News

In this file photo from June 26, 2018, a helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Sitka carries out training in Juneau. (Courtesy photo | Petty Officer 1st Class Jon-Paul Rios via U.S. Coast Guard)

Coast Guard rescues capsized boater on Shelter Island

Wind gusts were up to 45 mph.

In this file photo from June 26, 2018, a helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Sitka carries out training in Juneau. (Courtesy photo | Petty Officer 1st Class Jon-Paul Rios via U.S. Coast Guard)
Marine scientist Molly Zaleski gives public comment during a hearing held by NOAA on proposed whale habitats being created in the coastal waters of the West Coast at University of Alaska Southeast on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019. (Michael S. Lockett | Juneau Empire)

NOAA proposes humpback whale habitat protections

Not everyone’s a fan.

Marine scientist Molly Zaleski gives public comment during a hearing held by NOAA on proposed whale habitats being created in the coastal waters of the West Coast at University of Alaska Southeast on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019. (Michael S. Lockett | Juneau Empire)
In this July 7, 2015 file photo, Jim Johnsen is greeted by Rep. Sam Kito, right, as then-new University of Alaska Southeast Chancellor Rick Caulfield, center, looks on during a gathering at Centennial Hall. Caulfield announced Friday he will be retiring. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

University of Alaska Southeast chancellor announces retirement

He wraps up 35-year career in June 2020.

In this July 7, 2015 file photo, Jim Johnsen is greeted by Rep. Sam Kito, right, as then-new University of Alaska Southeast Chancellor Rick Caulfield, center, looks on during a gathering at Centennial Hall. Caulfield announced Friday he will be retiring. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Alaska could soon put taxes on online sales

Alaska could soon put taxes on online sales

Plans are still being made but taxes could be here by spring.

Alaska could soon put taxes on online sales
Empire Live: What’s the Remote Sellers Tax? City finance director Jeff Rogers at the Chamber Luncheon

Empire Live: What’s the Remote Sellers Tax? City finance director Jeff Rogers at the Chamber Luncheon

Will the city tax Amazon purchases?

Empire Live: What’s the Remote Sellers Tax? City finance director Jeff Rogers at the Chamber Luncheon
How US reached ‘rock bottom’ of American Indian law

How US reached ‘rock bottom’ of American Indian law

A year after ending segregation, the Supreme Court denied Native Americans Fifth Amendment rights.

How US reached ‘rock bottom’ of American Indian law
The sounds and the furry: Sea otters are back, and they’re changing the environment

The sounds and the furry: Sea otters are back, and they’re changing the environment

It’s their turn to hunt.

The sounds and the furry: Sea otters are back, and they’re changing the environment
Jury announces verdict against one-time Assembly candidate accused of PFD fraud

Jury announces verdict against one-time Assembly candidate accused of PFD fraud

It was a quick trial, and the verdict is in.

Jury announces verdict against one-time Assembly candidate accused of PFD fraud
Juneau Police Department Police Chief Ed Mercer speaks about his job at the Juneau Police Station on Wednesday, April 4, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

JPD chief reappointed to Alaska Police Standards Council

Chief Mercer will serve another four year term on the board.

Juneau Police Department Police Chief Ed Mercer speaks about his job at the Juneau Police Station on Wednesday, April 4, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Members of the Visitor Industry Task Force, city employees and the public watch as City Manager Rorie Watt gives a presentation on the growth of the cruise ship industry in Juneau during a noon meeting at City Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

More and bigger ships are coming to Juneau, other stops in Southeast

Tourism Task Force takes tourism to task.

Members of the Visitor Industry Task Force, city employees and the public watch as City Manager Rorie Watt gives a presentation on the growth of the cruise ship industry in Juneau during a noon meeting at City Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Tango is a search dog with SEADOGS, an all-volunteer K-9 rescue team that assists with missing persons cases. Both two-legged and four-legged SEADOGS members were at the Moose Lodge Monday, Nov. 4, 2019. (Michael S. Lockett | Juneau Empire)

Keeping a nose out: SEADOGS takes guesswork out of searches

Who’s a good dog? The SEADOGS, in this case.

Tango is a search dog with SEADOGS, an all-volunteer K-9 rescue team that assists with missing persons cases. Both two-legged and four-legged SEADOGS members were at the Moose Lodge Monday, Nov. 4, 2019. (Michael S. Lockett | Juneau Empire)
Assembly burns through agenda, passes eight ordinances, three resolutions

Assembly burns through agenda, passes eight ordinances, three resolutions

It took less than an hour.

Assembly burns through agenda, passes eight ordinances, three resolutions
National Forest System Deputy Chief Chris French speaks to a full room During an informational meeting on the U. S. Forest Service’s <strong>Roadless Rule</strong> at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Monday, Nov. 4, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Public gets heated over Roadless Rule alternatives

Roadless Rule gets ruthless

National Forest System Deputy Chief Chris French speaks to a full room During an informational meeting on the U. S. Forest Service’s <strong>Roadless Rule</strong> at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Monday, Nov. 4, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Four whales struck by vessels this year in Southeast

Four whales struck by vessels this year in Southeast

NOAA investigates vessels for possible negligence.

Four whales struck by vessels this year in Southeast
Crystal clear: First-time Juneau business owner enjoys her new adventure

Crystal clear: First-time Juneau business owner enjoys her new adventure

A one-stop shop for wellness.

Crystal clear: First-time Juneau business owner enjoys her new adventure
City and Borough of Juneau Assembly Finance Committee didn’t spend Saturday morning alone. About a dozen people were in attendance as the city reviewed its spending priorities. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)

City reviews its spending priorities in king-sized meeting

Assembly members ranked 80 programs and projects.

City and Borough of Juneau Assembly Finance Committee didn’t spend Saturday morning alone. About a dozen people were in attendance as the city reviewed its spending priorities. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)
Team Forget Me Not, a synchronized figure skating team, practices before a performance at Treadwell Arena, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)

‘When you have a team, it makes it so much more fun’: Juneau skating group performs

Trust falls, flower themes and teamwork.

Team Forget Me Not, a synchronized figure skating team, practices before a performance at Treadwell Arena, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)
Chris E. McNeil, Jr., the owner of Native Strategy Group and former president and CEO of Sealaska Corporation, speaks about Tlingit and Haida Indians of Alaska v. United States Friday, Nov. 1, inside Sealaska Heritage Institute’s Walter Soboleff Building. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)

Important Alaska Native settlement case started as grassroots movement

It paid $7.5M to Tlingit and Haida.

Chris E. McNeil, Jr., the owner of Native Strategy Group and former president and CEO of Sealaska Corporation, speaks about Tlingit and Haida Indians of Alaska v. United States Friday, Nov. 1, inside Sealaska Heritage Institute’s Walter Soboleff Building. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)
Dimond Courthouse is home to Juneau’s court systems, Oct. 25, 2019. (Michael S. Lockett | Juneau Empire)

As Alaska public defenders offices are foundering, Juneau holds steady

Southeast is OK, but the state’s public defenders are in rough seas.

Dimond Courthouse is home to Juneau’s court systems, Oct. 25, 2019. (Michael S. Lockett | Juneau Empire)
Three injured in crash on Egan Drive

Three injured in crash on Egan Drive

Patients are in stable condition.

Three injured in crash on Egan Drive