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U.S. Senate hopefuls cast net for Southeast votes

Murkowski, Tshibaka and Chesbro apply their broad themes to specific issues at Southeast Conference

The cruise industry and it's impacts on the Southeast Alaska economy are both major topics during this week's Southeast Conference. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

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Sunny outlook among regional leaders in Ketchikan

Optimism about post-pandemic recovery and growth of industries expressed at Southeast Conference

The MV Tazlina docks in Auke Bay on Monday. The 300-passenger vessel christened in 2018 is generally used as a day boat in the northern portion of the Southeast Alaska panhandle. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)

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A flat-out pledge to improve ferries

Eliminating dynamic pricing this winter, subdizing alternatives for disruptions part of new program.

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)

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Title IX more than mere sport for UA leaders

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

Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty discusses Juneau’s tourism this summer during a meet-and-greet aboard the Serenade of the Seas cruise ship. He said ships in most ports are at 100% “load factor” this summer after dropping to zero at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but in Alaska sailings are about 70% full as the end of the season nears. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

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Cruise CEO cherishes post-Covid comeback

New Royal Caribbean leader hosts meet-and-greet with Juneau tourism leaders as end of season nears

Sean Parnell, a former Alaska governor and current chancellor at the University of Alaska Anchorage, discusses partnerships with local schools and other community groups during the University of Alaska’s Board of Regents meeting Thursday at the University of Alaska Southeast. In the background employees with the faculty’s union hold up signs protesting a stalemate in contract negotiations that has lasted more than a year. The two-day meeting continuing Friday is the board’s first in Juneau since 2018. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

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‘Excitement’ and challenges factor into UA board meeting

Board members hear about revitalized students, demoralized staff at first Juneau meeting since 2018

In this October 2018 photo, author John Straley prepares to sign a book for author Heather Lende after the Alaska Literary Festival at the Father Andrew P. Kashevaroff Building in Juneau. They were both speakers at the event. Straley is a former Alaska State Writer Laureate, while Lende is the current State Writer Laureate. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

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Starting a new chapter: Author talks forthcoming book, impending move

“I don’t think I’ll ever find a group of communities that interest me as much as Alaska.”

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)

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Complaint: Dunleavy illegally using state employees for campaign

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

U.S. Forest Service staff discuss in August a wildlife opening cut to improve lighting for a surface plant development in the Maybeso Experimental Area on Prince of Wales Island as part of a regeneration project following large-scale industrial harvesting occurring since the 1950s. U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Tuesday announced $12.4 million in grants for natural resource sustainability and development projects in Southeast Alaska communities. (Jessica Davila / U.S. Forest Service)

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$12.4M awarded for Southeast natural resource sustainability projects

Funds are final portion of $25M in federal funds via new process working with local programs.

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. She will again compete against the two Republicans she defeated, Sarah Palin and Nick Begich III, along with Libertarian Chris Bye in the November general election. (Screenshot from AdImpact video)

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Peltola to be sworn in Sept. 13

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

Trash, debris and abandoned belongings are strewn among occupied tents at the Mill Campground on the mountainside across from the cargo ship terminal in downtown Juneau on Monday. The campsite has been at or beyond full capacity through the summer, as have other facilities for the homeless, due to various problems including skyrocketing housing costs and lack of vacancies even for people able to pay at least some rent. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

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A saturated summer for homeless campsite

Mill Campground at or past capacity this year, but occupants and staff say communal spirit persists

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. (Courtesy Photo / U.S. Forest Service)

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Sustainable seafood project wins $49M grant

Alaska Mariculture Cluster hopes Build Back Better funds creates $100M annual industry, 1,500 jobs

Mary Peltola celebrates her win in the special election for Alaska’s lone U.S. House seat at her campaign office in Anchorage as results are announced Wednesday night. She will be the first Democrat to serve in that seat in 50 years if the results are certified, which is expected to occur Friday. (Marc Lester / Anchorage Daily News)

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Peltola steps into spotlight of national political stage

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

Postcards promoting a new podcast about the Star of Bengal hang on a Juneau refrigerator. (Ben Hohenstatt / Capital City Weekly)

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Tale of historic Wrangell shipwreck surfaces in podcast

1908 sinking of Star of Bengal, which killed 111, is narrated by locals in 5-part series.

A paranormal filing cabinet plays a key role in the surrealistic office caper “All Sorts,” which is scheduled to screen at the Gold Town Theater at 7 p.m. Sept. 8. (Vibrant Penguin publicity photo)

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‘All Sorts’ a film for those feeling out of sorts

Microbudget movie about a surreal commune of cubical drones screens at Gold Town Theater on Sept. 8

Democratic U.S. House Candidate Mary Peltola hugs a supporter during a campaign event in Juneau. After ranked choice voting tabulation, Peltola won the special election to fill Alaska’s lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Peltola is the first Alaska Native to be elected to U.S. Congress. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

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Peltola makes history

Democrat set to become first Alaska Native elected to Congress in ranked choice win.

Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File In an open letter, a spokesperson for Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s reelection campain questioned an Anchorage Daily News reporter’s coverage of matters related to the governor in light of a reporter’s marriage to City and Borough of Juneau Assembly member Carole Triem, who has been a vocal supporter of candidate Les Gara.

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Dunleavy campaign: Marriage of ADN reporter, Juneau Assembly member a ‘conflict’

Letter from Dunleavy spokesperson questions Carole Triem’s husband’s ability to cover campaign fairly.

Members of United Academics - American Association of University Professors/American Federation of Teachers Local 4996 gathered on the steps of the Alaska State Capitol on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, to call on University of Alaska officials to agree to a negotiated contract. Monday, an Unfair Labor Practice complaint has been filed by a representative of the University of Alaska’s faculty union against the university’s administration. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

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UA staff union files unfair labor practice complaint

University administration accused of bad faith during year-long negotiations

Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire 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.

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Commissioners of new departments say transition has been smooth

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

The MV Tazlina is docked at the Auke Bay ferry terminal in this Nov. 15, 2021, photo. The Alaska Marine Highway System ferry is expected to provide service from early January through February, according to the Alaska Department of Public Transportation and Public Facilities. Updates on some aspects of winter operations from October until next April were provided by top ferry and state transportation officials during an Alaska Marine Highway Operations Board meeting Friday. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

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Chilly reception for proposed winter ferry schedule

Fears about no or little service for critical needs expressed from Southeast to Southwest Alaska