Michael S. Lockett

Alyssa London, second from right, and her team are working to produce Culture Story, which will showcase modern Alaska Native cultures across and outside of Alaska. (Courtesy photo / Culture Story)

Team works to tell positive, accurate stories about Alaska Native life

Show aims to show Alaska Native cultures as they thrive in the modern world.

Alyssa London, second from right, and her team are working to produce Culture Story, which will showcase modern Alaska Native cultures across and outside of Alaska. (Courtesy photo / Culture Story)
Screenshot 
A recently released map by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration shows the vast areas of low data speeds and access by broadband users across Alaska and the rest of the U.S.

White House laying groundwork for improved internet infrastructure

In Alaska, providers are looking at their own improvments to access.

Screenshot 
A recently released map by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration shows the vast areas of low data speeds and access by broadband users across Alaska and the rest of the U.S.
A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 25th Fighter Squadron taxi during exercise Red Flag-Alaska 21-02 at Eielson Air Force Base on June 14. 
Tech. Sgt. Peter Thompson / U.S. Air Force

Air Force kicks off major multinational exercise in Alaska

More than 100 aircraft from three countries will be involved.

A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 25th Fighter Squadron taxi during exercise Red Flag-Alaska 21-02 at Eielson Air Force Base on June 14. 
Tech. Sgt. Peter Thompson / U.S. Air Force
Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire
Juneau residents place hundreds of pairs of children’s shoes in front of the statue at Mayor Bill Overstreet Park on Saturday as they mourned for the 215 dead children uncovered at a residential school in Canada.

Juneau community holds vigil for residential school victims

Many of the residential schools in Alaska ran until the late 20th century.

Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire
Juneau residents place hundreds of pairs of children’s shoes in front of the statue at Mayor Bill Overstreet Park on Saturday as they mourned for the 215 dead children uncovered at a residential school in Canada.
Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, talks during an interview in the Empire’s offices. During the conversation, Young discussed ongoing infrastructure bill negotiations, the Arctic’s strategic importance to the U.S. and why he’s seeking a 26th term in the U.S. House of Representatives. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Sitting down with Rep. Young

Congressman shares thoughts on infrastructure, the Arctic and reelection.

Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, talks during an interview in the Empire’s offices. During the conversation, Young discussed ongoing infrastructure bill negotiations, the Arctic’s strategic importance to the U.S. and why he’s seeking a 26th term in the U.S. House of Representatives. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
With a shortened cruise season rapidly approaching, companies are working to get ready and staff seasonal positions up and running. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Shaping up, shipping in: Southeast tour companies eagerly readying for shortened season

Even if it’s a short season, it’ll set them up for success in 2022, companies say.

With a shortened cruise season rapidly approaching, companies are working to get ready and staff seasonal positions up and running. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit flies over the Gulf of Alaska in support of Northern Edge 2021. (U.S. Marine Corps / Lance Cpl. Brendan Mullin)

Marines and sailors take part in largest joint exercise of 2021

Ships, aircraft, and 15,000 servicemembers all came together to hold the huge interservice exercise.

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit flies over the Gulf of Alaska in support of Northern Edge 2021. (U.S. Marine Corps / Lance Cpl. Brendan Mullin)
Courtesy photo / Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines and SkyNRG formed a partnership to advance sustainable aviation fuel made from municipal solid waste, the airline announced, as part of its steps toward making the airline a net-zero emissions industry.

Net-zero emissions, cleaner fuel… and planes that run on waste?

Alaska Airlines announces environmental commitments and efforts.

Courtesy photo / Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines and SkyNRG formed a partnership to advance sustainable aviation fuel made from municipal solid waste, the airline announced, as part of its steps toward making the airline a net-zero emissions industry.
An Anchorage man was arrested in Anchorage Tuesday, March 16, 2021 by the FBI for his alleged participation in the Capitol riots in January. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Anchorage man arrested for alleged participation in Capitol riots

He’s one of many wanted in connection with the abortive attempt to overturn the election results.

An Anchorage man was arrested in Anchorage Tuesday, March 16, 2021 by the FBI for his alleged participation in the Capitol riots in January. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
A Department of Corrections nurse vaccinates a Fairbanks Correctional Center inmate. The DOC eased restrictions on March 15, 2021, to allow attorneys to visit fully vaccinated inmates at DOC facilities. (Courtesy Photo / DOC)

DOC to allow attorney-client visitation in facilities

Attorneys will be allowed to visit fully vaccinated inmates in person again.

A Department of Corrections nurse vaccinates a Fairbanks Correctional Center inmate. The DOC eased restrictions on March 15, 2021, to allow attorneys to visit fully vaccinated inmates at DOC facilities. (Courtesy Photo / DOC)
Courtesy photo / CCFR
J.D. McComas, a wildlife specialist with Juneau International Airport, climbs a Capital City Fire/Rescue ladder truck to rescue a bald eagle trapped in a tree on March 1, 2021.

Despite high-climbing rescue, eagle euthanized for injuries

Firefighters, the raptor center and airport personnel worked together to help the bird.

Courtesy photo / CCFR
J.D. McComas, a wildlife specialist with Juneau International Airport, climbs a Capital City Fire/Rescue ladder truck to rescue a bald eagle trapped in a tree on March 1, 2021.
Michael S. Lockett | Juneau Empire 
An investigation into a complaint from an inmate at Lemon Creek Correctional Center, shown above, exposed issues with the Alaska Department of Corrections Dental Services Program.

Report: Overhaul needed for DOC’s dental program

An investigation finds the corrections department ‘unreasonably delayed’ care for an inmate

Michael S. Lockett | Juneau Empire 
An investigation into a complaint from an inmate at Lemon Creek Correctional Center, shown above, exposed issues with the Alaska Department of Corrections Dental Services Program.
Prescriptions drugs, vitamins, hormones, and other drugs left in the drug drop box in the lobby of the Juneau Police Department in September 2019.The drop box gives residents a safe place to disposed of their unused prescription narcotics. The state announced on Thursday it will receive more than $1 million as part of a settlement with a consulting firm accused of “turbocharging” the opioid epidemic. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Alaska to receive over $1.3M from opioid settlement

More than 47 states, 5 territories, and D.C. are part of the settlement.

Prescriptions drugs, vitamins, hormones, and other drugs left in the drug drop box in the lobby of the Juneau Police Department in September 2019.The drop box gives residents a safe place to disposed of their unused prescription narcotics. The state announced on Thursday it will receive more than $1 million as part of a settlement with a consulting firm accused of “turbocharging” the opioid epidemic. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Alaska Native illustrator Michaela Goade became the first Native American or Alaska Native to win the Caldecott Award on Jan. 25 for her work on “We Are Water Protectors,” about the defenders of Standing Rock Reservation. (Courtesy photo / Sydney Akagi)

‘It just feels very surreal’: a Q&A with Southeast’s recent Caldecott Medal winner

The prestigious award for her illustration work tails her Google Doodle being featured in December.

Alaska Native illustrator Michaela Goade became the first Native American or Alaska Native to win the Caldecott Award on Jan. 25 for her work on “We Are Water Protectors,” about the defenders of Standing Rock Reservation. (Courtesy photo / Sydney Akagi)
Protesters march for women’s rights in Juneau in 2020. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, announced a bipartisan bill Friday, Jan. 22, 2021 to move forward the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, granting equal legal protection to the sexes, stalled in its ratification stage since 1972. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Murkowski co-sponsors bipartisan bill to affirm ratification of Equal Rights Amendment

Stalled since 1972, the ERA would guarantee equal legal protection to all sexes.

Protesters march for women’s rights in Juneau in 2020. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, announced a bipartisan bill Friday, Jan. 22, 2021 to move forward the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, granting equal legal protection to the sexes, stalled in its ratification stage since 1972. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
Peter Segall / Juneau Empire
The Juneau Police Department and other law enforcement agencies say they are prepared for the possibility of political violence at the Capitol building on the day of the presidential inauguration.

No known threats of violence, but Juneau police say they’re prepared

“The Juneau Police Department and our partners have not received any specific threats,” the agency said.

Peter Segall / Juneau Empire
The Juneau Police Department and other law enforcement agencies say they are prepared for the possibility of political violence at the Capitol building on the day of the presidential inauguration.
U.S. Marine Corps / Lance Cpl. Koby I. Saunders
U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18C Hornets assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 prepare to take off from the flightline during Red Flag-Alaska 17-2 on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, in June 2017.

Elected officials welcome Navy’s new Arctic strategy

The Arctic — and the Navy’s strategy — are changing.

U.S. Marine Corps / Lance Cpl. Koby I. Saunders
U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18C Hornets assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 prepare to take off from the flightline during Red Flag-Alaska 17-2 on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, in June 2017.
Lady Baltimore, seen here, was injured by gunfire in 2006 and rescued by the Juneau Raptor Center. The Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a reward for information on the shooter of another bald eagle, found on Dec. 22, which had to be euthanized due to its injuries. (Courtesy photo / Juneau Raptor Center)

Authorities investigate fatal shooting of bald eagle

The otherwise healthy, adult bird had to be euthanized for its injuries.

Lady Baltimore, seen here, was injured by gunfire in 2006 and rescued by the Juneau Raptor Center. The Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a reward for information on the shooter of another bald eagle, found on Dec. 22, which had to be euthanized due to its injuries. (Courtesy photo / Juneau Raptor Center)
Rep. Jennifer Johnston, R-Anchorage, gets her temperature taken as she enters the Alaska State Capitol on Monday, May 18, 2020. New policies will require all staff and legislators to wear masks in chambers. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Legislative Council sets mask policy for upcoming session

Only one representative out of twelve legislators voted against the mask policy.

Rep. Jennifer Johnston, R-Anchorage, gets her temperature taken as she enters the Alaska State Capitol on Monday, May 18, 2020. New policies will require all staff and legislators to wear masks in chambers. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB-10) transits the waters of Puget Sound near Seattle on Dec. 4, 2020. The crew is deploying on rare wintertime mission to the Arctic Circle. (U.S. Coast Guard / Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier)

Coast Guard needs more focus on Alaska bases and ships, Sullivan says

Recent Russian exercises and America’s sole functional icebreaker are all cause for concern, the senator opined.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB-10) transits the waters of Puget Sound near Seattle on Dec. 4, 2020. The crew is deploying on rare wintertime mission to the Arctic Circle. (U.S. Coast Guard / Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier)