News

Alaska state Rep. David Eastman, a Wasilla Republican, is shown seated on the House floor on April 29, 2022, in Juneau, Alaska. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File)

Judge: Elections officials must enforce disloyalty clause

The case that could decide Wasilla Republican Rep. David Eastman’s future remains on schedule for arguments later this month

Alaska state Rep. David Eastman, a Wasilla Republican, is shown seated on the House floor on April 29, 2022, in Juneau, Alaska. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File)
Buzz Kelley, of Wasilla, is pictured at his home on Aug. 19, 2022, in Wasilla, Alaska. Kelley is a candidate for U.S. Senate. (Marc Lester/Anchorage Daily News via AP)

Alaska US Senate hopeful drops bid, backs fellow Republican

Buzz Kelley said his motivation for suspending the campaign came after Republicans Sarah Palin and Nick Begich lost to Democrat Mary Peltola

Buzz Kelley, of Wasilla, is pictured at his home on Aug. 19, 2022, in Wasilla, Alaska. Kelley is a candidate for U.S. Senate. (Marc Lester/Anchorage Daily News via AP)
Fired Exxon Valdez skipper Joseph Hazelwood, right, sits with his lawyer Michael Chalos as a photograph of the tanker is displayed on an easel in Anchorage Superior Court, March 20, 1990. Hazelwood, the captain of the Exxon Valdez oil tanker that ran aground more than three decades ago in Alaska, causing one of the worst oil spills in U.S. history, has died in July 2022, the New York Times reported. He was 75. (AP Photo/Jack Smith, File)

Exxon Valdez Capt. Joseph Hazelwood dies at 75

The 987-foot tanker grounded on Alaska’s Bligh Reef at 12:04 a.m. on March 24, 1989

Fired Exxon Valdez skipper Joseph Hazelwood, right, sits with his lawyer Michael Chalos as a photograph of the tanker is displayed on an easel in Anchorage Superior Court, March 20, 1990. Hazelwood, the captain of the Exxon Valdez oil tanker that ran aground more than three decades ago in Alaska, causing one of the worst oil spills in U.S. history, has died in July 2022, the New York Times reported. He was 75. (AP Photo/Jack Smith, File)
Amanda Triplett, at right on overhead screen, discusses the University of Alaska’s “Did You Know” program while faculty members in the background hold up signs protesting a labor contract stalemate during the Board of Regent’s meeting Friday in Juneau. The program highlights cooperative efforts the university is participating in with communities such as workplace experience and dual enrollments with other educational institutions. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Title IX more than mere sport for UA leaders

Chancellors praise campus anti-discrimination programs, but board member calls changes “insidious”

Amanda Triplett, at right on overhead screen, discusses the University of Alaska’s “Did You Know” program while faculty members in the background hold up signs protesting a labor contract stalemate during the Board of Regent’s meeting Friday in Juneau. The program highlights cooperative efforts the university is participating in with communities such as workplace experience and dual enrollments with other educational institutions. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy stands at a lectern in a Three Bears Alaska store in Palmer, next to a giant, covered check containing this year’s Alaska Permanent Fund dividend amount on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022. Behind him stand Alaska resident Miranda Wagoner, left, and Jessica Viera, executive director, Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, who gave speeches at the event. (Faceboook live screenshot)

Dunleavy: PFD payments will be $3,284

PFD payments will be coming earlier than usual

Gov. Mike Dunleavy stands at a lectern in a Three Bears Alaska store in Palmer, next to a giant, covered check containing this year’s Alaska Permanent Fund dividend amount on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022. Behind him stand Alaska resident Miranda Wagoner, left, and Jessica Viera, executive director, Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, who gave speeches at the event. (Faceboook live screenshot)
Alaska gubernatorial candidates Bill Walker, left, and Les Gara participate in a candidate forum hosted by the Kenai and Soldotna chambers of commerce at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Gara, Walker face off at chamber forum

The two, who found common ground on some issues, took aim at Dunleavy

Alaska gubernatorial candidates Bill Walker, left, and Les Gara participate in a candidate forum hosted by the Kenai and Soldotna chambers of commerce at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Lance Mackey sits with his lead dogs Larry, right, and Maple after crossing the finish line of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race on March 18, 2009, in Nome, Alaska, to win his third Iditarod in a row. Mackey, a four-time Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race winner and one of mushing’s most colorful and accomplished champions who also suffered from health and drug issues, died Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, his father and kennel announced on Facebook. He was 52. (AP Photo/Al Grillo, File)

Cancer claims 4-time Iditarod champion Lance Mackey

Officials with the world’s most famous sled dog race said Iditarod Nation was in mourning

Lance Mackey sits with his lead dogs Larry, right, and Maple after crossing the finish line of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race on March 18, 2009, in Nome, Alaska, to win his third Iditarod in a row. Mackey, a four-time Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race winner and one of mushing’s most colorful and accomplished champions who also suffered from health and drug issues, died Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, his father and kennel announced on Facebook. He was 52. (AP Photo/Al Grillo, File)
In this July 13, 2007, photo, workers with the Pebble Mine project test drill in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska, near the village of Iliamma. (AP Photo / Al Grillo)

EPA to decide next steps on Pebble project by Dec. 2

The public comment period ended Tuesday

In this July 13, 2007, photo, workers with the Pebble Mine project test drill in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska, near the village of Iliamma. (AP Photo / Al Grillo)
The Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation building is seen in March 2022 in Juneau, Alaska. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

PFD amount to be announced

Alaskans can expect a payout of about $3,200, but the exact amount awaits an announcement

The Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation building is seen in March 2022 in Juneau, Alaska. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
COVID-19. (Image courtesy CDC)

COVID cases, hospitalizations down

Starting next week, an updated bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine will be available in Alaska

COVID-19. (Image courtesy CDC)
A campaign sign promoting Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s reelection campaign stands in Juneau. Two nonprofits on Tuesday filed a complaint with Alaska Public Offices Commission against Dunleavy and others connected to his campaign. The complaint alleges a series of “egregious campaign finance violations.” (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire Photo)

Complaint: Dunleavy illegally using state employees for campaign

Nonprofits with ties to governor’s political opposition allege coordination of donors, staff misuse

A campaign sign promoting Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s reelection campaign stands in Juneau. Two nonprofits on Tuesday filed a complaint with Alaska Public Offices Commission against Dunleavy and others connected to his campaign. The complaint alleges a series of “egregious campaign finance violations.” (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire Photo)
The official ballot for the Aug. 16, 2022, Special General Election features ranked choice voting. (State of Alaska Divison of Elections)

5 takeaway lessons from Alaska’s first ranked choice election

In November, Alaskans will use ranked choice voting on legislative and statewide races

The official ballot for the Aug. 16, 2022, Special General Election features ranked choice voting. (State of Alaska Divison of Elections)
Fishers set out equipment a short distance from shore in the Tongass National Forest. The federal government on Friday announced it is awarding a $49 million grant to Alaska Mariculture Cluster, which is seeking to develop a $100 million a year sustainable seafood program in Southeast Alaska and other parts of the state. (U.S. Forest Service)

Alaska mariculture gets $49 million boost from feds

The coalition behind the project includes the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District

Fishers set out equipment a short distance from shore in the Tongass National Forest. The federal government on Friday announced it is awarding a $49 million grant to Alaska Mariculture Cluster, which is seeking to develop a $100 million a year sustainable seafood program in Southeast Alaska and other parts of the state. (U.S. Forest Service)
Screenshot from AdImpact video U.S. Representative-elect Mary Peltola talks about abortion rights in her first television ad after winning Alaska’s special election to fill the remainder of the late Don Young’s seat.

Peltola to be sworn in Sept. 13

Special U.S. House race certified; Palin, Begich repeat demands the other drop out of November election

Screenshot from AdImpact video U.S. Representative-elect Mary Peltola talks about abortion rights in her first television ad after winning Alaska’s special election to fill the remainder of the late Don Young’s seat.
Alaska state Rep. David Eastman, a Wasilla Republican, is shown seated on the House floor on April 29, 2022, in Juneau, Alaska. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File)

Eastman stays on ballot for now

Anchorage judge declines to determine eligibility before printing

Alaska state Rep. David Eastman, a Wasilla Republican, is shown seated on the House floor on April 29, 2022, in Juneau, Alaska. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File)
Mary Peltola celebrates her win in the U.S. after results are announced for the special election in which she won the race for Alaska’s lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, in Anchorage, Alaska. (Marc Lester/AP)

Peltola steps into national spotlight

Special election victor gets call from Biden, readies for encore that may decide control of Congress

Mary Peltola celebrates her win in the U.S. after results are announced for the special election in which she won the race for Alaska’s lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, in Anchorage, Alaska. (Marc Lester/AP)
Alaska Division of Elections Director Gail Fenumiai and spokesperson Tiffany Montemayor, left, explain the first-ever tabulation of ranked choice votes as elections programming manager Brian Jackson enters updated results during a livestream Wednesday afternoon. Democrat Mary Peltola prevailed over Republican Sara Palin by willing by nearly 9% on first-choice ballots, then received enough second-choice votes from third candidate Nick Begich III to prevail by an official total of about 3%. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Peltola makes history

With ranked choice victory, Democrat set to become first Alaska Native elected to Congress

Alaska Division of Elections Director Gail Fenumiai and spokesperson Tiffany Montemayor, left, explain the first-ever tabulation of ranked choice votes as elections programming manager Brian Jackson enters updated results during a livestream Wednesday afternoon. Democrat Mary Peltola prevailed over Republican Sara Palin by willing by nearly 9% on first-choice ballots, then received enough second-choice votes from third candidate Nick Begich III to prevail by an official total of about 3%. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File A roll of I voted stickers await voters on Saturday at the Alaska Division of Elections office in Juneau.

Special House race set for photo finish

Peltola now leads by 8% in special House race, pollster calls it ’toss-up’ due to ranked choice voting

Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File A roll of I voted stickers await voters on Saturday at the Alaska Division of Elections office in Juneau.
A State of Alaska Department of Health Social Services sign remains on the main building providing in Juneau providing related services, even though the agency officially split into two departments on July 1. Other signs inside the building and one next door housing some of the new departments’ services are also unchanged. Commissioners of both departments said Thursday the initial focus has been on transitioning essential services without disruption, and more publicly noticeable ones such as new signs and website updates should be occurring during the coming months. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Commissioners of new departments say transition has been smooth

Commisioners of new departments say IT and other key transitions smooth, more visible changes coming

A State of Alaska Department of Health Social Services sign remains on the main building providing in Juneau providing related services, even though the agency officially split into two departments on July 1. Other signs inside the building and one next door housing some of the new departments’ services are also unchanged. Commissioners of both departments said Thursday the initial focus has been on transitioning essential services without disruption, and more publicly noticeable ones such as new signs and website updates should be occurring during the coming months. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
From left to right, puppies Mike, Bos'n and Skipper cuddle up in their doghouse at Denali National Park and Preserve. (Courtesy / National Park Service)

Even when it’s not National Dog Day, it’s puppies 24/7 with Denali’s sled dog cam

The national park celebrates its 100th year owning sled dogs with 3 new puppies

From left to right, puppies Mike, Bos'n and Skipper cuddle up in their doghouse at Denali National Park and Preserve. (Courtesy / National Park Service)