News

April storms could affect boats

April showers might bring May flowers, but they could also bring damage to boats out in the elements. The Docks & Harbors division of the… Continue reading

Will Uber soon be allowed in Alaska?

A bill authorizing Uber, Lyft and similar companies to operate in Alaska is headed to a vote of the House of Representatives. The Alaska House… Continue reading

City Attorney Amy Mead, pictured here at the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly meeting March 20, will have an additional $100,000 to work with in the lawsuit against the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). The Assembly will still make decisions on how the money will be spent. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire)

City prepares for lawsuit against cruise ship industry

The City and Borough of Juneau could be nearing the end of a stay of action in its legal battle with the cruise industry, and… Continue reading

City Attorney Amy Mead, pictured here at the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly meeting March 20, will have an additional $100,000 to work with in the lawsuit against the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). The Assembly will still make decisions on how the money will be spent. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire)
Aaron Baldwin with two “stink lilies” that bloomed at his home on Sunday. From a family of plants called Araceae (the Aroids) and is also called Voodoo Lilies, Dragon Lilies and Corpse Lilies. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Pungent ‘stink lily’ blooms for Juneau zoologist

Upon entering Aaron Baldwin’s home in Juneau, you’ll immediately see evidence of his science-fiction fandom. A poster for “2001: A Space Odyssey” is directly inside… Continue reading

Aaron Baldwin with two “stink lilies” that bloomed at his home on Sunday. From a family of plants called Araceae (the Aroids) and is also called Voodoo Lilies, Dragon Lilies and Corpse Lilies. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Charity run for end-of-life care Saturday

Catholic Community Services is hosting its 12th annual Heart of Hospice Run this Saturday, April 8 at Twin Lakes. The run is a benefit for… Continue reading

Murder suspect to be retried, double jeopardy claim denied

Murder suspect to be retried, double jeopardy claim denied

A Juneau resident accused of murder for allegedly shooting a man in the Mendenhall Valley will likely be retried after a judge rejected the defense’s… Continue reading

  • Apr 4, 2017
  • By Juneau Empire
Murder suspect to be retried, double jeopardy claim denied

Police & Fire for Tuesday, April 4, 2017

This report contains public information available to the Empire from law enforcement and public safety agencies. This report includes arrest and citation information, not conviction… Continue reading

  • Apr 4, 2017
  • By Juneau Empire
  • Crime
Sen. Mike Dunleavy, R-Wasilla, right, listens to David Teal, fiscal analyst for the Alaska Legislature, during a Senate Finance Committee meeting at the Capitol on Monday, April 3, 2017. Sen. Dunleavy offered amendments to the operating budget bill to cut funding for public broadcasting and significantly reduced funding for the Alaska Marine Highway system. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Senate plan slashes education, university, transportation, health services

The Alaska Senate has proposed slashing the state’s public education system, university system, department of transportation, and health care. The Senate Finance Committee on Monday… Continue reading

Sen. Mike Dunleavy, R-Wasilla, right, listens to David Teal, fiscal analyst for the Alaska Legislature, during a Senate Finance Committee meeting at the Capitol on Monday, April 3, 2017. Sen. Dunleavy offered amendments to the operating budget bill to cut funding for public broadcasting and significantly reduced funding for the Alaska Marine Highway system. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Lemon Creek Correctional Center is seen in this undated photo. The Alaska Senate advanced a criminal justice reform rollback on Monday that could have untold costs for the prison system. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)

Criminal justice reform rollback nears a vote in the Senate

A bill allowing judges to impose tougher sentences for many crimes is advancing toward a vote in the Alaska Senate. The Alaska Senate Finance Committee… Continue reading

Lemon Creek Correctional Center is seen in this undated photo. The Alaska Senate advanced a criminal justice reform rollback on Monday that could have untold costs for the prison system. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)
(Abby Lowell | Juneau Empire File)

Paralytic Shellfish Toxin found in mollusks at Auke Rec

Researchers with Southeast Alaska Tribal Ocean Research found high levels of Paralytic Shellfish Toxin in a population of mollusks at Auke Recreation Area in Juneau… Continue reading

(Abby Lowell | Juneau Empire File)
City drops charges, Bergmann Hotel manager ‘vindicated’

City drops charges, Bergmann Hotel manager ‘vindicated’

Charges have been dismissed against the building manager of the Bergmann Hotel. Charles Cotten was facing criminal prosecution for allegedly recklessly violating a lawful order… Continue reading

City drops charges, Bergmann Hotel manager ‘vindicated’
Brian Naplachowski

Brian Naplachowski named new GM of the Juneau Empire

Brian Naplachowski has been named the new General Manager of the Juneau Empire. The announcement was made Monday by Deedie McKenzie, Group Publisher of Alaska… Continue reading

  • Apr 3, 2017
  • By Juneau Empire
Brian Naplachowski

Alaska House is on pace for a record number of bills

The Alaska House of Representatives has been a factory for legislation this year. Through Thursday, the 73rd day of the legislative session, members of the… Continue reading

Brandy Sullivan (photo courtesy of Tina Novotney)

After fatal shooting, shining a light on domestic violence

ANCHORAGE — The plan was to meet up in California for a girls’ getaway near the end of April. Lindsey Collins said she looked forward… Continue reading

Brandy Sullivan (photo courtesy of Tina Novotney)
Col. Paul Larson, left, takes the colors from Maj. Gen. Bryan Owens, Commanding General of U.S. Army Alaska, during a change of command ceremony for the Army’s 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division on Friday, March 24, 2017 on Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson. During the ceremony, Col. Paul Larson took command from Col. Scott Green, who had led the brigade since 2014. (Star photo by Matt Tunseth)

Army’s ‘Spartan’ brigade gets a new leader

ANCHORAGE — Fit and ready for action, the Army’s only airborne brigade in the Pacific now has a new leader. Col. Paul Larson assumed command… Continue reading

Col. Paul Larson, left, takes the colors from Maj. Gen. Bryan Owens, Commanding General of U.S. Army Alaska, during a change of command ceremony for the Army’s 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division on Friday, March 24, 2017 on Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson. During the ceremony, Col. Paul Larson took command from Col. Scott Green, who had led the brigade since 2014. (Star photo by Matt Tunseth)

Senate to considers limits of criminal justice reform rollback

How much is too much of a rollback? On Monday, the Alaska Senate Finance Committee will debate a final amendment to Senate Bill 54, a… Continue reading

(Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Marijuana tax revenue rises, but isn’t as high as state expected

The state of Alaska collected $128,000 of marijuana taxes from 20 growers statewide in February, according to new figures from the Alaska Department of Revenue.… Continue reading

(Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
The Nimbus sculpture, pictured in April 2011 at the former Alaska State Museum. The once-controversial Robert Murray sculpture was commissioned for the Dimond Courthouse but was moved to the museum site in 1984. It was re-installed at the museum when the new musuem building was built and opened last summer. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

‘Fresh as the day it was made’: Nimbus sculpture here to stay

After decades of debate, discussion, outrage and controversy, a triumphant Robert Murray smiled Friday night at the Alaska State Museum in Juneau. The artist’s large,… Continue reading

The Nimbus sculpture, pictured in April 2011 at the former Alaska State Museum. The once-controversial Robert Murray sculpture was commissioned for the Dimond Courthouse but was moved to the museum site in 1984. It was re-installed at the museum when the new musuem building was built and opened last summer. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Police & Fire for Sunday, April 2, 2017

This report contains public information available to the Empire from law enforcement and public safety agencies. This report includes arrest and citation information, not conviction… Continue reading

Kristen Hemlock, mother to 5-year-old Mason Varner, cries as she reaches to hug Riley John, 14, at a ceremony to recognize John at Yaakoosge Daakahidi Alternative High School on Friday, March 31, 2017. John, with help from friend Seth Gerrin, 16, rescued Varner from Gold Creek on Thursday.

Gold Creek hero honored

Iosefa Riley John, who goes by Riley, was awarded by the Juneau Police Department on Friday for his bravery in saving 5-year-old Mason Varner from… Continue reading

Kristen Hemlock, mother to 5-year-old Mason Varner, cries as she reaches to hug Riley John, 14, at a ceremony to recognize John at Yaakoosge Daakahidi Alternative High School on Friday, March 31, 2017. John, with help from friend Seth Gerrin, 16, rescued Varner from Gold Creek on Thursday.