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Two flags with pro-life themes, including the lower one added this week to one that’s been up for more than a year, fly along with the U.S. and Alaska state flags at the Governor’s House on Tuesday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Doublespeak: Dunleavy adds second flag proclaiming pro-life allegiance at Governor’s House

First flag that’s been up for more than a year joined by second, more declarative banner.

 

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Nordic Ski Team and community cross-country skiers start the Shaky Shakeout Invitational six-kilometer freestyle mass start race Saturday at Eaglecrest Ski Area. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Crimson Bears cross-country skiers in sync

JDHS Nordic Ski Team tunes up for state with practice race

 

Students play trumpets at the first annual Jazz Fest in 2024. (Photo courtesy of Sandy Fortier)

Join the second annual Juneau Jazz Fest to beat the winter blues

Four-day music festival brings education of students and Southeast community together.

 

Juneau Assembly Member Maureen Hall (left) and Mayor Beth Weldon (center) talk to residents during a break in an Assembly meeting Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, about the establishment of a Local Improvement District that would require homeowners in the area to pay nearly $6,300 each for barriers to protect against glacial outburst floods. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Flood district plan charging property owners nearly $6,300 each gets unanimous OK from Assembly

117 objections filed for 466 properties in Mendenhall Valley deemed vulnerable to glacial floods.

Juneau Assembly Member Maureen Hall (left) and Mayor Beth Weldon (center) talk to residents during a break in an Assembly meeting Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, about the establishment of a Local Improvement District that would require homeowners in the area to pay nearly $6,300 each for barriers to protect against glacial outburst floods. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Frank Richards, president of the Alaska Gasline Development Corp., speaks at a Jan. 6, 2025, news conference held in Anchorage by Gov. Mike Dunleavy. Dunleavy and Randy Ruaro, executive director of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, are standing behind RIchards. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

For fourth consecutive year, gas pipeline boss is Alaska’s top-paid public executive

Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka, had the highest compensation among state legislators after all got pay hike.

Frank Richards, president of the Alaska Gasline Development Corp., speaks at a Jan. 6, 2025, news conference held in Anchorage by Gov. Mike Dunleavy. Dunleavy and Randy Ruaro, executive director of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, are standing behind RIchards. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
University of Alaska President Pat Pitney gives the State of the University address in Juneau on Jan. 30, 2025. She highlighted the wide variety of educational and vocational programs as creating opportunities for students, and for industries to invest in workforce development and the future of Alaska’s economy. (Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

University of Alaska president highlights impact on workforce, research and economy in address

Pat Pitney also warns “headwinds” are coming with federal executive orders and potential budget cuts.

University of Alaska President Pat Pitney gives the State of the University address in Juneau on Jan. 30, 2025. She highlighted the wide variety of educational and vocational programs as creating opportunities for students, and for industries to invest in workforce development and the future of Alaska’s economy. (Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)
A photo by Nicole Steger that’s part of her exhibit at the Juneau Artists Gallery is among the events featured during First Friday in February. (Juneau Arts and Humanities Council)

Here’s what’s happening for First Friday in February

First Friday for the shortest month of 2025 features performances from the second annual Juneau Jazz Fest, a trio of exhibitions at the Alaska State… Continue reading

A photo by Nicole Steger that’s part of her exhibit at the Juneau Artists Gallery is among the events featured during First Friday in February. (Juneau Arts and Humanities Council)
Thunder Mountain Middle School eighth grader Carter Day of the Blue Barracuda Bombers attempts to pin classmate John Croasman of War Hawks White during the inaugural Thunder Mountain Mayhem Team Duels wrestling tournament Saturday at TMMS. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Inaugural Thunder Mountain Mayhem Tournament makes most of weather misfortune

More than 50 Falcons wrestlers compete amongst themselves after trip to Sitka tourney nixed.

Thunder Mountain Middle School eighth grader Carter Day of the Blue Barracuda Bombers attempts to pin classmate John Croasman of War Hawks White during the inaugural Thunder Mountain Mayhem Team Duels wrestling tournament Saturday at TMMS. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
State Rep. Rebecca Himschoot (right), I-Sitka, answers a question from Rep. Jubilee Underwood (right), R-Wasilla, about a bill increasing per-pupil public school funding during a House Education Committee meeting on Monday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Legislators and governor form working group seeking quick education funding and policy package

Small bipartisan group plans to spend up to two weeks on plan as related bills are put on hold.

State Rep. Rebecca Himschoot (right), I-Sitka, answers a question from Rep. Jubilee Underwood (right), R-Wasilla, about a bill increasing per-pupil public school funding during a House Education Committee meeting on Monday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The roundabout at the intersection of Mendenhall Loop Road and Stephen Richards Memorial Drive on Monday morning after it was reopened following a shooting between two men in vehicles shortly after midnight. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire)

Motorist fatally shoots driver he says was threatening him with a gun at Mendenhall Valley roundabout

Shooter released after initial JPD investigation; 16-year-old victim had pellet/BB-style CO2 rifle

The roundabout at the intersection of Mendenhall Loop Road and Stephen Richards Memorial Drive on Monday morning after it was reopened following a shooting between two men in vehicles shortly after midnight. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire)
A worker paints over a wall mural featuring words such as “fairness,” “leadership,” “compassion,” “diversity” and “integrity” at the FBI Academy at Quantico on Wednesday. (Anonymous photo provided to The New York Times)

Mass deletion and alteration of federal websites includes Alaska reports and data

Forest Service climate assessment, Alaska Native education program, FEMA strategic plan among deletions.

A worker paints over a wall mural featuring words such as “fairness,” “leadership,” “compassion,” “diversity” and “integrity” at the FBI Academy at Quantico on Wednesday. (Anonymous photo provided to The New York Times)
In this file photo Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé seniors Cailynn, left, and Kerra Baxter, right, battle for a rebound against Dimond High School. The Baxters led JDHS in scoring this weekend at Mt. Edgecumbe with Cailynn hitting 23 on Friday and Kerra 28 on Saturday. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire file photo)

JDHS girls sweep Mt. Edgecumbe on the road

Crimson Bears show road strength at Braves’ gym.

In this file photo Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé seniors Cailynn, left, and Kerra Baxter, right, battle for a rebound against Dimond High School. The Baxters led JDHS in scoring this weekend at Mt. Edgecumbe with Cailynn hitting 23 on Friday and Kerra 28 on Saturday. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire file photo)
MXAK’s executive director Steve White watches the wall of monitoring screens as maritime information specialist Jason Hort (foreground) tracks vessels transiting the North Pacific. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire)

Buying time: Juneau’s Marine Exchange of Alaska saves lives, cargo, communities and wildlife

Two retired Coast Guard captains lead team providing data to ensure safe transit for hundreds of vessels.

MXAK’s executive director Steve White watches the wall of monitoring screens as maritime information specialist Jason Hort (foreground) tracks vessels transiting the North Pacific. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire)
Mt. Edgecumbe senior RJ Didrickson (21) shoots against Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé juniors Brandon Casperson (5), Joren Gasga (12) and seniors Ben Sikes and Pedrin Saceda-Hurt (10) during the Braves’ 68-47 win over the Crimson Bears on Saturday in the George Houston Gymnasium. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Braves poke Bears again, win 68-47

Mt. Edgecumbe survives second night in JDHS den.

Mt. Edgecumbe senior RJ Didrickson (21) shoots against Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé juniors Brandon Casperson (5), Joren Gasga (12) and seniors Ben Sikes and Pedrin Saceda-Hurt (10) during the Braves’ 68-47 win over the Crimson Bears on Saturday in the George Houston Gymnasium. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Matthew Plang (22) skates away from Wasilla senior Karson McGrew (18) and freshman Dylan Mead (49) during the Crimson Bears’ 3-1 win over the Warriors at Treadwell Ice Arena on Saturday. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

JDHS hockey home season finishes with a split

Crimson Bears topple Wasilla, but fall to Tri-Valley.

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Matthew Plang (22) skates away from Wasilla senior Karson McGrew (18) and freshman Dylan Mead (49) during the Crimson Bears’ 3-1 win over the Warriors at Treadwell Ice Arena on Saturday. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
A Mendenhall Valley neighborhood is swamped by a record glacial outburst flood on on Aug. 6, 2024. (Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities photo)

Profits from ‘fully’ extracting Alaska’s resources minus the cost of climate impacts: Who will gain/lose how much?

The results may not be high either way since experts say Trump’s goals are unlikely to happen anytime soon.

A Mendenhall Valley neighborhood is swamped by a record glacial outburst flood on on Aug. 6, 2024. (Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities photo)
Deena Bishop, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, gives an overview of Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s omnibus education package on Jan. 31, 2025, at the Alaska State Capitol. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)

Education package with multitude of policy changes and no BSA increase unveiled by Gov. Dunleavy

Proposals include allowing students to enroll anywhere in the state, more charter and homeschool support.

Deena Bishop, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, gives an overview of Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s omnibus education package on Jan. 31, 2025, at the Alaska State Capitol. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Matthew Plang (22), senior goalie Caleb Friend (1), Tri-Valley's Owen Jusczak (74), JDHS junior Elias Schane (10), JDHS sophomore Bryden Roberts (40) and JDHS senior Emilio Holbrook (37) converge on a puck near the Crimson Bears net during Friday's 8-3 JDHS win over the Warriors at Treadwell Ice Arena. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Crimson Bears ending regular season with wins

Weekend double matches builds excitement for state tournament

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Matthew Plang (22), senior goalie Caleb Friend (1), Tri-Valley's Owen Jusczak (74), JDHS junior Elias Schane (10), JDHS sophomore Bryden Roberts (40) and JDHS senior Emilio Holbrook (37) converge on a puck near the Crimson Bears net during Friday's 8-3 JDHS win over the Warriors at Treadwell Ice Arena. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
A marker for the U.S.-Canadian border sits between Skagway, Alaska, and Stikine Region, British Columbia. (Philip Yabut/Getty Images)

Yukon government warns that Trump tariffs will make Alaska life more expensive

China, Alaska’s biggest international trading partner, also targeted by tariffs likely to trigger trade war

A marker for the U.S.-Canadian border sits between Skagway, Alaska, and Stikine Region, British Columbia. (Philip Yabut/Getty Images)
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé junior Brandon Casperson (5) attempts a shot against Mt. Edgecumbe senior Donovan Stephen-Standifer, sophomore Kaden Herrmann (13), sophomore Royce Alstrom and senior Richard Didrickson Jr. (21) during the Crimson Bears 80-66 loss to the Braves on Friday in the George Houston Gymnasium. The two teams play again Saturday at 6 p.m. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Visiting Braves earn win over Crimson Bears

Mt. Edgecumbe takes game one over JDHS, game two Saturday.

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé junior Brandon Casperson (5) attempts a shot against Mt. Edgecumbe senior Donovan Stephen-Standifer, sophomore Kaden Herrmann (13), sophomore Royce Alstrom and senior Richard Didrickson Jr. (21) during the Crimson Bears 80-66 loss to the Braves on Friday in the George Houston Gymnasium. The two teams play again Saturday at 6 p.m. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)