outside a house in the Mendenhall Valley area. The City and Borough of Juneau’s finance staff recently released an online FAQ dedicated to answering a series of frequently asked questions about the borough’s real estate mandatory disclosure policy.