News

The Alaska House of Representatives, seen here on Friday, May 7, 2021, is scheduled to meet early Monday morning to finalize budget bills before the end of the legislative session in about two weeks. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Speaker: House to pass budget Monday, special session likely

They’re meeting early on Monday.

The Alaska House of Representatives, seen here on Friday, May 7, 2021, is scheduled to meet early Monday morning to finalize budget bills before the end of the legislative session in about two weeks. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
Data from the Alaska State Department of Epidemiology on Thursday, May 6, 2021 show the media usage of respondents in a survey about COVID-19 information. The report notes that this is about general media usage, not just as it pertains to COVID-19. (Courtesy Image / Alaska State Department of Epidemiology)

Survey: Friends, family most trusted among vaccine hesitant

The study analyzed the subset group of those surveyed who were not planning to get vaccinated, but who were open to learning more about the shots

Data from the Alaska State Department of Epidemiology on Thursday, May 6, 2021 show the media usage of respondents in a survey about COVID-19 information. The report notes that this is about general media usage, not just as it pertains to COVID-19. (Courtesy Image / Alaska State Department of Epidemiology)
This undated electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in February 2020 shows the Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, yellow, emerging from the surface of cells, blue/pink, cultured in the lab. Also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus causes COVID-19. A medical director at the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control says the numbers of active COVID-19 cases that are variants of concern are higher than what has been publicly reported in the province. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-NIAID-RML via AP

COVID at a glance for Friday, May 7

The most recent state and local figures.

This undated electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in February 2020 shows the Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, yellow, emerging from the surface of cells, blue/pink, cultured in the lab. Also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus causes COVID-19. A medical director at the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control says the numbers of active COVID-19 cases that are variants of concern are higher than what has been publicly reported in the province. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-NIAID-RML via AP
A man charged with assault at Fred Meyer on Jun. 1, 2020 was acquitted after a trial last week at the Dimond Courthouse, shown here on Oct. 20, 2019. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Man charged with assault for Fred Meyer altercation acquitted

The defendant claimed it was self-defense.

A man charged with assault at Fred Meyer on Jun. 1, 2020 was acquitted after a trial last week at the Dimond Courthouse, shown here on Oct. 20, 2019. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
Workers with City and Borough of Juneau Parks and Recreation clear the basin at Cope Park of excess sediment and other material washed down the waterway on Sept. 16, 2020. This work is an example of one of the many varied jobs done by public servants and recognized during Public Service Recognition Week, which ends May 8. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)

CBJ employees grow, pivot during an unprecedented year

City manager looks back during Public Service Recognition Week

Workers with City and Borough of Juneau Parks and Recreation clear the basin at Cope Park of excess sediment and other material washed down the waterway on Sept. 16, 2020. This work is an example of one of the many varied jobs done by public servants and recognized during Public Service Recognition Week, which ends May 8. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)
Gavel (Courtesy photo)

Defense: Utah man charged with killing wife had brain injury

Sentencing is set for next month.

  • May 7, 2021
  • By Becky Bohrer Associated Press
  • Crime
Gavel (Courtesy photo)
This float marked Taku, which washed up in Olympia, Washington, at first was thought to belong to the Alaska Marine Highway System’s ferry MV Taku. But its source is still unknown. (Courtesy photo / Karla Patten)

Unidentified floating object: Float’s origin sails into mystery

Despite supposition, float not from famed AHMS ferry.

This float marked Taku, which washed up in Olympia, Washington, at first was thought to belong to the Alaska Marine Highway System’s ferry MV Taku. But its source is still unknown. (Courtesy photo / Karla Patten)
Heath Coro competes in the hand mucking contest as judge Bill Wilcox watches during the Mining & Logging Competition at the 29th Annual Gold Rush Days at Savikko Park on Saturday, June 22, 2019. The event has been canceled for 2021. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Gold Rush Days canceled for 2021

Announcement made on May 7.

Heath Coro competes in the hand mucking contest as judge Bill Wilcox watches during the Mining & Logging Competition at the 29th Annual Gold Rush Days at Savikko Park on Saturday, June 22, 2019. The event has been canceled for 2021. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
In Ferry, Alaska, a balsam poplar leaf emerges from a bud in May. (Courtesy Photo / Ned Rozell)

Alaska Science Forum: Greenup unfolds, pollen soon to follow

The great, silent collective explosion of freed tree buds is coming.

In Ferry, Alaska, a balsam poplar leaf emerges from a bud in May. (Courtesy Photo / Ned Rozell)
Howard Sherman, executive vice president, onboard revenue and destination development for Norwegian Cruise Lines, sat down with the Empire this week to conduct a wide-ranging interview. He said that Alaska remains an in-demand destination for cruise ship travelers but that he suspects the overall passenger load is close to the cap. (Ben Hohenstatt/Juneau Empire)

Covering the water: Execs talk restarting cruises, industry future and ballot initiatives

There’s a lot to talk about.

Howard Sherman, executive vice president, onboard revenue and destination development for Norwegian Cruise Lines, sat down with the Empire this week to conduct a wide-ranging interview. He said that Alaska remains an in-demand destination for cruise ship travelers but that he suspects the overall passenger load is close to the cap. (Ben Hohenstatt/Juneau Empire)
It's a police car until you look closely and see the details don't quite match. (Juneau Empire File / Michael Penn)

Police calls for Friday, May 7, 2021

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

  • May 7, 2021
  • Juneau Empire
  • Crime
It's a police car until you look closely and see the details don't quite match. (Juneau Empire File / Michael Penn)
Mary Beth Schoen admires a large-tree old-growth stand in Saook Bay on northeastern Baranof Island. Some individual trees were over six feet in diameter and many centuries old. This riparian area was adjacent to a salmon stream and was full of bear trails. Large-tree old growth stands are rare on the Tongass. (Courtesy Photo / John Schoen)

‘Tongass Odyssey’ explores decades of research, politics and change

“I wrote it because I feel it’s important to get this message out.”

Mary Beth Schoen admires a large-tree old-growth stand in Saook Bay on northeastern Baranof Island. Some individual trees were over six feet in diameter and many centuries old. This riparian area was adjacent to a salmon stream and was full of bear trails. Large-tree old growth stands are rare on the Tongass. (Courtesy Photo / John Schoen)
The cast of Macbeth rehearses in the Treadwell Mine office building as they prepare for the upcoming Theater Alaska Festival, which runs May 11 to 30 and features a Neighborhood Cabaret, readings, and classes in addition to performances of Macbeth. All performances will be free and staged outdoors with no reservations required. (Courtesy Photo/ Flordelino Lagundio)
Capital City Weekly

Live theatre is coming to a park near you

All the world —or at least most of Juneau —is a stage.

The cast of Macbeth rehearses in the Treadwell Mine office building as they prepare for the upcoming Theater Alaska Festival, which runs May 11 to 30 and features a Neighborhood Cabaret, readings, and classes in addition to performances of Macbeth. All performances will be free and staged outdoors with no reservations required. (Courtesy Photo/ Flordelino Lagundio)
This undated electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in February 2020 shows the Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, yellow, emerging from the surface of cells, blue/pink, cultured in the lab. Also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus causes COVID-19. A medical director at the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control says the numbers of active COVID-19 cases that are variants of concern are higher than what has been publicly reported in the province. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-NIAID-RML via AP

COVID at a glance for Thursday, May 6, 2021

The most recent state and local figures.

This undated electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in February 2020 shows the Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, yellow, emerging from the surface of cells, blue/pink, cultured in the lab. Also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus causes COVID-19. A medical director at the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control says the numbers of active COVID-19 cases that are variants of concern are higher than what has been publicly reported in the province. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-NIAID-RML via AP
Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., arrives to the chamber ahead of President Joe Biden speaking to a joint session of Congress, Wednesday, April 28, 2021, in the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post via AP, Pool)

Young camp quiet on potential Cheney ouster

Republican House leadership moves toward Trump loyalty.

Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., arrives to the chamber ahead of President Joe Biden speaking to a joint session of Congress, Wednesday, April 28, 2021, in the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post via AP, Pool)
Gavel (Courtesy photo)

State court system offline after cybersecurity incident

No ransom message received.

Gavel (Courtesy photo)
Sandi Eldridge, pharmacist for the Department of Veterans Affairs, draws a dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine on March 13, 2021. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire file)

Vax to the future: City, state look at next steps for vaccines

The state is ready if boosters for the vaccine are necessary.

Sandi Eldridge, pharmacist for the Department of Veterans Affairs, draws a dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine on March 13, 2021. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire file)
Peter Segall / Juneau Empire Alaska Native Vietnam War veterans James Lindoff (left) and George Bennett drape a ceremonial blanket over Gov. Mike Dunleavy during a news conference on Wednesday. Dunleavy is proposing a program allowing Alaska Native veterans to exchange federal land for state lands potentially closer to their homes.

Gov proposes land exchange for Vietnam-era Alaska Native veterans

Righting an old wrong.

Peter Segall / Juneau Empire Alaska Native Vietnam War veterans James Lindoff (left) and George Bennett drape a ceremonial blanket over Gov. Mike Dunleavy during a news conference on Wednesday. Dunleavy is proposing a program allowing Alaska Native veterans to exchange federal land for state lands potentially closer to their homes.
Courtesy Photo Marty Sharp will be the featured artist for Juneau Artists Gallery for First Friday.
Capital City Weekly

Here’s what’s happening for First Friday

A schedule of events for Friday, May 7.

Courtesy Photo Marty Sharp will be the featured artist for Juneau Artists Gallery for First Friday.
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I Went To The Woods: Getting down to it

You’re here to catch a steelhead, not to fit in.

  • May 6, 2021
  • By Jeff Lund For the Juneau Empire
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