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A Juneau School District maintenance supervisor examines the ceiling at Riverbend Elementary School on Friday, Aug. 21, 2020. The school, since renamed Kax̲dig̲oowu Héen Elementary School, has experienced roof problems since its construction, according to district officials. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file photo)

Juneau’s school board approves project lists for proposed voter bond at $5M, $10M and $15M levels

Roof, heating, ventilation and security prioritized as Assembly considers bond items for fall election.

A Juneau School District maintenance supervisor examines the ceiling at Riverbend Elementary School on Friday, Aug. 21, 2020. The school, since renamed Kax̲dig̲oowu Héen Elementary School, has experienced roof problems since its construction, according to district officials. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file photo)
President Donald Trump announced yet another abrupt change in economic policy on Wednesday. (Eric Lee / The New York Times)

Trump backs down by reducing many reciprocal tariffs for 90 days, but hikes China’s to 125%

Universal 10% levy remains for other countries; change comes after tailspin in global markets.

  • Apr 9, 2025
  • By Alan Rappeport, Ana Swanson and Tony Romm ©2025 The New York Times Company
  • Donald TrumpTrade War
President Donald Trump announced yet another abrupt change in economic policy on Wednesday. (Eric Lee / The New York Times)
The Red Chris Mine, a gold and copper mine, seen several years ago after it began to operate in late 2014. (Garth Lenz / Salmon State)

Report cites growing environmental risks at Red Chris Mine in Stikine watershed

Seepage of contaminants at site 130 miles northeast of Wrangell reported by Canadian environmental group.

  • Apr 9, 2025
  • By Larry Persily, Wrangell Sentinel
  • mining
The Red Chris Mine, a gold and copper mine, seen several years ago after it began to operate in late 2014. (Garth Lenz / Salmon State)
Quentin O’Domin attempts a 100-inch two-foot high kick during the Traditional Games on Sunday at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Mindsets and methods matter more than muscles for some medalists at Traditional Games

More than 250 competitors young and old test ancient Iñupiaq skills at three-day Juneau event.

Quentin O’Domin attempts a 100-inch two-foot high kick during the Traditional Games on Sunday at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
A preliminary design shows a park at Aak’w Landing, the cultural and arts center, and a cruise ship in port at Huna Totem’s private dock. (Courtesy of Huna Totem)
A preliminary design shows a park at Aak’w Landing, the cultural and arts center, and a cruise ship in port at Huna Totem’s private dock. (Courtesy of Huna Totem)
Glacier Swim Club’s Amy Liddle (age 15), top, passes GSC teammate Lily Francis (16) in the girls 11 and over 1,650 freestyle during the 2025 Savannah Cayce Southeast Age Group Championships on Friday at the Dimond Park Aquatic Center. Liddle won the event. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Glacier Swim Club dominates Savannah Cayce SE swim championships

Three days of swimming fun and family, shows GSC strength across Southeast.

Glacier Swim Club’s Amy Liddle (age 15), top, passes GSC teammate Lily Francis (16) in the girls 11 and over 1,650 freestyle during the 2025 Savannah Cayce Southeast Age Group Championships on Friday at the Dimond Park Aquatic Center. Liddle won the event. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Ayla Keller signs an Institutional Agreement to attend Montana State University Billings and be part of the cheer and stunt team for the 2025-26 academic year, Friday in the JDHS commons. Parents Stella, left, and Wes, right, look on. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Keller signs to cheer at college for Yellowjackets

JDHS four-year letterman commits to Montana State University Billings.

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Ayla Keller signs an Institutional Agreement to attend Montana State University Billings and be part of the cheer and stunt team for the 2025-26 academic year, Friday in the JDHS commons. Parents Stella, left, and Wes, right, look on. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
The Alaska Youth Choir sings the official state song during its traditional appearance to open the 50th Alaska Folk Festival on Monday night at Centennial Hall. (Mark Sabbatini)

50th Folk Festival opens with longtime, long-absent, new and other performers

Weeklong festival adheres to tradition, but revisits many of its past moments with tales and tunes.

The Alaska Youth Choir sings the official state song during its traditional appearance to open the 50th Alaska Folk Festival on Monday night at Centennial Hall. (Mark Sabbatini)
The offices of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. are seen Monday, June 6, 2022 in Juneau. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Alaska Permanent Fund suffers multibillion-dollar decline amid Trump tariff-driven market crash

The Alaska Permanent Fund, the No. 1 source of general-purpose revenue for state services and the Permanent Fund dividend, suffered a multibillion-dollar loss during last… Continue reading

The offices of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. are seen Monday, June 6, 2022 in Juneau. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Cruise ships and passengers in downtown Juneau on Monday, June 3, 2024. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

New initiative limiting cruise tourism in Juneau filed Monday by Ship-Free Saturday supporter

Measure would set 1.5M passenger annual limit, ban ships with 250+ people before May and after Sept.

Cruise ships and passengers in downtown Juneau on Monday, June 3, 2024. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Sitka’s Mason McLeod throws against Soldotna High School Thursday at Moller Field. (James Poulson / Daily Sitka Sentinel)

JDHS begins baseball title chase with Sitka, Soldotna clashes

Crimson Bears split in weekend road battles against Wolves and Stars.

Sitka’s Mason McLeod throws against Soldotna High School Thursday at Moller Field. (James Poulson / Daily Sitka Sentinel)
Visitors to the Alaska Capitol take pictures as members of the House’s Republican minority gather in a hallway to discuss an upcoming vote on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

As key bills advance, here’s an update on the Alaska Legislature’s biggest issues

Still looming is deficit caused by a collision between education spending, PFD and lower oil revenue.

Visitors to the Alaska Capitol take pictures as members of the House’s Republican minority gather in a hallway to discuss an upcoming vote on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health secretary, has spoken often of his and his family’s longstanding commitment to Native Americans. (Eric Lee / The New York Times)

Kennedy’s plan to send health officials to ‘Indian country’ angers Native leaders

Health secretary says he wants to improve Indian Health Service; Native leaders have doubts.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health secretary, has spoken often of his and his family’s longstanding commitment to Native Americans. (Eric Lee / The New York Times)
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé sophomore Riley Schultz heads a corner kick from junior teammate Peyton Wheeler (not shown) that would score against Eagle River during the Crimson Bears’ 5-0 win over the Wolves on Saturday at Adair Kennedy Field. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Crimson Bears finish pitch sweep of Wolves

JDHS girls down Eagle River 5-0, boys win 12-0.

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé sophomore Riley Schultz heads a corner kick from junior teammate Peyton Wheeler (not shown) that would score against Eagle River during the Crimson Bears’ 5-0 win over the Wolves on Saturday at Adair Kennedy Field. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé freshman Ayla Erickson (16) blasts a shot through three Eagle River defenders during the Crimson Bears 3-0 win over the Wolves on Friday at Adair Kennedy Field. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

JDHS soccer teams play beautiful game

Crimson Bears girls win 3-0, Crimson Bears boys win 9-1.

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé freshman Ayla Erickson (16) blasts a shot through three Eagle River defenders during the Crimson Bears 3-0 win over the Wolves on Friday at Adair Kennedy Field. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Protesters spill out into the street beyond the front of the Alaska State Capitol on Saturday as part of anti-Trump demonstrations that took place internationally during the day. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Largest Juneau protest of Trump’s second term joins voices of discontent at events worldwide

Wide range of grievances shared in speeches and songs Saturday at Alaska State Capitol.

Protesters spill out into the street beyond the front of the Alaska State Capitol on Saturday as part of anti-Trump demonstrations that took place internationally during the day. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., is pictured on Thursday, March 14, 2024. (Jennifer Shutt / States Newsroom)

GOP budget would add an ‘unprecedented’ $5.8 trillion to the deficit, analysis finds

WASHINGTON — The nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget released an analysis Friday showing the budget resolution Republicans plan to adopt later this month… Continue reading

The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., is pictured on Thursday, March 14, 2024. (Jennifer Shutt / States Newsroom)
The head of the National Archives, which has been described as “the custodian of America’s collective memory,” was fired by President Trump in February. (Jared Soares / For The New York Times)

The White House frames the past by erasing parts of it

Public record being selectively deleted, letting president declare his version of history, archivists say.

The head of the National Archives, which has been described as “the custodian of America’s collective memory,” was fired by President Trump in February. (Jared Soares / For The New York Times)
The Anchorage band Big Chimney Barn Dance performs in the main ballroom of Centennial Hall on Sunday, April 14, 2024, near the end of the 49th Annual Alaska Folk Festival. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

50th Folk Festival looks to continue long traditions, only more so with record performer interest

Weeklong festival will feature long-ago as well as current musicians, all captured for documentary.

The Anchorage band Big Chimney Barn Dance performs in the main ballroom of Centennial Hall on Sunday, April 14, 2024, near the end of the 49th Annual Alaska Folk Festival. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Brad Hogarth, one of four finalists to be the new music director of the Juneau Symphony, guides the ensemble through a rehearsal on Tuesday night at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Juneau Symphony takes guest conductor on road trip for Sitka show before Sunday’s concert at JDHS

Brad Hogarth, a performer and conductor at Sitka holiday shows, auditions to be symphony’s music director.

Brad Hogarth, one of four finalists to be the new music director of the Juneau Symphony, guides the ensemble through a rehearsal on Tuesday night at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)