News

The Alaska Marine Highway ferry Malaspina heads up Lynn Canal towards Haines and Skagway from Juneau in 2008. (Juneau Empire File)

Ferry reshaping group has first meeting

First meeting was brief.

The Alaska Marine Highway ferry Malaspina heads up Lynn Canal towards Haines and Skagway from Juneau in 2008. (Juneau Empire File)
Fair Share Act interests, riles up lawmakers

Fair Share Act interests, riles up lawmakers

It’s about balance.

Fair Share Act interests, riles up lawmakers
House passes supplemental budget, after several disruptions

House passes supplemental budget, after several disruptions

After disruption, bill sailed through.

House passes supplemental budget, after several disruptions
A group of mostly Republican lawmakers gather on the steps of the Capitol for an anti-abortion rally Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire)

House Republicans introduce wave of anti-abortion bills before filing deadlines

Different bills, same goal.

A group of mostly Republican lawmakers gather on the steps of the Capitol for an anti-abortion rally Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire)
Pebble mine opponents say process is being rushed

Pebble mine opponents say process is being rushed

Opposition groups to hold town hall.

Pebble mine opponents say process is being rushed
Dr. Jim Johnsen, president of the University of Alaska, speaks to the Juneau Chamber of Commerce at the Moose Lodge on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

UA President Johnsen to make State of the University address

University of Alaska President Jim Johnsen will make his annual State of the University address at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28 at the Marriott Anchorage… Continue reading

Dr. Jim Johnsen, president of the University of Alaska, speaks to the Juneau Chamber of Commerce at the Moose Lodge on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File Clouds swirls over Douglas Island on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018.

PFDs for land? Gov introduces land vouchers bill

Alaska’s land in Alaskan hands.

Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File Clouds swirls over Douglas Island on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018.
Peter Segall | Juneau Empire Alaska Native Sisterhood Grand President Paulette Moreno (front) speaks at the Alaska Native Issues Forum with Alaska Native Brotherhood Grand President Heather Gurko on Monday.

Alaska Natives say their voices are being ignored in ferry reshaping group

‘It’s a cultural and spiritual relationship.’

Peter Segall | Juneau Empire Alaska Native Sisterhood Grand President Paulette Moreno (front) speaks at the Alaska Native Issues Forum with Alaska Native Brotherhood Grand President Heather Gurko on Monday.
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks to reporters on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020, in Juneau, Alaska. Dunleavy has proposed giving Alaskans an additional roughly $1,300 from the state’s oil wealth fund on top of the roughly $1,600 they received last fall that he says in keeping with a formula in state law. The formula has not been followed in recent years amid a budget deficit. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)

Dunleavy proposes supplemental PFD

Lawmakers have said paying a higher dividend using the existing formula is unsustainable.

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks to reporters on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020, in Juneau, Alaska. Dunleavy has proposed giving Alaskans an additional roughly $1,300 from the state’s oil wealth fund on top of the roughly $1,600 they received last fall that he says in keeping with a formula in state law. The formula has not been followed in recent years amid a budget deficit. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)
Michael S. Lockett | Juneau Empire Portia Carney, Justina Sullivan, and Pearl Temple pose in the Capitol before soliciting lawmakers for their support of House Bill 62, or the ability to temporarily take guns away from people who have made threats or are having a mental health crisis.

Advocacy groups, lawmakers introduce and push for Red Flag laws

House Bill 62 now has a companion in the Senate.

Michael S. Lockett | Juneau Empire Portia Carney, Justina Sullivan, and Pearl Temple pose in the Capitol before soliciting lawmakers for their support of House Bill 62, or the ability to temporarily take guns away from people who have made threats or are having a mental health crisis.
In this March 26, 2019, file photo, protesters unfurl a banner as Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks during a roadshow with Americans for Prosperity in 49th State Brewing Company in Anchorage. The group opposing an effort to recall Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy plans to drop its court fight and instead gear up for a possible recall election. Stand Tall With Mike said Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, that it told its attorneys to withdraw its appeal before the Alaska Supreme Court. The group says recent court actions indicate that continuing to pursue the case in court would not be a productive use of resources. (Bill Roth/Anchorage Daily News via AP, File)

Foes of recall effort seek to drop out of court fight

Grounds for recall in Alaska are lack of fitness, incompetence, neglect of duties or corruption.

In this March 26, 2019, file photo, protesters unfurl a banner as Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks during a roadshow with Americans for Prosperity in 49th State Brewing Company in Anchorage. The group opposing an effort to recall Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy plans to drop its court fight and instead gear up for a possible recall election. Stand Tall With Mike said Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, that it told its attorneys to withdraw its appeal before the Alaska Supreme Court. The group says recent court actions indicate that continuing to pursue the case in court would not be a productive use of resources. (Bill Roth/Anchorage Daily News via AP, File)
Alaska Native leaders say racial discrimination still affects communities

Alaska Native leaders say racial discrimination still affects communities

Native Issues Forum gets emotional for speakers.

Alaska Native leaders say racial discrimination still affects communities
US Senators to address Alaska Legislature

US Senators to address Alaska Legislature

Murkowski will speak on Tuesday.

US Senators to address Alaska Legislature
Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File The Juneau School District’s administration building is at the corner of Glacier Avenue and 12th Street.

Senators weigh extending bond debt moratorium

Bond payments could come back, but at lower rates.

Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File The Juneau School District’s administration building is at the corner of Glacier Avenue and 12th Street.
Bill would require state to officially recognize Alaska’s 229 tribes

Bill would require state to officially recognize Alaska’s 229 tribes

Tribes are already recognized federally.

Bill would require state to officially recognize Alaska’s 229 tribes
Brian Lauth, closing manager for Super Bear Supermarket IGA, bags groceries Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020. Super Bear will be collecting donations to ship food to Southeast Alaska communities impacted by a lack of ferry service. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)

Southeast grocers see empty shelves

Lack of ferry service means lack of food for Southeast communities.

Brian Lauth, closing manager for Super Bear Supermarket IGA, bags groceries Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020. Super Bear will be collecting donations to ship food to Southeast Alaska communities impacted by a lack of ferry service. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)
Chief Justice says courts don’t have optional programs, calls for more funding

Chief Justice says courts don’t have optional programs, calls for more funding

Judiciary is strong, but needs help.

Chief Justice says courts don’t have optional programs, calls for more funding
Senator kicked off committee for breaking caucus rule has bill to end caucus rule

Senator kicked off committee for breaking caucus rule has bill to end caucus rule

It’s GOP vs Republicans.

Senator kicked off committee for breaking caucus rule has bill to end caucus rule
Courtesy Photo | Environmental Protection Agency This Toxic Release Inventory map included in the Environmental Protection Agency’s annual TRI analysis shows facilities throughout the state that reported the release of toxic chemicals to the EPA. Releases include permitted releases and movement of waste rock.

EPA: Alaska led nation in toxic chemical release

Mining is a big reason why.

Courtesy Photo | Environmental Protection Agency This Toxic Release Inventory map included in the Environmental Protection Agency’s annual TRI analysis shows facilities throughout the state that reported the release of toxic chemicals to the EPA. Releases include permitted releases and movement of waste rock.
‘Start them up!’: Ferry supporters demand action

‘Start them up!’: Ferry supporters demand action

They want their boats.

‘Start them up!’: Ferry supporters demand action