News

A black-capped chickadee pecks at a frozen turkey carcass in Fairbanks. (Courtesy Photo / Ned Rozell)

Finding a midwinter night’s roost

During the darkest days of Alaska’s winter, black-capped chickadees stuff themselves with enough seeds and frozen insects to survive 18-hour nights. Where chickadees spent those… Continue reading

A black-capped chickadee pecks at a frozen turkey carcass in Fairbanks. (Courtesy Photo / Ned Rozell)
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., leaves the chamber as the final votes of the 117th Congress are cast for the $1.7 trillion spending bill that finances federal agencies and provides aid to Ukraine, at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, Dec. 23, 2022. Pelosi is stepping aside from her top leadership role in the new Congress. (AP Photo / J. Scott Applewhite)

House passes $1.7 trillion spending bill with Ukraine aid

The bill passed mostly along party lines, 225-201.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., leaves the chamber as the final votes of the 117th Congress are cast for the $1.7 trillion spending bill that finances federal agencies and provides aid to Ukraine, at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, Dec. 23, 2022. Pelosi is stepping aside from her top leadership role in the new Congress. (AP Photo / J. Scott Applewhite)
Alaska state Rep. David Eastman, R-Wasilla, sits in the House on April 29, 2022, in Juneau, Alaska. Eastman, accused of violating the state constitution's disloyalty clause over his lifetime membership in Oath Keepers, has not condemned the organization in the wake of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S Capitol. "No, I generally don't condemn groups," Eastman, a Wasilla Republican, said during his bench hearing on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, his second day on the witness stand. (AP Photo / Becky Bohrer, File)

Judge rules Eastman eligible to hold office

The judge’s order is on hold pending a possible appeal.

Alaska state Rep. David Eastman, R-Wasilla, sits in the House on April 29, 2022, in Juneau, Alaska. Eastman, accused of violating the state constitution's disloyalty clause over his lifetime membership in Oath Keepers, has not condemned the organization in the wake of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S Capitol. "No, I generally don't condemn groups," Eastman, a Wasilla Republican, said during his bench hearing on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, his second day on the witness stand. (AP Photo / Becky Bohrer, File)
In this photo released by the U.S. Department of Defense, volunteers answer phones and emails from children around the globe during annual NORAD Tracks Santa event at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Dec. 24, 2021. The U.S. military agency known for tracking Santa Claus as he delivers presents on Christmas Eve doesn’t expect COVID-19 or the “bomb cyclone” hitting North America to impact Saint Nick’s global travels this year. NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, is responsible for monitoring and defending the skies above North America. (Jhomil Bansil / U.S. Department of Defense)

U.S. officials: COVID, bomb cyclone won’t slow Santa’s travels

This article has been moved in front of the Empire’s paywall. The U.S. military agency known for tracking Santa Claus as he delivers presents on… Continue reading

In this photo released by the U.S. Department of Defense, volunteers answer phones and emails from children around the globe during annual NORAD Tracks Santa event at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Dec. 24, 2021. The U.S. military agency known for tracking Santa Claus as he delivers presents on Christmas Eve doesn’t expect COVID-19 or the “bomb cyclone” hitting North America to impact Saint Nick’s global travels this year. NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, is responsible for monitoring and defending the skies above North America. (Jhomil Bansil / U.S. Department of Defense)
Kendra Hergett wraps a cookbook at Kindred Post located downtown at 145 S. Franklin St. Friday morning as part of their gift wrapping service. Each gift comes complete with two types of wrapping paper, ribbon and a wax seal stamped with the store’s logo. Kindred Post will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)

A delightful dozen: 12 shoppers reflect on best gifts given or received

What’s on your list?

Kendra Hergett wraps a cookbook at Kindred Post located downtown at 145 S. Franklin St. Friday morning as part of their gift wrapping service. Each gift comes complete with two types of wrapping paper, ribbon and a wax seal stamped with the store’s logo. Kindred Post will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Police calls for Friday, Dec.23

This report contains information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

  • Dec 23, 2022
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
(Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Judge hears case challenging Alaska House candidate win

An Anchorage Democrat faces a legal challenge to her state House win.

  • Dec 22, 2022
  • By Becky Bohrer Associated Press
(Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire State Rep. Andi Story chats with Tawnya Kreft at her office in the Alaska State Capitol during the Juneau legislative delegation’s holiday open house Thursday afternoon.

Holiday cheer as the legislative session nears

Residents chat and snack with Juneau’s delegation during open house at Capitol.

Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire State Rep. Andi Story chats with Tawnya Kreft at her office in the Alaska State Capitol during the Juneau legislative delegation’s holiday open house Thursday afternoon.
Gifts donated to St. Vincent de Paul for its annual Adopt-A-Family holiday program await pickup by Juneau residents on Thursday at the facility’s Teal Street complex. The organization, which got more than 300 requests for gifts from families, initially had to stop accepting them earlier this week due to demand exceeding donations. But during the past two days an infusion of gifts and donations have been made to the campaign, according to St. Vincent’s Executive Director Dave Ringle. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Outpouring of support makes fulfilling family wish lists possible for local charity

More than 150 donations for needy families arrive in two days after Adopt-A-Family comes up short

Gifts donated to St. Vincent de Paul for its annual Adopt-A-Family holiday program await pickup by Juneau residents on Thursday at the facility’s Teal Street complex. The organization, which got more than 300 requests for gifts from families, initially had to stop accepting them earlier this week due to demand exceeding donations. But during the past two days an infusion of gifts and donations have been made to the campaign, according to St. Vincent’s Executive Director Dave Ringle. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
The Senate side of the Capitol is seen in Washington, early Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, as lawmakers rush to complete passage of a bill to fund the government before a midnight Friday deadline, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022. (AP Photo / J. Scott Applewhite)

Senate reaches deal on $1.7T package, pushing toward passage

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that the Senate had an agreement…

The Senate side of the Capitol is seen in Washington, early Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, as lawmakers rush to complete passage of a bill to fund the government before a midnight Friday deadline, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022. (AP Photo / J. Scott Applewhite)
An architect’s depiction shows the first crisis stabilization center for youth and adults in Southeast Alaska, now under construction at Bartlett Region Hospital and scheduled for completion in March of 2023. Among the goals for the center is reducing the number of youths experiencing a behavioral health crisis who must leave the community and receive treatment away from their families. (City and Borough of Juneau)

DOJ: Alaska illegally institutionalizing troubled kids

State locks up youths far from home instead of offering adequate treatment, investigation finds.

An architect’s depiction shows the first crisis stabilization center for youth and adults in Southeast Alaska, now under construction at Bartlett Region Hospital and scheduled for completion in March of 2023. Among the goals for the center is reducing the number of youths experiencing a behavioral health crisis who must leave the community and receive treatment away from their families. (City and Borough of Juneau)
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Police calls for Thursday, Dec.22

This report contains information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

  • Dec 22, 2022
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Leona Santiago smiles while holding a beaded key chain made with devil’s club during a celebration of the winter solstice on Wednesday afternoon at Generations Southeast. According to David Abad, a volunteer at the event who supplied the plant, Devil’s club often represents protection in Alaska Native cultures. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Event finds inner light during winter solstice

‘It’s about us nurturing the light that’s within us’

Leona Santiago smiles while holding a beaded key chain made with devil’s club during a celebration of the winter solstice on Wednesday afternoon at Generations Southeast. According to David Abad, a volunteer at the event who supplied the plant, Devil’s club often represents protection in Alaska Native cultures. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
U.S. Fish & Wildlife research building on Wednesday morning after CCFR crews worked to extinguish an internal fire Tuesday night inside the building’s furnace unit. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)

Small structure fire at Fish Wildlife building

CCFR reports minimum damage and no injuries.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife research building on Wednesday morning after CCFR crews worked to extinguish an internal fire Tuesday night inside the building’s furnace unit. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)
Snow blankets a statue in front of the Alaska State Capitol. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)

A white Christmas is in Juneau’s forecast

Winter storm warning issued through the holiday.

Snow blankets a statue in front of the Alaska State Capitol. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)
Gavel (Courtesy photo)

Suit challenges review underlying Alaska oil lease sale

The lawsuit asks that a judge strike down the environmental review underlying the lease sale.

Gavel (Courtesy photo)
Helena Fagan speaks during the event, Family Stories — Juneau and the Holocaust, at the Mendenhall Valley Public Library Tuesday evening. Fagan shared two excerpts of a memoir she is writing about her mother’s story of her narrow survival from the terrors of the Holocaust and Auschwitz concentration camp. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

‘We tell our story as an urgent plea to stay ever vigilant’: Juneau residents share family stories of the survival and loss during the Holocaust

It coincided with the final day to visit an exhibition from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum

Helena Fagan speaks during the event, Family Stories — Juneau and the Holocaust, at the Mendenhall Valley Public Library Tuesday evening. Fagan shared two excerpts of a memoir she is writing about her mother’s story of her narrow survival from the terrors of the Holocaust and Auschwitz concentration camp. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Staff Picks is a recurring round-up of what the Juneau Empire and Capital City Weekly staff are reading, watching, lighting to and playing. This month's edition focuses on our holiday-themed favorites.
Capital City Weekly

Holiday season staff picks

‘Tis the season to make some recommendations.

Staff Picks is a recurring round-up of what the Juneau Empire and Capital City Weekly staff are reading, watching, lighting to and playing. This month's edition focuses on our holiday-themed favorites.
Luke the Duke of Bell and Santa bust a move during their performance Saturday evening at the Alaskan Bar, a part of Juneau Drag’s Holi-gay Spectacular Ho Ho HOMO. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Capital City Weekly

Juneau Drag invites residents to celebrates the ‘holi-gays’ in style

Now they don their gay apparel.

Luke the Duke of Bell and Santa bust a move during their performance Saturday evening at the Alaskan Bar, a part of Juneau Drag’s Holi-gay Spectacular Ho Ho HOMO. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire A volunteer selects donated toys for a recipient during The Salvation Army’s food and gift giveaway Saturday at its church and administrative office downtown. St. Vincent de Paul in Juneau is hosting its Adopt-A-Family gift giveaway this week, but had to stop accepting wish lists from families early due to higher-than-usual demand, according to Director Dave Ringle. People interested in helping a family can contact the organization by Thursday,

Santa’s helpers for the needy can use some holiday help

Annual gifts and meals for Juneau’s struggling continue their traditions, but limited by high demand

Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire A volunteer selects donated toys for a recipient during The Salvation Army’s food and gift giveaway Saturday at its church and administrative office downtown. St. Vincent de Paul in Juneau is hosting its Adopt-A-Family gift giveaway this week, but had to stop accepting wish lists from families early due to higher-than-usual demand, according to Director Dave Ringle. People interested in helping a family can contact the organization by Thursday,