Juneau's Deputy Mayor Jesse Kiehl gives an update on the status of local marijuana businesses to the Chamber of Commerce at the Moose Lodge on Thursday.

What it takes to start a marijuana business in Juneau

With several Juneau marijuana businesses at various stages of the permitting process, the local marijuana retail industry could get underway fairly soon.“We’re at a point… Continue reading

Juneau's Deputy Mayor Jesse Kiehl gives an update on the status of local marijuana businesses to the Chamber of Commerce at the Moose Lodge on Thursday.

Alaska Airlines awarded daily service to Cuba

The U.S. Department of Transportation has tentatively approved an application from Alaska Airlines for daily service between Los Angeles and Havana.The department announced the award… Continue reading

Alaska House majority spokesman fired after domestic violence charges filed

A former spokesman for the Alaska House of Representatives facing assault charges after he allegedly hit his girlfriend has been terminated.Alaska House press secretary William… Continue reading

Legislative budget official calls out Walker veto mistake

The head of the Legislative Finance Division has called out a mistake by Gov. Bill Walker in his attempt to veto $6.3 million in state… Continue reading

In this 2015 photo, about 4 oz. of dried marijuana is shown stored in a large glass container.

Board considers ‘marijuana doggie bag’

Alaska’s Marijuana Control Board has turned down a proposal to allow the equivalent of a ‘marijuana bar’ in Alaska, but the idea isn’t dead yet.On… Continue reading

In this 2015 photo, about 4 oz. of dried marijuana is shown stored in a large glass container.

Obama administration sets rules for future Arctic drilling

WASHINGTON — With no new drilling planned in the Arctic waters off Alaska, the Obama administration is setting rules to ensure that any future energy… Continue reading

State to consider unified health care authority

The state of Alaska is about to begin considering whether to buy health insurance in bulk for state employees, municipal government employees, and the general… Continue reading

During evaluation, Juneau school board ‘pleased’ with superintendent

The Juneau School Board overall is happy with the superintendent’s performance. That’s what the body determined after meeting in executive session for three hours during… Continue reading

Juneau Jumper Garrett Klein, 12, left, shows Layne Cutnose, 12, some jumping pointers during a Wellness Wednesdays program at the Douglas Library on Wednesday.

Photos: Jumping for joy, and wellness

Juneau Jumper Garrett Klein, 12, left, shows Layne Cutnose, 12, some jumping pointers during a Wellness Wednesdays program at the Douglas Library on Wednesday.… Continue reading

Juneau Jumper Garrett Klein, 12, left, shows Layne Cutnose, 12, some jumping pointers during a Wellness Wednesdays program at the Douglas Library on Wednesday.

Fourth celebrations marred by multiple drunken drivers

The Fourth of July weekend wasn’t just fireworks and fun for everyone.A Juneau grand jury on Wednesday indicted Dale Ray Kubik Jr., 46, for allegedly… Continue reading

Woman in state jail custody dies at Anchorage hospital

ANCHORAGE — A 48-year-old woman arrested Monday on a municipal driving-while-intoxicated charge died Wednesday while in custody of the state Department of Corrections.The department said… Continue reading

Walker signs alcohol, marijuana reform bill

Underage kids who drink alcohol will face a violation, not a full-fledged crime, under a new bill signed into law in a ceremony at the… Continue reading

Body of missing Fairbanks boy found in river

ANCHORAGE — Alaska State Troopers say the body of a missing 4-year-old Fairbanks boy has been found inside a fish wheel in the Chena River.Troopers… Continue reading

Anchorage police ruling shooting as murder/attempted suicide

ANCHORAGE — Anchorage police are classifying a weekend shooting as murder/attempted suicide.The shooting happened late Saturday in the Mountain View neighborhood.Police said Cher Lor shot… Continue reading

The Alaska Marine Highway fast ferry Chenega ports in Juneau in June 2005.

Ferry system plans to lay up Chenega

The Alaska Marine Highway System, running short of operating cash, is proceeding with plans to lay up the fast ferry Chenega in Seattle.On Friday, the… Continue reading

The Alaska Marine Highway fast ferry Chenega ports in Juneau in June 2005.

Report: Maritime sector supports 3,400 Kenai jobs

KENAI — A report from the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District shows that the maritime industry is the peninsula’s largest employer with about 3,400 residents… Continue reading

Bethel gets upgraded 911 system to increase officer response

BETHEL — The Bethel Police Department is expecting its newly upgraded 911 system to bolster officers’ response to emergency calls.The new system allows dispatchers to… Continue reading

FCC fines GCI $2.4M for 911 failures

The Federal Communications Commission has fined GCI $2.4 million for failing to provide reliable 911 service in portions of Alaska.According to an email from FCC… Continue reading

This Day in Juneau History: July 7, 1986

On July 7, 1986, the Juneau Empire recapped the many celebratory Independence Day events in the newspaper. Juneau and Douglas residents had their picture taken… Continue reading

Police & fire for Thursday, July 7, 2016

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