Mark Sabbatini

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Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, tells reporters why the bill for next year’s budget was held over Tuesday until the final day of the session on Wednesday. The Senate floor session is scheduled to start at 11 a.m., giving the Senate and House 13 hours to resolve their differences before the 121-day session deadline. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Senate stalls budget for suspenseful final day

Legislature will have 13 hours to solve differences over PFD, other issues to avoid special session

Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, tells reporters why the bill for next year’s budget was held over Tuesday until the final day of the session on Wednesday. The Senate floor session is scheduled to start at 11 a.m., giving the Senate and House 13 hours to resolve their differences before the 121-day session deadline. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
State Sen. Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau, speaks in opposition Tuesday to a bill prohibiting state and municipal officials from closing firearms businesses during declared emergencies if other essential businesses remain open. The Senate voted 17-3 to pass the bill, which sets the stage for it to pass the full Legislature before the session adjourns Wednesday as part of a package agreement on various bills. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Ban on gun store shutdowns during disasters passes Senate

Kiehl among dissenters in 17-3 vote; proposal may be part of final negotiations with Housde

State Sen. Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau, speaks in opposition Tuesday to a bill prohibiting state and municipal officials from closing firearms businesses during declared emergencies if other essential businesses remain open. The Senate voted 17-3 to pass the bill, which sets the stage for it to pass the full Legislature before the session adjourns Wednesday as part of a package agreement on various bills. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
State Sen. Shelly Hughes, R-Palmer, talks with Sen. Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau, right, following the Senate’s unanimous passage of carbon credits bill Monday. Hughes and Se. Mike Shower, center, voted for the bill despite voicing strong concerns about some of its provisions. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Carbon credits bill unanimously passes Senate, House quickly takes it up

Legislature seeks to OK priority bill for Dunleavy as part of package to adjourn session in time

State Sen. Shelly Hughes, R-Palmer, talks with Sen. Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau, right, following the Senate’s unanimous passage of carbon credits bill Monday. Hughes and Se. Mike Shower, center, voted for the bill despite voicing strong concerns about some of its provisions. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
State Senate leaders depart the House Speaker’s office following a long meeting between members of both chambers Saturday afternoon that failed to resolve budget differences with only four days left until the scheduled adjournment of the legislative session. Leaders with both chambers have said there’s a strong likelihood of a special session, but a breakthrough on some key items late Monday may allow legislators to finish in time on Wednesday if they work at a whirlwind pace. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

‘It’s the weirdest session I’ve ever seen’: Odds for special session fluctuating drastically

Accusations by House and Senate leaders lead to late pacts as Legislature tries to adjourn on time

State Senate leaders depart the House Speaker’s office following a long meeting between members of both chambers Saturday afternoon that failed to resolve budget differences with only four days left until the scheduled adjournment of the legislative session. Leaders with both chambers have said there’s a strong likelihood of a special session, but a breakthrough on some key items late Monday may allow legislators to finish in time on Wednesday if they work at a whirlwind pace. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
State House Speaker Cathy Tilton, R-Wasilla, left, offers her opinion during a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting Sunday about changes the committee made to a bill she’s sponsoring that would prevent state and municipal officials from closing stores that sell firearms during disaster declarations. The committee, which watered down some aspects of the original version, advanced the bill to a potential floor vote after a 50-minute hearing that featured heated public testimony both for and against the proposal. At right, state Sen. Matt Claman, D-Anchorage, presiding over the meeting as chair of the committee, denied the sudden hearing scheduled with less than a day’s notice is related to efforts to advance a bill of his that’s stalled in a House committee. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Gun legislation gets short-notice hearing on Mother’s Day

Senate holds expedited meeting to advance House Speaker’s bill lessening disaster restrictions.

State House Speaker Cathy Tilton, R-Wasilla, left, offers her opinion during a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting Sunday about changes the committee made to a bill she’s sponsoring that would prevent state and municipal officials from closing stores that sell firearms during disaster declarations. The committee, which watered down some aspects of the original version, advanced the bill to a potential floor vote after a 50-minute hearing that featured heated public testimony both for and against the proposal. At right, state Sen. Matt Claman, D-Anchorage, presiding over the meeting as chair of the committee, denied the sudden hearing scheduled with less than a day’s notice is related to efforts to advance a bill of his that’s stalled in a House committee. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
A marijuana plant is displayed in a cannabis shop. (Jeff Chiu/AP)

House OKs making some marijuana convictions private

Bill expanding court’s decision to limit public web access for minor offenses passes 36-4.

A marijuana plant is displayed in a cannabis shop. (Jeff Chiu/AP)
Rep. Sarah Vance, R-Homer, center, House Majority Leader Dan Saddler, R-Eagle River, right, and House Rules Chair Craig Johnson, R-Anchorage, talk to Rep. Jesse Sumner, R-Wasilla, about his request to have a bill discharged from the House Judiciary Committee chaired by Vance. The request was the second for a bill during Friday’s floor session, based on the belief Vance would not allow the bills to advance beyond her committee, following a floor vote when a bill she sponsored related to boycotts involving Israel failed by a 20-20 vote. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Tie vote on Israel discrimination bill sets off fury in House

Ban on public agencies contracting with companies boycotting Israel fails, may get revote Saturday.

Rep. Sarah Vance, R-Homer, center, House Majority Leader Dan Saddler, R-Eagle River, right, and House Rules Chair Craig Johnson, R-Anchorage, talk to Rep. Jesse Sumner, R-Wasilla, about his request to have a bill discharged from the House Judiciary Committee chaired by Vance. The request was the second for a bill during Friday’s floor session, based on the belief Vance would not allow the bills to advance beyond her committee, following a floor vote when a bill she sponsored related to boycotts involving Israel failed by a 20-20 vote. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire State Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, Senate Rules Chair Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage, and Senate Finance Committee Co-chair Bert Stedman, R-Sitka, discuss late-session budget negotiations with the House during a press conference late Thursday afternoon.

Legislature running out of time as big budget differences persist

“I’m not real optimistic that we can get something done by 121 days,” House Speaker says

Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire State Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, Senate Rules Chair Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage, and Senate Finance Committee Co-chair Bert Stedman, R-Sitka, discuss late-session budget negotiations with the House during a press conference late Thursday afternoon.
The Mendenhall Glacier, Photo Point and Nugget Falls are seen under cloudy skies Friday morning. The trails and recreation area around these heavily visited destinations are poised to change following the release of a final environmental impact statement. The U.S. Forest Service’s preferred alternative would nearly double the recreation area’s capacity in anticipation of demand over the next 30 years. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Plan for Mendenhall Glacier area ditches motorboats

Forest Service’s preferred alternative outlined in new report.

The Mendenhall Glacier, Photo Point and Nugget Falls are seen under cloudy skies Friday morning. The trails and recreation area around these heavily visited destinations are poised to change following the release of a final environmental impact statement. The U.S. Forest Service’s preferred alternative would nearly double the recreation area’s capacity in anticipation of demand over the next 30 years. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
State House members with wide-ranging views on a so-called “fentanyl bill,” including both of Juneau’s representatives, discuss proposed amendments during Wednesday’s floor session. Standing from left to right are Sarah Vance, R-Homer, Sara Hannan, D-Juneau, David Eastman, R-Wasilla, Andi Story, D-Juneau, and Alyse Galvin, D-Anchorage. The bill passed by a 35-5 vote Thursday, with Story voting in favor and Hannan against.

‘Fentanyl bill’ passes House

Some drug offenders causing death can be charged withg murder under governor’s proposal.

State House members with wide-ranging views on a so-called “fentanyl bill,” including both of Juneau’s representatives, discuss proposed amendments during Wednesday’s floor session. Standing from left to right are Sarah Vance, R-Homer, Sara Hannan, D-Juneau, David Eastman, R-Wasilla, Andi Story, D-Juneau, and Alyse Galvin, D-Anchorage. The bill passed by a 35-5 vote Thursday, with Story voting in favor and Hannan against.
A joint session of the Alaska Legislature on Tuesday votes 29-31 to reject Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s nomination of Bethany Marcum to the University of Alaska’s Board of Regents. She was the only nominee among dozens not to be confirmed. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Legislature rejects Marcum for UA Regents

Impassioned speeches made ahead of 29-31 vote.

A joint session of the Alaska Legislature on Tuesday votes 29-31 to reject Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s nomination of Bethany Marcum to the University of Alaska’s Board of Regents. She was the only nominee among dozens not to be confirmed. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
State House Speaker Cathy Tilton, R-Wasilla, and House Rules Committee Chair Craig Johnson, R-Anchorage, talk to reporters in the speaker’s office Friday afternoon about the House’s priorities during the last 13 days of this year’s scheduled legislative session. Both legislators said a cap on spending is a priority of the Republican-led House majority as the budget for next year and the size of this year’s Permanent Fund dividend remain the biggest unresolved issues. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

House Speaker declares spending cap a priority

Budget-cutting measure has ties to Senate’s plan to reduce PFDs — but it’s not a trade-off, leaders say

State House Speaker Cathy Tilton, R-Wasilla, and House Rules Committee Chair Craig Johnson, R-Anchorage, talk to reporters in the speaker’s office Friday afternoon about the House’s priorities during the last 13 days of this year’s scheduled legislative session. Both legislators said a cap on spending is a priority of the Republican-led House majority as the budget for next year and the size of this year’s Permanent Fund dividend remain the biggest unresolved issues. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
State Sen. Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau, explains the details of his bill banning PFAS chemicals for most firefighting during the Senate floor session on Monday. The bill passed unanimously and now goes to the House for consideration. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Kiehl’s ‘no new spills’ PFAS bill passes Senate

Unanimous vote comes after years of effort by Juneau lawmaker to limit harm of “forever chemicals”

State Sen. Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau, explains the details of his bill banning PFAS chemicals for most firefighting during the Senate floor session on Monday. The bill passed unanimously and now goes to the House for consideration. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Bethany Marcum, executive director of the Alaska Policy Forum, responds to questions from the Senate Education Committee on March 14 about her nomination to the University of Alaska’s Board of Regents. Her organization’s conservative policies, including backing a budget by Gov. Mike Dunleavy that proposed a 40% cut to the university system, made her one of the most controversial nominees who will be considered during a joint session of the Legislature on Tuesday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Lawmakers raise questions ahead of joint Legislative confirmation session

UA Regents nominee among those expected to face opposition in Tuesday’s votes.

Bethany Marcum, executive director of the Alaska Policy Forum, responds to questions from the Senate Education Committee on March 14 about her nomination to the University of Alaska’s Board of Regents. Her organization’s conservative policies, including backing a budget by Gov. Mike Dunleavy that proposed a 40% cut to the university system, made her one of the most controversial nominees who will be considered during a joint session of the Legislature on Tuesday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Julia Keefe, left, guides her Indigenous Big Band through a performance at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall to open this spring’s Juneau Jazz & Classics festival on Friday night. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Music for the missing woman in red

Indigenous Big Band pays tribute to national day of remembrance in JJ&C’s opening concert

Julia Keefe, left, guides her Indigenous Big Band through a performance at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall to open this spring’s Juneau Jazz & Classics festival on Friday night. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire State Rep. Andi Story, D-Juneau, explains during Wednesday’s floor session how a bill she is sponsoring will add to the number of Alaska Native languages officially recognized by the state and expand the role of a Native language preservation council.

Alaska Native language expansion passes House

Bill by Juneau lawmaker adds more officially recognized dialects, expands preservation council’s role

Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire State Rep. Andi Story, D-Juneau, explains during Wednesday’s floor session how a bill she is sponsoring will add to the number of Alaska Native languages officially recognized by the state and expand the role of a Native language preservation council.
`Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire James and Claudia Criss of Juneau testify Tuesday during a House State Affairs Committee meeting in opposition to a bill that would repeal ranked choice voting and open primaries in Alaska.

Will elections bills get a vote this session?

Repeal of ranked choice voting appears doomed to defeat, far-ranging procedural changes still viable

`Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire James and Claudia Criss of Juneau testify Tuesday during a House State Affairs Committee meeting in opposition to a bill that would repeal ranked choice voting and open primaries in Alaska.
Bears greet each other on Chichagof Island in this picture from the fall of 2022 that won first prize for best feature photo from the Alaska Press Club during its annual awards banquet in April. It was the main photo for a Planet Alaska feature published in the Capital City Weekly in October of 2022. (Photo by Elleana Elliott)

Empire staff and contributors earn 11 Alaska Press Club awards

The Juneau Empire won 11 Alaska Press Club awards at its annual banquet, which took place five days after the newspaper announced a cutback in… Continue reading

Bears greet each other on Chichagof Island in this picture from the fall of 2022 that won first prize for best feature photo from the Alaska Press Club during its annual awards banquet in April. It was the main photo for a Planet Alaska feature published in the Capital City Weekly in October of 2022. (Photo by Elleana Elliott)
Courtesy of the Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band Julia Keefe, a Native American singer who has gained national acclaim performing with a wide range of musicians and settings during the past 15 years, is headlining this spring’s Juneau Jazz Classics festival with concerts by her Indigenous Big Band and a Native jazz quintet.
Capital City Weekly

A huge Indigenous ‘family’ reunion at Jazz Classics

Musicians with tribal roots from Canada to South America converge for Indigenous Big Band concerts

Courtesy of the Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band Julia Keefe, a Native American singer who has gained national acclaim performing with a wide range of musicians and settings during the past 15 years, is headlining this spring’s Juneau Jazz Classics festival with concerts by her Indigenous Big Band and a Native jazz quintet.
State Rep. Mike Cronk, R-Tok, left, confers with Rep. Craig Johnson, during floor debate Wednesday about a bill prohibiting state and local governments from imposing firearms restrictions during disaster declarations. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Ban on gun limits during emergencies passes House

Supporters say it’s about hunting for food during crises, opponents call it reckless and dangerous

State Rep. Mike Cronk, R-Tok, left, confers with Rep. Craig Johnson, during floor debate Wednesday about a bill prohibiting state and local governments from imposing firearms restrictions during disaster declarations. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)