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Alaska Republican state Rep. David Eastman speaks on the floor of the Alaska House on Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, in Juneau, Alaska. The Alaska House tabled action Monday on a proposal to remove from legislative committees Eastman, who has said he joined the Oath Keepers far-right organization years ago. The House Committee on Committees voted 5-2 to remove Republican Rep. Eastman of Wasilla from his committee assignments, said Joe Plesha, communications director for the House's bipartisan majority. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)

House tables vote affecting lawmaker with Oath Keepers ties

The meeting was not widely publicized beforehand.

Alaska Republican state Rep. David Eastman speaks on the floor of the Alaska House on Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, in Juneau, Alaska. The Alaska House tabled action Monday on a proposal to remove from legislative committees Eastman, who has said he joined the Oath Keepers far-right organization years ago. The House Committee on Committees voted 5-2 to remove Republican Rep. Eastman of Wasilla from his committee assignments, said Joe Plesha, communications director for the House's bipartisan majority. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)
Dana Zigmund / Juneau Empire The sun shines on the Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge on Monday. According to forecasters, Monday is likely the last sunny day Juneau will see for the rest of the week as a snow event that’s forecasted to start Tuesday will give way to rain and warming temperatures during the back half of the week.

Flakes forecasted for February

New storm follows a very wet January

Dana Zigmund / Juneau Empire The sun shines on the Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge on Monday. According to forecasters, Monday is likely the last sunny day Juneau will see for the rest of the week as a snow event that’s forecasted to start Tuesday will give way to rain and warming temperatures during the back half of the week.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks during a meeting with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the Pentagon in Washington, Monday, Jan. 31, 2022. (AP Photo / Andrew Harnik)

Austin to governors: Guard troops must get COVID-19 vaccine

Texas, Oklahoma and Alaska filed lawsuits challenging the military’s vaccine mandate.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks during a meeting with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the Pentagon in Washington, Monday, Jan. 31, 2022. (AP Photo / Andrew Harnik)
Kayla Svinicki, director and owner of Little Moon Child Care on Jan. 28. Svinicki said that providing childcare is essential but that the economics of the situation make the work difficult. She said she hopes the country starts to treat childcare as part of the nation's infrastructure. (Dana Zigmund/Juneau Empire)

Report: 61% of Alaskans live in child care deserts

Local providers say the struggle is real

Kayla Svinicki, director and owner of Little Moon Child Care on Jan. 28. Svinicki said that providing childcare is essential but that the economics of the situation make the work difficult. She said she hopes the country starts to treat childcare as part of the nation's infrastructure. (Dana Zigmund/Juneau Empire)
Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File Members of the prosecution and defense, including defendant John Stapleton, sit on Jan. 13 during a trial for a 2018 killing.

Jury returns mixed verdict in Yakutat killing trial

Accused found guilty of multiple charges, not guilty of first-degree murder.

Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File Members of the prosecution and defense, including defendant John Stapleton, sit on Jan. 13 during a trial for a 2018 killing.
Esau Sinnok of Shishmaref, Alaska, speaks at a news conference after the Alaska Supreme Court heard arguments on Oct. 9, 2019, in Anchorage, Alaska, in a lawsuit that claims state policy on fossil fuels is harming the constitutional right of young Alaskans to a safe climate. The Alaska Supreme Court on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022, upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by 16 Alaska youths, who claimed long-term effects of climate change will devastate Alaska and interfere with their individual constitutional rights. (AP File Photo / Mark Thiessen)

Alaska court rules against youths in climate change lawsuit

The Alaska Supreme Court on Friday upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by 16 young Alaskans.

Esau Sinnok of Shishmaref, Alaska, speaks at a news conference after the Alaska Supreme Court heard arguments on Oct. 9, 2019, in Anchorage, Alaska, in a lawsuit that claims state policy on fossil fuels is harming the constitutional right of young Alaskans to a safe climate. The Alaska Supreme Court on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022, upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by 16 Alaska youths, who claimed long-term effects of climate change will devastate Alaska and interfere with their individual constitutional rights. (AP File Photo / Mark Thiessen)
Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire Juneau’s breweries are participating in a fundraiser beginning Feb. 4, brewing exclusive cabin-themed beers as they raise money for a new cabin at Eaglecrest Ski Area.

A different kind of cabin fever: breweries fundraise for new Eaglecrest structure

The cabin is expected to open this summer.

Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire Juneau’s breweries are participating in a fundraiser beginning Feb. 4, brewing exclusive cabin-themed beers as they raise money for a new cabin at Eaglecrest Ski Area.
The jury in a trial for a 2018 killing is currently sequestered as they deliberate. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)

Jury deliberations last through second day in trial for Yakutat killing

The jury will decide whether the defendant is guilty or innoncent of the charges.

The jury in a trial for a 2018 killing is currently sequestered as they deliberate. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)
University of Alaska Interim President Pat Pitney, bottom left, spoke to UA students in a virtual forum on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, and was joined by several UA administrators including UA Southeast President Karen Carey, bottom left, and UA Anchorage Vice Chancellor Bruce Schultz, top left. At top right, an American Sign Language professional provides translation services. (Screenshot)

UA President: University has turned a corner on funding

A core foundation.

University of Alaska Interim President Pat Pitney, bottom left, spoke to UA students in a virtual forum on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, and was joined by several UA administrators including UA Southeast President Karen Carey, bottom left, and UA Anchorage Vice Chancellor Bruce Schultz, top left. At top right, an American Sign Language professional provides translation services. (Screenshot)
This picture shows the City and Borough of Juneau City Hall on Dec. 20, 2021. City officials are eyeing options for a new or renovated city facility with four potential options currently in the running. (Dana Zigmund/Juneau Empire)

City Hall discussion moves forward

Public and experts weigh in on options

This picture shows the City and Borough of Juneau City Hall on Dec. 20, 2021. City officials are eyeing options for a new or renovated city facility with four potential options currently in the running. (Dana Zigmund/Juneau Empire)
Maddie Phaneuf, a Team USA biathlete, coaches up Juneau Nordic Ski Team members during a recent stop in the capital city. Phaneuf said it was only her second time in Alaska. Despite heavy rain, local athletes were able to learn from the Olympic-caliber athlete. (Courtesy Photo / Mike Justa)

Hello, good biathlon: Olympian serves as guest coach for Juneau youths

‘If you live in Alaska, you should be skiing”

Maddie Phaneuf, a Team USA biathlete, coaches up Juneau Nordic Ski Team members during a recent stop in the capital city. Phaneuf said it was only her second time in Alaska. Despite heavy rain, local athletes were able to learn from the Olympic-caliber athlete. (Courtesy Photo / Mike Justa)
This picture shows Bartlett Regional Hospital on Sept. 16, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Bartlett Regional Hospital leadership shakeup continues

Officials announce new operating structure and staff changes

This picture shows Bartlett Regional Hospital on Sept. 16, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska recently acquired a pair of buildings downtown near the Andrew Hope Building as it hopes to provide more office space to centralize services for its citizens.

Tlingit and Haida president talks new buildings, future expansion

The tribe is taking steps to consolidate a number of its offices downtown.

Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska recently acquired a pair of buildings downtown near the Andrew Hope Building as it hopes to provide more office space to centralize services for its citizens.
Members of the prosecution and defense, including defendant John Stapleton, sit during a trial for a 2018 killing on Jan. 13, 2022. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)

Deliberation continues in 2018 Yakutat killing trial

The jury of one’s peers is deliberating the defendant’s guilt.

Members of the prosecution and defense, including defendant John Stapleton, sit during a trial for a 2018 killing on Jan. 13, 2022. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)
Sen. Shelley Hughes, R-Palmer; Senate President Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna; Sen. Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak and Sen. Click Bishop, R-Fairbanks, speak to reporters Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022, immediately following Gov. Mike Dunleavy's State of the State address. Members of the Senate Republican leadership said they appreciated the governor's optimism, and hoped it signaled a better relationship between the administration and the Legislature. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Lawmakers welcome tone change in governor’s address

Still work to be done.

Sen. Shelley Hughes, R-Palmer; Senate President Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna; Sen. Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak and Sen. Click Bishop, R-Fairbanks, speak to reporters Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022, immediately following Gov. Mike Dunleavy's State of the State address. Members of the Senate Republican leadership said they appreciated the governor's optimism, and hoped it signaled a better relationship between the administration and the Legislature. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks to a joint meeting of the Alaska State Legislature at the Alaska State Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022, for his fourth State of the State address of his administration. Dunleavy painted a positive picture for the state despite the challenges Alaska has faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the economy. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Dunleavy paints optimistic picture in State of the State address

Gov: ‘North to the Future’ still state’s motto.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks to a joint meeting of the Alaska State Legislature at the Alaska State Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022, for his fourth State of the State address of his administration. Dunleavy painted a positive picture for the state despite the challenges Alaska has faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the economy. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
Sean Oliver, who led the Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears in scoring at the Alaska Airlines Classic, prepares to shoot during practice on Dec. 15, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)

JDHS basketball teams determined to soldier through rough patch

Both the boys and girls have a heavy week and weekend ahead.

Sean Oliver, who led the Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears in scoring at the Alaska Airlines Classic, prepares to shoot during practice on Dec. 15, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)
Vladimir Alexeev in Norway while teaching summer school in 2017. Alexeev is a climate scientist who recently worked with local composer Michael Bucy to create a song about climate change. (Courtesy photo/Vishnu Nandan)
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Sounding a warning

Local composer writes song about climate change

Vladimir Alexeev in Norway while teaching summer school in 2017. Alexeev is a climate scientist who recently worked with local composer Michael Bucy to create a song about climate change. (Courtesy photo/Vishnu Nandan)
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Investigator Markus Bressler, defendant John Stapleton, and public defender Eric Hedland sit in court on Jan. 13, 2022. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)

Man says 2018 stabbing death was accidental

With both prosecution and defense done bringing witnesses, the trial is entering its final stages.

Investigator Markus Bressler, defendant John Stapleton, and public defender Eric Hedland sit in court on Jan. 13, 2022. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)
Juneau’s first electric bus, parked in the Capital Transit garage on April 8, 2021. The bus has experienced some mechanical and battery problems since entering service last spring. (Dana Zigmund / Juneau Empire File)

Plugging along: Electric bus faces mechanical issues

City remains committed to electrifying its fleet.

Juneau’s first electric bus, parked in the Capital Transit garage on April 8, 2021. The bus has experienced some mechanical and battery problems since entering service last spring. (Dana Zigmund / Juneau Empire File)