Wire Service

The Housing First Project in September 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

New data shows Housing First program helping Juneau’s homeless

Emergency services use has decreased since housing project went up.

The Housing First Project in September 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
In this Feb. 26 photo, U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, gives a thumbs up while speaking about the opening of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling during his annual speech to a joint session of the Alaska Legislature at the Capitol. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Progress is coming for Southeast Alaska

The economic health of our Southeast communities is vital not only for our citizens who live here, but for our whole state.

In this Feb. 26 photo, U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, gives a thumbs up while speaking about the opening of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling during his annual speech to a joint session of the Alaska Legislature at the Capitol. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Participants gather to introduce themselves at the start of the Wisdom in the Circle meeting at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Monday, June 25, 2018. The event is hosted by Tlingit & Haida, AWARE, and the Juneau Violence Prevention Coalition. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

‘Move at the speed of trust’: Wisdom in the Circle talks racial, gender-based violence

Group hopes to turn ideas into solutions for the problem.

Participants gather to introduce themselves at the start of the Wisdom in the Circle meeting at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Monday, June 25, 2018. The event is hosted by Tlingit & Haida, AWARE, and the Juneau Violence Prevention Coalition. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

So-called ‘right to work’ is an attack on workers

Weakening unions weakens the middle class.

End family internment at the border

We, the Social Action Working Group of Sukkat Shalom, the Jewish congregation in Juneau, write to demand the immediate end of family internment at the… Continue reading

Police and fire for Tuesday, June 26, 2018

This report contains public information available to the Empire from law enforcement and public safety agencies. This report includes arrest and citation information, not conviction… Continue reading

Best Starts for Juneau supporters Kevin Ritchie and Joy Lyon discuss the program outside of Assembly Chambers Monday, June 25. (Gregory Philson | Juneau Empire)

Funding of new pre-K program could be on October ballot

A new pre-kindergarten program for Juneau youth is still in the works, but funding the program may be up to voters this October. The City… Continue reading

Best Starts for Juneau supporters Kevin Ritchie and Joy Lyon discuss the program outside of Assembly Chambers Monday, June 25. (Gregory Philson | Juneau Empire)
Juneau Municipal Clerk Laurie Sica in her office on Tuesday, June 19, 2018. Sica is retiring this month. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

‘Churn that butter’: Municipal clerk retires after 22 years working for the city

Laurie Sica never knows exactly what her day may entail. And for her, that is part of why she will miss her job. Sica, who… Continue reading

Juneau Municipal Clerk Laurie Sica in her office on Tuesday, June 19, 2018. Sica is retiring this month. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Governor Hilario Davide, from the Philippines Province of Cebu, meets with Mayor Ken Koelsch, left, and Assembly members Mary Becker, center, Jerry Nankervis and Jesse Kiehl (not pictured) at City Hall on Friday, June 22, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Filipino gov makes a trip to historic enclave

Gov. Hilario P. Davide III sat in front of a bowl of karioko on Friday at city hall, Juneau Mayor Ken Koelsch at his side.… Continue reading

Governor Hilario Davide, from the Philippines Province of Cebu, meets with Mayor Ken Koelsch, left, and Assembly members Mary Becker, center, Jerry Nankervis and Jesse Kiehl (not pictured) at City Hall on Friday, June 22, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Alaska will ban mandatory tip pooling

The State of Alaska is banning mandatory tip-pooling starting this Friday, restoring labor protections revoked by the administration ofPresident Donald Trump.

Inside seven of Juneau’s greatest gardens

Inside seven of Juneau’s greatest gardens

It takes persistence to grow in Juneau. Frosts last longer, our cold soils don’t drain. Sometimes it seems the sun doesn’t poke through the clouds… Continue reading

Inside seven of Juneau’s greatest gardens

Instacart hires Alaska lobbyist

Internet grocery firm Instacart has hired an Alaska lobbyist, according to filings released June 20 by the Alaska Public Offices Commission.

In this June 2017 photo, a pedestrian walks by City Hall on June 7, 2017. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire File)

City discussing possible ballot measure for pre-K funding program

Funding for a pre-K funding program aimed to help children prepare for kindergarten may be part of the Oct. 2, 2018 municipal ballot. There will… Continue reading

In this June 2017 photo, a pedestrian walks by City Hall on June 7, 2017. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire File)
Dave Branding, CEO of JAMHI Health & Wellness, Inc., greets Angelina Lundy during an open house at JAMHI’s Midtown Clinic located at the House First Project on Friday, June 22, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Open to all, new clinic at Housing First gaining patients

The Juneau Alliance for Mental Health Inc. recently added the phrase “Health and Wellness” to their name. It’s not a distinction without a difference, said… Continue reading

Dave Branding, CEO of JAMHI Health & Wellness, Inc., greets Angelina Lundy during an open house at JAMHI’s Midtown Clinic located at the House First Project on Friday, June 22, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Border crisis

Question: Why are so many people fleeing their country of origin? Answer: They claim their country is lawless and dangerous. Question: Why are many Americans… Continue reading

Protecting salmon is good business and the right thing to do

Propaganda is, by definition, information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.… Continue reading

Judgment or Grace?

Judgment or Grace?

Why are some people “put off” by church? Could it be that they were victims of “judging one another?” This has been on my mind… Continue reading

Judgment or Grace?
Alaskaepoedia — The Whale Edition

Alaskaepoedia — The Whale Edition

Everything you’ve always wanted to know about The Last Frontier … and less.

Alaskaepoedia — The Whale Edition

East Glacier Trail Tangle results

The Juneau Trail and Road Runners hosted the East Glacier Trail Tangle on Thursday night. Well over 60 runners participated in the 6.7 and 1-mile… Continue reading

Brice Norton, right, waits his turn as Coach Mark Kappler watches Mackenzie Lam practice trap shooting at the Juneau Gun Club on Thursday. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Youth to test marksmanship at trap nationals

For the second year in a row, the Juneau Trap Shooting Team is sending four shooters to compete in the National Junior Clay Target Championships.… Continue reading

Brice Norton, right, waits his turn as Coach Mark Kappler watches Mackenzie Lam practice trap shooting at the Juneau Gun Club on Thursday. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)