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This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)

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COVID at a glance for Wednesday, Dec. 2

The most recent state and local numbers.

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Writers’ Weir: Meeting In Plague Times

A poem by Margo Waring.

Death Notices

Death notice: Joyce Skaflestad

Joyce Skaflestad died on Nov. 29, 2020.

Alaska State Troopers investigate a fatal shooting scene at a home on North Valley Way in Palmer, Alaska, Monday, Nov. 30, 2020. An 18-year-old Alaska man just out of jail for assaulting a family member has been charged with killing four members of his family, including two cousins under the age of 10, charging documents released Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020 said. (Marc Lester / Anchorage Daily News)

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18-year-old man charged in 4 shooting deaths

Charging documents did not indicate a motive for the shootings.

This photo of a by-mail ballot sent to an Alaska voter in October shows Ballot Measure 2. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

News

Lawsuit challenges constitutionality of Ballot Measure 2

It passed narrowly with voters.

The author never saw the buck he captured on his game camera. In fact, he didn’t see many bucks at all after the first weekend of November. (Jeff Lund / For the Juneau Empire)

News

I Went To The Woods: Is ‘my way’ overrated

It seems that plans unravel more than they unfold.

It has always been a police car. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire)

News

Police calls for Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020

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

This glaucous-winged gull is trying to cope with a sea star that seems too big, but you never know. (Courtesy Photo / Bob Armstrong)

News

On the Trails: For every armored defense, there is a countermeasure

There is no perfect defense.

A sign posted by Travel Juneau notes the pamphlet-filled visitor’s center kiosk is closed because of the pandemic. The center, located near the downtown library, opened in May 2019 during Infrastructure Week. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Letters to the Editor

Opinion: We can take steps toward reopening the visitor industry responsibly

The virus is taking a toll on our economy, so we’re setting our sights on the 2021 season…

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Opinion

Opinion: Think local this holiday season

What comparisons can we find between our sweet town to NYC?

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)

News

COVID at a glance for Tuesday, Dec. 1

The most recent state and local numbers.

Charles Fawcett Jr. looks at backpacks provided by Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska in the Marine Parking Garage on Saturday, Nov. 28. The parking garage was the site of Juneau Street Warming event meant to provide on-the-spot assistance to people experiencing homelessness. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

News

Over 100 attend street warming event

Refreshments and cold weather gear given to people experiencing homelessnes

Oil sheen bleeds from the beach at Herring Bay on Knight Island on Dec. 7, 1989. (Courtesy Photo / ARLIS Reference)

Opinion

Opinion: Exxon Valdez restoration must remain a government responsibility

Not the private sector.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)

News

COVID at a glance for Monday, Nov. 30

The most recent state and local numbers.

This photo shows Juneau City Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 24. The City and Borough of Juneau passed an ordinance requiring the confidential disclosure to the city assessor’s office of the sales price of real estate transactions in the borough which went into effect Monday, Nov. 30. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

News

Real estate disclosure law takes effect

Only for new sales.

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Neighbors

Gimme a Smile: Please don’t think I’m rude

Why is a Zoom meeting so much more stressful than an in-person gathering?

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Neighbors

Thank you letter for the week of Nov. 29

Thank you, merci, danke, gracias, gunalchéesh.

The Rev. Larry Rorem is the retired pastor of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church. Laura is a “professional” parent of kids born with Neurobehavioral disabilities. (Courtesy Photo / The Rorems)

Neighbors

Living & Growing: The legacy of 2020

Burdensome realities can create learning opportunities that bring growth

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Opinion

Opinion: Saying nothing helps fraud against our democracy

Silence effectively helps the president and his lawyers.

Akasofu at his office in the building on the UAF campus named after him. (Courtesy Photo / Ned Rozell)

News

Alaska Science Forum: Syun-Ichi Akasofu’s Alaska journey

It started 60 years ago .