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Juneau lawmaker’s bills would increase per-student funding

A modest increase.

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This Empire file photo shows the mill facility at the Kensington Gold Mine on Monday, Oct. 14, 2019. A new study from the Institute of Social and Economic Research at the University of Alaska Anchorage tries to imagine what the state's mining industry could look like in 20 years. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire file)

Economists explore mining’s future in Alaska

A lot of variables.

This Empire file photo shows the mill facility at the Kensington Gold Mine on Monday, Oct. 14, 2019. A new study from the Institute of Social and Economic Research at the University of Alaska Anchorage tries to imagine what the state's mining industry could look like in 20 years. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire file)
This photo shows a dandelion. "During spring’s root season, people dig up and dry dandelion root, then ground it for coffee, claiming it’s a good substitute." writes By Yéilk’ Vivian Mork. (Yéilk’ Vivian Mork / For the Capital City Weekly)
Capital City Weekly

Planet Alaska: Waking up with the plants of Taakw eetí

Wake up, Taakw eetí is almost here!

This photo shows a dandelion. "During spring’s root season, people dig up and dry dandelion root, then ground it for coffee, claiming it’s a good substitute." writes By Yéilk’ Vivian Mork. (Yéilk’ Vivian Mork / For the Capital City Weekly)
The Alaska Folk Festival will take place at Centennial Hall from April 4-10 after two years of being curtailed sharply by the pandemic. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
Capital City Weekly

Folk Fest returns full force to Juneau

The 47th annual performance of the event returns to live concerts with a roar.

The Alaska Folk Festival will take place at Centennial Hall from April 4-10 after two years of being curtailed sharply by the pandemic. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire A boat at the Fisherman’s Bend pier caught fire Tuesday night, injuring one person, according to Capital City Fire/Rescue.

One injured in Auke Bay boat fire

The cause of the engine fire is under investigation.

Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire A boat at the Fisherman’s Bend pier caught fire Tuesday night, injuring one person, according to Capital City Fire/Rescue.
A dead whale previously seen and necropsied on a small island near Angoon was spotted afloat on March 3. The cuts visible come from the necropsy effort, said a NOAA official. (Larry Talley / Courtesy photo)

Whale’s body spotted near Tenakee Inlet

The animal with a long history in the area has been necropsied.

A dead whale previously seen and necropsied on a small island near Angoon was spotted afloat on March 3. The cuts visible come from the necropsy effort, said a NOAA official. (Larry Talley / Courtesy photo)
At a news conference at the Alaska State Capitol on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, Gov. Mike Dunleavy outlined his plan to have the state divest its assets from Russia. The disruption in the global market could be beneficial to Alaska, the governor said, if it is able to develop its resources. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Alaska pushes ahead with Russian divestment

Costs likely to increase

At a news conference at the Alaska State Capitol on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, Gov. Mike Dunleavy outlined his plan to have the state divest its assets from Russia. The disruption in the global market could be beneficial to Alaska, the governor said, if it is able to develop its resources. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
President Joe Biden announces a ban on Russian oil imports, toughening the toll on Russia's economy in retaliation for its invasion of Ukraine, Tuesday, March 8, 2022, in the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington. (AP Photo / Andrew Harnik)

Biden bans Russian oil, warns of ‘Putin price hike’ at pump

Biden announced Tuesday the U.S. will ban all Russian oil imports.

President Joe Biden announces a ban on Russian oil imports, toughening the toll on Russia's economy in retaliation for its invasion of Ukraine, Tuesday, March 8, 2022, in the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington. (AP Photo / Andrew Harnik)
Concept art from the U.S. Forest Service's draft environmental impact statement should what a proposed expansion at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center could look like. The Forest Service is currently taking public comment on the expansion and will hold an open house at the visitor center on March 15. (Courtesy Image / U.S. Forest Service)

Forest Service presents revised Mendenhall expansion plans

Four alternatives.

Concept art from the U.S. Forest Service's draft environmental impact statement should what a proposed expansion at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center could look like. The Forest Service is currently taking public comment on the expansion and will hold an open house at the visitor center on March 15. (Courtesy Image / U.S. Forest Service)
Thomas Baxter throws down a dunk to score two of his game-high 29 points on Friday night at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

TMHS boys, JDHS girls each win 2 in crosstown games

High-flying Falcons.

Thomas Baxter throws down a dunk to score two of his game-high 29 points on Friday night at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Alaska Gubernatorial candidate Charlie Pierce selects Edie Grunwald to be his running mate at a campaign event at Paradisos restaurant in Kenai on Saturday, March 5, 2022. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)

Pierce taps Grunwald, former parole board chair, as running mate

KENAI —Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Charlie Pierce, a hopeful for the Alaska governor’s seat, has tapped Edie Grunwald as his running mate. Pierce made the… Continue reading

Alaska Gubernatorial candidate Charlie Pierce selects Edie Grunwald to be his running mate at a campaign event at Paradisos restaurant in Kenai on Saturday, March 5, 2022. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)
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New series seeks to empower people, provide tools for fighting climate change

“The whole idea is providing people with tools and empowering people.”

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Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Brandon sits off Auke Bay after offloading passengers on March 6, 2022 as part of exercise Arctic Edge 2022. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Freedom of the seas: Royal Canadian Navy practices minesweeping outside Juneau

The practice comes as part of an Alaska-wide exercise.

Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Brandon sits off Auke Bay after offloading passengers on March 6, 2022 as part of exercise Arctic Edge 2022. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
Sean Williams, a rookie musher from Chugiak, Alaska, takes his sled dogs through a snowstorm in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, on Saturday, March 5, 2022, during the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. The competitive start of the nearly 1,000-mile race will be held March 6, 2022, in Willow, Alaska, with the winner expected in the Bering Sea coastal town of Nome about nine days later. (AP Photo / Mark Thiessen)

Iditarod dogs pack Anchorage for race’s ceremonial start

The competitive race for mushers and their dogs starts Sunday in Willow.

Sean Williams, a rookie musher from Chugiak, Alaska, takes his sled dogs through a snowstorm in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, on Saturday, March 5, 2022, during the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. The competitive start of the nearly 1,000-mile race will be held March 6, 2022, in Willow, Alaska, with the winner expected in the Bering Sea coastal town of Nome about nine days later. (AP Photo / Mark Thiessen)
Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire The Mendenhall Wetlands, among the lowest parts of Juneau, are still considerably higher out of the water than the area used to be, said the city’s port engineer.

Sea levels projected to rise nationwide, but Juneau faces different changes

The uplift of the land is actually outsripping sea level rise here in Juneau

Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire The Mendenhall Wetlands, among the lowest parts of Juneau, are still considerably higher out of the water than the area used to be, said the city’s port engineer.
Peter Segall / Juneau Empire Rep. Zack Fields, D-Anchorage, speaks during a rally urging the Alaska government, particularly the Permanent Fund Corporation, to divest itself from any Russian investment.

Protesters, politicians call for cutting financial ties to Russia

The governor issued a statment directing state agencies to identify and divest, if appropriate.

Peter Segall / Juneau Empire Rep. Zack Fields, D-Anchorage, speaks during a rally urging the Alaska government, particularly the Permanent Fund Corporation, to divest itself from any Russian investment.
Cap

APOC decision allows unlimited contributions to candidates

Legislative action needed.

Cap
A man involved in a fatal accident at the Glory Hall has been indicted for murder. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire file)

Man involved in fatal fall indicted for murder

He’s currently being held at Lemon Creek Correctional Center.

A man involved in a fatal accident at the Glory Hall has been indicted for murder. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire file)
mask

Masking requirement dropped for most city facilities

Schools, the hospital, the airport and public transit are subject to different rules.

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Sen. Shelley Hughes, R-Palmer, spoke to the Senate Education Committee on Thursday, March 3, 2022, regarding a bill that would prevent transgender athletes from competing as the sex they identify with. (Screenshot)

Hearing held for restrictive transgender sports bill

Opponents say courts will strike it down.

Sen. Shelley Hughes, R-Palmer, spoke to the Senate Education Committee on Thursday, March 3, 2022, regarding a bill that would prevent transgender athletes from competing as the sex they identify with. (Screenshot)