Mark Sabbatini

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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)

$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. 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)
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)
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)

Peltola to be sworn in Sept. 13

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

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)
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)

A saturated summer for homeless campsite

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

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)
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)

Sustainable seafood project wins $49M grant

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

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)
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)

Peltola steps into spotlight of national political stage

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

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)
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)

Peltola makes history

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

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)
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)
Capital City Weekly

‘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

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

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.

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

UA staff union files unfair labor practice complaint

University administration accused of bad faith during year-long negotiations

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)
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.

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.

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.
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 nearly 9% in special House race, pollster calls ranked choice outcome a toss-up

Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File A roll of I voted stickers await voters on Saturday at the Alaska Division of Elections office in Juneau.
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)

Chilly reception for proposed winter ferry schedule

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

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)
Supporters of U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski wait for an opportunity to talk to her at her newly Juneau campaign headquarters Thursday evening at Kootznoowoo Plaza. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Murkowski opens up at Juneau HQ debut

Senator chats with supporters about U.S. vs. Belgium voting, moose chili and Project Veritas

Supporters of U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski wait for an opportunity to talk to her at her newly Juneau campaign headquarters Thursday evening at Kootznoowoo Plaza. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
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.

Commissioners of new departments say transition has been smooth

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

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.
This photo shows the old Glory Hall building on South Franklin Street. Leaders of the longtime homeless shelter and soup kitchen hope that the building will be developed into low-income housing. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)

Another step forward for old Glory Hall housing project

Proposed conversion of downtown shelter to low-income housing to get new consideration in October

This photo shows the old Glory Hall building on South Franklin Street. Leaders of the longtime homeless shelter and soup kitchen hope that the building will be developed into low-income housing. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)
A chart shows statewide non-farm jobs since 2007 which remained relatively stable until the sharp drop caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. While the total has recovered somewhat, employment is still well below pre-pandemic levels and state labor officials said they cannot yet project if and for how long the increase in recovery will continue, (Alaska Department of Labor)

Recent reports show more jobs, less oil revenue

Cruise tourism helps fuel better employment than a year ago, but state coffers may suffer

A chart shows statewide non-farm jobs since 2007 which remained relatively stable until the sharp drop caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. While the total has recovered somewhat, employment is still well below pre-pandemic levels and state labor officials said they cannot yet project if and for how long the increase in recovery will continue, (Alaska Department of Labor)
Tara Sweeney, a Republican seeking the sole U.S. House seat in Alaska, speaks during a forum for candidates, May 12, 2022, in Anchorage, Alaska. Sweeney said Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022, she plans to end her campaign, saying she does not see a path to victory or to raise the money needed to be successful in the November general election. (AP Photo / Mark Thiessen)

Little change in election results as Sweeney drops out

Updated count shows Sarah Palin solidifying chances of ultimately prevailing in U.S. House race

Tara Sweeney, a Republican seeking the sole U.S. House seat in Alaska, speaks during a forum for candidates, May 12, 2022, in Anchorage, Alaska. Sweeney said Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022, she plans to end her campaign, saying she does not see a path to victory or to raise the money needed to be successful in the November general election. (AP Photo / Mark Thiessen)
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. After an agreement failed to materialize Monday, negotiations are ongoing. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

University contract impasse continues as classes near

Union and administration schedule talks through September after negotiations fall short Monday

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. After an agreement failed to materialize Monday, negotiations are ongoing. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
A forecast for Alaska’s U.S. Senate race by FiveThirtyEight, long considered the gold standard in prediction punditry, following Tuesday’s primary is wildly at odds with virtually all polls and conventional wisdom by showing Republican challenger Kelly Tshibaka is the dominant favorite to win in November’s general election. Most analysts expect incumbent Sen. Lisa Murkowski to be reelected under the new ranked choice voting system due to support from Democrats and Independents. Murkowski also defied some predictions by getting the most Republican votes in the primary, although that may have been because the leading Democratic candidate got considerably fewer votes than expected. (Screenshot from FiveThirtyEight)

Odds and unends from a primarily special campaign

Bits of weirdness from a uniquely mystifying election week.

A forecast for Alaska’s U.S. Senate race by FiveThirtyEight, long considered the gold standard in prediction punditry, following Tuesday’s primary is wildly at odds with virtually all polls and conventional wisdom by showing Republican challenger Kelly Tshibaka is the dominant favorite to win in November’s general election. Most analysts expect incumbent Sen. Lisa Murkowski to be reelected under the new ranked choice voting system due to support from Democrats and Independents. Murkowski also defied some predictions by getting the most Republican votes in the primary, although that may have been because the leading Democratic candidate got considerably fewer votes than expected. (Screenshot from FiveThirtyEight)