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Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., questions Navy Adm. Lisa Franchetti during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on her nomination for reappointment to the grade of admiral and to be Chief of Naval Operations, Sept. 14, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Senate circumvented a hold by Tuberville on Thursday and confirmed Adm. Lisa Franchetti to lead the Navy, making her the first woman to be a Pentagon service chief and the first female member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Tuberville under pressure from Sullivan, other Republicans, reconsiders military holds

Alaska senator co-led floor confrontation regardarding block of nearly 400 nominees

  • Nov 8, 2023
  • By Mary Clare Jalonick and Kevin Freking, Associated Press
  • Military
Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., questions Navy Adm. Lisa Franchetti during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on her nomination for reappointment to the grade of admiral and to be Chief of Naval Operations, Sept. 14, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Senate circumvented a hold by Tuberville on Thursday and confirmed Adm. Lisa Franchetti to lead the Navy, making her the first woman to be a Pentagon service chief and the first female member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
A hemp crop waits to be harvested in Lincolnshire for British CBD oil producer Crop England on Aug. 27, 2021, in Grantham, England. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Hemp growers sue Alaska agriculture officials in attempt to keep hemp products legal

Plaintiffs say millions of dollars in products are at stake and could be removed from shelves.

A hemp crop waits to be harvested in Lincolnshire for British CBD oil producer Crop England on Aug. 27, 2021, in Grantham, England. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Hundreds of people visit Sealaska’s Heritage Square in downtown Juneau for an April 22 ceremony celebrating the raising of 12 totem poles along Juneau’s waterfront. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire File)

Sealaska issues lower annual dividend for first time in many years, displeasing shareholders

Complaints voiced about corporation’s leadership, especially as Goldbelt dividends again rise.

Hundreds of people visit Sealaska’s Heritage Square in downtown Juneau for an April 22 ceremony celebrating the raising of 12 totem poles along Juneau’s waterfront. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire File)
Juneau Assembly members cast an informal vote during a Committee of the Whole meeting Monday night about the volume of cruise tourism they want to see in Juneau in future years. Mayor Beth Weldon (left) and Assembly member Greg Smith (middle) cast neutral votes essentially favoring an as-is approach, while Michelle Bonnet Hale, Paul Kelly and Ella Adkison suggesting they prefer lower numbers than the record 1.66 million passengers that visited this year. Votes by the other four members included one as-is and three “thumbs down,” for a 6-3 vote in favor of the city’s tourism director exploring a strategy for 2026 and beyond that results in fewer annual cruise visitors. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
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Most Assembly members express preference for fewer cruise visitors after record season

In 6-3 informal vote, members ask tourism director for reduction strategy for 2026 and beyond.

Juneau Assembly members cast an informal vote during a Committee of the Whole meeting Monday night about the volume of cruise tourism they want to see in Juneau in future years. Mayor Beth Weldon (left) and Assembly member Greg Smith (middle) cast neutral votes essentially favoring an as-is approach, while Michelle Bonnet Hale, Paul Kelly and Ella Adkison suggesting they prefer lower numbers than the record 1.66 million passengers that visited this year. Votes by the other four members included one as-is and three “thumbs down,” for a 6-3 vote in favor of the city’s tourism director exploring a strategy for 2026 and beyond that results in fewer annual cruise visitors. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
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Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File A statue of William Henry Seward stands outside the Dimond Courthouse in downtown Juneau. An appeal in a dispute regarding the Palmer Mine project has been filed in state Superior Court.

Palmer Project mine wastewater permit heads to Superior Court

DEC permit challenged by environmentalists and mine interests.

Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File A statue of William Henry Seward stands outside the Dimond Courthouse in downtown Juneau. An appeal in a dispute regarding the Palmer Mine project has been filed in state Superior Court.
Thunder Mountain High School players celebrate after scoring a point during their 3-1 victory over Ketchikan High School to win the Region V Volleyball Tournament in Ketchikan on Saturday. (Christopher Mullen / Ketchikan Daily News)

TMHS completes threepeat as regional volleyball champs

Falcons begin quest for state title Thursday; JDHS plays Ketchikan tough in elimination game.

Thunder Mountain High School players celebrate after scoring a point during their 3-1 victory over Ketchikan High School to win the Region V Volleyball Tournament in Ketchikan on Saturday. (Christopher Mullen / Ketchikan Daily News)
The Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears girls swim team pose on Saturday with their first-place team trophy after the ASAA State Swim & Dive Championships at the Dimond Park Aquatic Center. (Klas Stolpe / For the Juneau Empire)

TMHS’ Foy, JDHS’ Fellman top state swimmers

Crimson Bears girls win title, Falcons girls place second at ASAA Swim & Dive State Championships.

The Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears girls swim team pose on Saturday with their first-place team trophy after the ASAA State Swim & Dive Championships at the Dimond Park Aquatic Center. (Klas Stolpe / For the Juneau Empire)
The Guardian or Authority of Law, created by sculptor James Earle Fraser, rests on the side of the U.S. Supreme Court on Sept. 28, 2020, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Al Drago/Getty Images)

U.S. Supreme Court will consider taking up Alaska union dues case no sooner than December

An appeal seeking to defend Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s proposed union-dues collection plan will be considered by the U.S. Supreme Court no sooner than December.… Continue reading

The Guardian or Authority of Law, created by sculptor James Earle Fraser, rests on the side of the U.S. Supreme Court on Sept. 28, 2020, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Al Drago/Getty Images)
Rock fill safeguards homes along the Mendenhall River on Sept. 3, a month after record flooding from Suicide Basin caused extensive damage. Concern has been expressed by some residents who paying for the fill to protect their homes that others who opt not to do so will increase the risk of another flood causing further erosion. One property owner who has not done so said it makes no sense for him to spent that money since his home was destroyed, and isn’t getting sufficient assistance or insurance to replace it. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

City meeting to update Mendenhall River flooding issues and answer public questions set for Monday

In-person, remote and written testimony being accepted by Assembly’s Committee of the Whole.

Rock fill safeguards homes along the Mendenhall River on Sept. 3, a month after record flooding from Suicide Basin caused extensive damage. Concern has been expressed by some residents who paying for the fill to protect their homes that others who opt not to do so will increase the risk of another flood causing further erosion. One property owner who has not done so said it makes no sense for him to spent that money since his home was destroyed, and isn’t getting sufficient assistance or insurance to replace it. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The living room of Marty and Marjorie McKeown’s house remains exposed a month after record flooding of the Mendenhall River eroded the couple’s backyard and portions of the earth under their home. In the backdrop next door are the remains of a home that mostly collapsed into the river during the flood and a condominium that is being propped up with posts and rock fill in an attempt to make it safe to occupy again. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Between rocks and a hard place for flood victims trying to save homes

Many residents paying to install rock fill along riverbank, but cost just one of many concerns.

The living room of Marty and Marjorie McKeown’s house remains exposed a month after record flooding of the Mendenhall River eroded the couple’s backyard and portions of the earth under their home. In the backdrop next door are the remains of a home that mostly collapsed into the river during the flood and a condominium that is being propped up with posts and rock fill in an attempt to make it safe to occupy again. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File Kyle Farley-Robinson, left, Jon Hays, center, and Dr. Alexander Tutunov play “Romance And Waltz For Six Hands Piano” by Sergei Rachmaninoff during the Juneau Piano Series featuring Dr. Tutunov at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center on Friday, Jan. 18, 2019.
Capital City Weekly

Making a Liszt, playing it twice as opener for JAHC piano concert series

Works by Hungarian composer featured in solo performance by series’ artistic director.

Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File Kyle Farley-Robinson, left, Jon Hays, center, and Dr. Alexander Tutunov play “Romance And Waltz For Six Hands Piano” by Sergei Rachmaninoff during the Juneau Piano Series featuring Dr. Tutunov at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center on Friday, Jan. 18, 2019.
Jennifer Medley (left) practices literacy skills with students at Fireweed Academy on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023, in Homer, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

From Hope to Homer, how one school district is adjusting to Alaska Reads Act

Implementing the standards outlined by the legislation is not a one-size-fits-all approach

Jennifer Medley (left) practices literacy skills with students at Fireweed Academy on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023, in Homer, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
A blueprint shows the planned second phase of a commercial and resident development project in downtown Juneau, which is currently used by seasonal food trucks and where the historic Elks Lodge was located. (Illustration by Northwind Architects submitted to the City and Borough of Juneau)

What’s next for old Elks Lodge site? Owner proposes ‘South Franklin Food Court and Housing’

Indoor/outdoor pavilion, food trucks, restaurant and up to 100 housing units in plan.

A blueprint shows the planned second phase of a commercial and resident development project in downtown Juneau, which is currently used by seasonal food trucks and where the historic Elks Lodge was located. (Illustration by Northwind Architects submitted to the City and Borough of Juneau)
Derek Bos of Colorado smiles for a photo Sept. 28 outside of City Hall during a visit to Juneau as a finalist for chief of the Juneau Police Department. He is scheduled to start the job on Feb. 1. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

Juneau’s newly named chief of police talks about the new job

Derek Bos talks philosophy of law enforcement, focus of faith-based communities and schools.

Derek Bos of Colorado smiles for a photo Sept. 28 outside of City Hall during a visit to Juneau as a finalist for chief of the Juneau Police Department. He is scheduled to start the job on Feb. 1. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
Thunder Mountain High School senior Olivia Mills prepares to start the 50 free at last weekend’s Region V Championships in Sitka. (James Poulson/Daily Sitka Sentinel)

Foy, Schwarting, Peimann top local title hopes as state championships come to Juneau

Two-day ASAA Swim Dive State Championships start Friday at Dimond Park Aquatic Center.

Thunder Mountain High School senior Olivia Mills prepares to start the 50 free at last weekend’s Region V Championships in Sitka. (James Poulson/Daily Sitka Sentinel)
Patty Raymond-Turner, a coordinator for the Brain Injury Council of Alaska, demonstrates what happens to the brain when it is injured, on Sept. 26 in Anchorage. (Photo by Claire Stremple/Alaska Beacon)

Advocates link Alaska’s high rate of traumatic brain injury with domestic violence

A new diagnostic tool could increase access to care for survivors.

Patty Raymond-Turner, a coordinator for the Brain Injury Council of Alaska, demonstrates what happens to the brain when it is injured, on Sept. 26 in Anchorage. (Photo by Claire Stremple/Alaska Beacon)
Riley Woodford performs during the Gold Street Music Concert Series in 2020. He will return to perform solo and emcee the first show of this year’s series at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Church of the Holy Trinity. (Photo courtesy of Gold Street Music)
Capital City Weekly

Variety of musicians look to shine at Gold Street Music Concert Series

Five sets by local performers young and old scheduled for first show Saturday.

Riley Woodford performs during the Gold Street Music Concert Series in 2020. He will return to perform solo and emcee the first show of this year’s series at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Church of the Holy Trinity. (Photo courtesy of Gold Street Music)
Juneau Courthouse Courtroom C on Thursday, the day the trial started for Sonya Taton, a Juneau woman accused of fatally stabbing a man in 2019 and the non-fatal stabbing of another man in 2016. (Meredith Jordan/ Juneau Empire)

Trial begins of Juneau woman accused of 2019 fillet knife murder

Sonya Taton, 46, is also accused of stabbing another man in 2016.

Juneau Courthouse Courtroom C on Thursday, the day the trial started for Sonya Taton, a Juneau woman accused of fatally stabbing a man in 2019 and the non-fatal stabbing of another man in 2016. (Meredith Jordan/ Juneau Empire)
Only a portion of the first floor of the historic Elks Lodge at 109 S. Franklin St. remains standing amidst debris and heavy equipment on Thursday afternoon due to ongoing demolition work this week. The building’s owner has told city officials he hopes to build housing at the site, which is adjacent to where he runs a food stall business. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Historic Elks Lodge torn down, contrary to owner’s claim action was likely months away

Most of 1908 building demolished as of Thursday; owner tells city he wants to build housing.

Only a portion of the first floor of the historic Elks Lodge at 109 S. Franklin St. remains standing amidst debris and heavy equipment on Thursday afternoon due to ongoing demolition work this week. The building’s owner has told city officials he hopes to build housing at the site, which is adjacent to where he runs a food stall business. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
A tag is place on a evidence bag containing small baggies of drugs seized by the Juneau Police Department. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Juneau grand jury indicts six people in Southeast Alaska drug distribution investigation

Illegal activity based in Petersburg, one suspect arrested in Juneau, according to police.

A tag is place on a evidence bag containing small baggies of drugs seized by the Juneau Police Department. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)