James Brooks

State phone lines will feature Portugal. The Man as hold music

State phone lines will feature Portugal. The Man as hold music

You’ll hear it still. Portugal. The Man’s Grammy award-winning single “Feel It Still” was named Monday as one of five songs that will replace the… Continue reading

 

A sign supporting Mike Dunleavy for governor is seen in September. The state of Alaska has settled a lawsuit brought by the ACLU, a Palmer man and a pro-Dunleavy group regarding political signs that violate the state’s anti-billboard law. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)

State settles sign lawsuit brought by ACLU, pro-Dunleavy group

It’s an exit sign. On Tuesday, Anchorage Superior Court Judge Herman Walker Jr. approved a settlement concluding a lawsuit that challenged Alaska’s anti-billboard law. The… Continue reading

 

Democrats now lead in critical Fairbanks races

Democrats now lead in critical Fairbanks races

Correction: The previous version of this article included a reference to Kathryn Dodge when it should have referred to Bart LeBon in possible electoral outcomes.… Continue reading

Democrats now lead in critical Fairbanks races
Crew aboard the barge-crane Brightwater lifts the sunken 96-foot tugboat Challenger in Gastineau Channel in February 2016. The federal government has filed a civil lawsuit against Juneau artist R.D. Robinson, alleging he is responsible for the cost of removing the ship from Gastineau Channel. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)
Crew aboard the barge-crane Brightwater lifts the sunken 96-foot tugboat Challenger in Gastineau Channel in February 2016. The federal government has filed a civil lawsuit against Juneau artist R.D. Robinson, alleging he is responsible for the cost of removing the ship from Gastineau Channel. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)
A gavel is seen in an undated file photo.

Council picks judge nominees — but which governor will have the say?

The Alaska Judicial Council has picked a list of finalists for judgeships across the state, and now it’s time for the governor to have his… Continue reading

A gavel is seen in an undated file photo.
Thousands more ballots to be counted Tuesday

Thousands more ballots to be counted Tuesday

New tally could decide two key races for control of the Legislature.

Thousands more ballots to be counted Tuesday
University of Alaska President Jim Johnsen makes a presentation to the university’s Board of Regents at the UAS Recreation Center on Sept. 15, 2016. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)
University of Alaska President Jim Johnsen makes a presentation to the university’s Board of Regents at the UAS Recreation Center on Sept. 15, 2016. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)
In this photo taken Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, Alaska Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Dunleavy gestures while on stage during a GOP rally in Anchorage, Alaska. Dunleavy and Democrat Mark Begich are the two major candidates vying to replace Gov. Bill Walker, who ended his campaign in October. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)

Gov. Dunleavy’s agenda includes constitutional reform

A former governor is also joining Dunleavy’s team.

In this photo taken Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, Alaska Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Dunleavy gestures while on stage during a GOP rally in Anchorage, Alaska. Dunleavy and Democrat Mark Begich are the two major candidates vying to replace Gov. Bill Walker, who ended his campaign in October. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)
Alaska appeals court rules on gun-case searches

Alaska appeals court rules on gun-case searches

The case intersects Fourth Amendment interpretations with Alaska’s liberal gun laws.

Alaska appeals court rules on gun-case searches
The Trans-Alaska Pipeline. (Photo/File/AP)
The Trans-Alaska Pipeline. (Photo/File/AP)
Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Dunleavy reacts to early favorable election returns Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 In Anchorage, Alaska. With Dunleavy are from left, his wife Rose and daughters Ceil and Maggie. (AP Photo/Michael Dinneen)

Alaskans choose Dunleavy for governor

Mike Dunleavy will be Alaska’s next governor.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Dunleavy reacts to early favorable election returns Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 In Anchorage, Alaska. With Dunleavy are from left, his wife Rose and daughters Ceil and Maggie. (AP Photo/Michael Dinneen)
Graphic: Juneau’s election divide

Graphic: Juneau’s election divide

See how Juneau voted, precinct-by-precinct.

Graphic: Juneau’s election divide
Dr. Johnny Holland feeds his ballot into a counting machine while voting during a special election for mayor of Juneau at the Mendenhall Valley Public Library in 2016. The Alaska Division of Elections is considering new voting equipment statewide. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)

Southern Southeast votes still trickling in

‘Ender cards’ at fault, Division of Elections says.

Dr. Johnny Holland feeds his ballot into a counting machine while voting during a special election for mayor of Juneau at the Mendenhall Valley Public Library in 2016. The Alaska Division of Elections is considering new voting equipment statewide. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)
Alaska Gov.-elect Mike Dunleavy, center, speaks to supporters at his campaign headquarters on Monday. Dunleavy announced a handful of appointments Thursday, including Brett Huber, at left, as senior policy adviser. (Becky Bohrer | The Associated Press File)

Alaska governor-elect drafts GOP head for new administration

Dunleavy repeatedly used the phrase “open for business.”

Alaska Gov.-elect Mike Dunleavy, center, speaks to supporters at his campaign headquarters on Monday. Dunleavy announced a handful of appointments Thursday, including Brett Huber, at left, as senior policy adviser. (Becky Bohrer | The Associated Press File)
Juneau voters veer from statewide choices
Juneau voters veer from statewide choices
Republicans near total control of Alaska government
Republicans near total control of Alaska government
Campaigns finish with final surge as Election Day arrives in Alaska
Campaigns finish with final surge as Election Day arrives in Alaska
Green Elephant Gardens gardener Scott Jones cares for a marijuana plant on Green Elephant’s first day of operation in June 2017. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire file)                                Green Elephant Gardens gardener Scott Jones cares for a marijuana plant on Green Elephant’s first day of operation in June 2017. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire file)
Green Elephant Gardens gardener Scott Jones cares for a marijuana plant on Green Elephant’s first day of operation in June 2017. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire file)                                Green Elephant Gardens gardener Scott Jones cares for a marijuana plant on Green Elephant’s first day of operation in June 2017. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire file)
In this October 2015 file photo, Maple leaves fall on Seward Street as a pedestrian ducks Friday’s rain in front of City Hall. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)

October dampens drought but doesn’t solve it in Southeast Alaska rainforest

For parched Southeast, October’s rainfall brought some needed relief.

In this October 2015 file photo, Maple leaves fall on Seward Street as a pedestrian ducks Friday’s rain in front of City Hall. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)