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(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Police calls for Saturday, March 4, 2023

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

  • Mar 4, 2023
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Scotch Cap Lighthouse, on the southwest shore of Unimak Island, before the giant wave of April 1, 1946. (NOAA/NGDC, Coast Guard)

Alaska Science Forum: The demise of Scotch Cap lighthouse

In 1946, a 130-foot wave struck the lighthouse at 2:18 a.m.

Scotch Cap Lighthouse, on the southwest shore of Unimak Island, before the giant wave of April 1, 1946. (NOAA/NGDC, Coast Guard)
This photo shows the Alaska State Capitol where lawmakers have been briefed on a plan state regulators say will allow more flexibility that benefits both businesses and the environment in “Alaska’s unique conditions.” However, some senators expressed skepticism over efforts to take over what are known as “Clean Water Act Section 404” permits. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Alaska seeking a 404 redirect for wetlands development

State wants to take over permitting control from feds, but costs and murky legal questions linger.

This photo shows the Alaska State Capitol where lawmakers have been briefed on a plan state regulators say will allow more flexibility that benefits both businesses and the environment in “Alaska’s unique conditions.” However, some senators expressed skepticism over efforts to take over what are known as “Clean Water Act Section 404” permits. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
Capital City Fire/Rescue firefighters move to extinguish a trailer fire Friday morning. The cause of the fire is believed to be caused by an electric toaster, officials say.(Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Toaster apparent cause of fatal fire

One person, two dogs dead after trailer blaze.

Capital City Fire/Rescue firefighters move to extinguish a trailer fire Friday morning. The cause of the fire is believed to be caused by an electric toaster, officials say.(Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire The JDHS boys basketball team celebrates after a hard fought battle against TMHS on Thursday night for the final conference game of the season. Thursday night was also JDHS’s senior night where seniors from the dance squads, prep band and basketball teams were honored in between the girls and boys games.

Emotions high for JDHS girls and boys basketball senior night

Region V tournament begins March 8.

Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire The JDHS boys basketball team celebrates after a hard fought battle against TMHS on Thursday night for the final conference game of the season. Thursday night was also JDHS’s senior night where seniors from the dance squads, prep band and basketball teams were honored in between the girls and boys games.
Cars zoom across the downtown bridge connecting Juneau to Douglas Island. Thursday evening the City and Borough of Juneau Public Works and Facilities Committee hosted an open forum meeting to discuss a proposed second crossing from Juneau to Douglas Island. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Opinions cross at city-hosted second crossing meeting

Residents express support and concern about the potential project.

Cars zoom across the downtown bridge connecting Juneau to Douglas Island. Thursday evening the City and Borough of Juneau Public Works and Facilities Committee hosted an open forum meeting to discuss a proposed second crossing from Juneau to Douglas Island. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Police calls for Friday, March 3, 2023

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

  • Mar 3, 2023
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Rates of violent offenses in Alaska have outstripped national rates since 1993. Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer UCR data, 1979-2020. Alaska data for 2021 from Crime in Alaska 2021, Alaska Department of Public Safety. (Graph provided by UAA Alaska Justice Information Center)

Rapes and aggravated assaults push Alaska’s violent-crime rates up; property-crime rates fall

Alaska’s rate of violent crimes has increased, a contrast to the national trends, and the increase is driven by extremely high rates of rape and… Continue reading

Rates of violent offenses in Alaska have outstripped national rates since 1993. Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer UCR data, 1979-2020. Alaska data for 2021 from Crime in Alaska 2021, Alaska Department of Public Safety. (Graph provided by UAA Alaska Justice Information Center)
“I voted” stickers await voters on Election Day 2022. That election was the first regular general election in Alaska to include ranked choice voting, which was narrowly approved by voters in 2020. Bills to do away with ranked choice voting have been introduced in the Legislature and a petition to put the matter before voters is circulating. However, a pro-ranked choice petition has been launched to show support for the state’s current elections system, which also includes open primaries. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Pro-ranked choice petition launched

Signatures sought to persuade Legislature not to overturn RCV and open primaries.

“I voted” stickers await voters on Election Day 2022. That election was the first regular general election in Alaska to include ranked choice voting, which was narrowly approved by voters in 2020. Bills to do away with ranked choice voting have been introduced in the Legislature and a petition to put the matter before voters is circulating. However, a pro-ranked choice petition has been launched to show support for the state’s current elections system, which also includes open primaries. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
This photo shows the Alaska State Capitol, where lawmakers are considering a proposed overhaul of Alaska’s public retirement system that would provide a new pension plan for state workers and is seen by supporters as a way to address concerns with recruiting and retaining employees. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

State lawmakers propose pension plan for state workers

Half of the Senate’s 20 members have signed onto the bill.

This photo shows the Alaska State Capitol, where lawmakers are considering a proposed overhaul of Alaska’s public retirement system that would provide a new pension plan for state workers and is seen by supporters as a way to address concerns with recruiting and retaining employees. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
University of Alaska President Pat Pitney speaks to members of the Greater Juneau Chamber of Commerce Thursday afternoon at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

UA president talks new UAS chancellor, ‘fiscal stability’ of university system

Chancellor selection to be announced in coming weeks, president says

University of Alaska President Pat Pitney speaks to members of the Greater Juneau Chamber of Commerce Thursday afternoon at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Rep. Rebecca Himschoot, I-Sitka, offers an overview Wednesday of Southeast Alaska’s commercial troll fisheries while asking for support on a resolution opposing a lawsuit by a Washington-based group that would shut the fisheries down due to their alleged impacts on species in that state. The resolution passed by a 35-1 vote. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Challenges spawning rapidly in salmon lawsuit

Juneau Assembly and Alaska House join opposition to Washington case that could halt SE fisheries

Rep. Rebecca Himschoot, I-Sitka, offers an overview Wednesday of Southeast Alaska’s commercial troll fisheries while asking for support on a resolution opposing a lawsuit by a Washington-based group that would shut the fisheries down due to their alleged impacts on species in that state. The resolution passed by a 35-1 vote. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The Juneau School District was scammed out of nearly $270,000 this fall, according to a memo shared with the City and Borough of Juneau Finance Committee at its Wednesday night meeting. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

School district scammed out of nearly $270,000 by someone posing as a vendor

City officials say CBJ may assist in covering the financial burden

The Juneau School District was scammed out of nearly $270,000 this fall, according to a memo shared with the City and Borough of Juneau Finance Committee at its Wednesday night meeting. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
Christine Kleinhenz of Tide Watcher is the featured artist for the month of March at the Juneau Artists Gallery. She is a visual artist and will be available to chat 4:30-6 p.m. for the gallery's First Friday event. (Courtesy Photo)
Capital City Weekly

Take a peek at what’s happening for First Friday

This First Friday is going to be a busy one in downtown Juneau. New artistic exhibitions, a special theatrical event and more are planned for… Continue reading

Christine Kleinhenz of Tide Watcher is the featured artist for the month of March at the Juneau Artists Gallery. She is a visual artist and will be available to chat 4:30-6 p.m. for the gallery's First Friday event. (Courtesy Photo)
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Police calls for Thursday, March 2, 2023

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

  • Mar 2, 2023
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Three arrested on robbery and assault charges

Only minor injuries were reported.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire State Rep. Andi Story, D-Juneau, advocates for more state funding on behalf of Alaska residents with disabilities so they can “live as independently as possible” with the help of service providers during a rally in a heavy snowstorm at midday Wednesday on the steps of the Alaska State Capitol.

Rally for disability services plows ahead despite weather

About 20 people make their way to Capitol to seek solutions for service shortages.

Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire State Rep. Andi Story, D-Juneau, advocates for more state funding on behalf of Alaska residents with disabilities so they can “live as independently as possible” with the help of service providers during a rally in a heavy snowstorm at midday Wednesday on the steps of the Alaska State Capitol.
Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire Plows work to clear Mendenhall Valley streets on Wednesday.

Blizzard prompts closures, elevates avalanche risk in Juneau

Officials say as the snow continues to fall, the avalanche risk rises

Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire Plows work to clear Mendenhall Valley streets on Wednesday.
FILE - Jeff King takes his sled dog team through a snowstorm in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, March 4, 2022, during the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Only 33 mushers will participate in the ceremonial start of the Iditarod on Saturady, March 4, the smallest field ever. (AP Photo / Mark Thiessen)

‘A little scary’: Iditarod begins with smallest field ever

Only 33 mushers will participate in the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

  • Mar 1, 2023
  • By Mark Thiessen Associated Press
  • Iditarod
FILE - Jeff King takes his sled dog team through a snowstorm in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, March 4, 2022, during the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Only 33 mushers will participate in the ceremonial start of the Iditarod on Saturady, March 4, the smallest field ever. (AP Photo / Mark Thiessen)
Andrew Brownell, an internationally acclaimed pianist who has performed worldwide the past two decades, is scheduled to play the first in a trio of concerts featuring the final piano sonatas of Franz Schubert. Brownell’s concert is scheduled at 7 p.m. March 10 at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center. (Publicity photo by Nathan Russell)
Capital City Weekly

Springing forward with a famous farewell

Trio of piano concerts at JACC highlight Schubert’s last sonatas

Andrew Brownell, an internationally acclaimed pianist who has performed worldwide the past two decades, is scheduled to play the first in a trio of concerts featuring the final piano sonatas of Franz Schubert. Brownell’s concert is scheduled at 7 p.m. March 10 at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center. (Publicity photo by Nathan Russell)