Peter Segall

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Speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak, and House Minority Leader Cathy Tilton, R-Wasilla, step outside the House chambers on Monday, Oct. 4, 2021, to discuss a message from the Senate. Lawmakers entered their fourth special session Monday, with a resolution to hold committee meetings remotely. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

4th special session gets off to a slow start

Lawmakers discuss making legislative work remote

Speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak, and House Minority Leader Cathy Tilton, R-Wasilla, step outside the House chambers on Monday, Oct. 4, 2021, to discuss a message from the Senate. Lawmakers entered their fourth special session Monday, with a resolution to hold committee meetings remotely. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
Courtesy photo / Paxson Woelber, The Alaska Landmine Christine Hill sits in the Municipality of Anchorage Assembly’s chambers on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021, wearing a yellow Star of David reading “do not consent” to protest the implementation of masking requirements in public places meant to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Jewish groups say Holocaust comparisons a worrisome trend

Anchorage protest most recent, high-profile example.

Courtesy photo / Paxson Woelber, The Alaska Landmine Christine Hill sits in the Municipality of Anchorage Assembly’s chambers on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021, wearing a yellow Star of David reading “do not consent” to protest the implementation of masking requirements in public places meant to curb the spread of COVID-19.
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Gov names new commissioner of Department of Administration

Cabinet changes.

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Chief Justice of the Alaska Supreme Court Daniel Winfree spoke with the Empire about Alaska's court system and its judicial selection process. Winfree is the first Chief Justice to be born in Alaska and spent 25 years in private practice before joining the court. (Courtesy photo/ Alaska Court System)

Chief Justice: Cases decided on merit, not politics

Merit-based system.

Chief Justice of the Alaska Supreme Court Daniel Winfree spoke with the Empire about Alaska's court system and its judicial selection process. Winfree is the first Chief Justice to be born in Alaska and spent 25 years in private practice before joining the court. (Courtesy photo/ Alaska Court System)
Les Gara, who represented Anchorage in the Alaska House of Representatives from 2003-2018, is running as a Democrat to unseat Gov. Mike Dunleavy in the 2022 general election. He told the Empire in an interview he wanted to ensure oppportunities were available in Alaska in the future. (Courtesy photo / Les Gara)

Looking to unseat Dunleavy, Les Gara says Alaska doesn’t need austerity

Former Anchorage House rep running for governor is coming to Juneau.

Les Gara, who represented Anchorage in the Alaska House of Representatives from 2003-2018, is running as a Democrat to unseat Gov. Mike Dunleavy in the 2022 general election. He told the Empire in an interview he wanted to ensure oppportunities were available in Alaska in the future. (Courtesy photo / Les Gara)
Alaskans with GCI Communications email accounts reported having trouble signing up for a free credit monitor service being offered by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, their Juneau offices seen here in this Jan. 13, 2021, file photo, in the wake of a data breach. GCI said Tuesday the issue should be resolved soon. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)

GCI working to fix issues registering for credit monitoring offered by state

Some email accounts had trouble signing up for free post-data breach service.

Alaskans with GCI Communications email accounts reported having trouble signing up for a free credit monitor service being offered by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, their Juneau offices seen here in this Jan. 13, 2021, file photo, in the wake of a data breach. GCI said Tuesday the issue should be resolved soon. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)
This screenshot of the Department of Health and Social Services COVID-19 cases dashboard shows the alert level in communities in Southeast Alaska. Red areas are at a high alert level and based on more than 100 cases per 100,000 people over a seven-day period. Yellow areas are at a moderate risk level based on 10-50 cases per 100,000 people over a week. Blue areas are at a low level based on 10 or fewer cases per 100,000. (Screenshot)

Some Southeast communities see COVID cases rise

Mitigation in place.

This screenshot of the Department of Health and Social Services COVID-19 cases dashboard shows the alert level in communities in Southeast Alaska. Red areas are at a high alert level and based on more than 100 cases per 100,000 people over a seven-day period. Yellow areas are at a moderate risk level based on 10-50 cases per 100,000 people over a week. Blue areas are at a low level based on 10 or fewer cases per 100,000. (Screenshot)
Lawmakers will return to the Alaska State Capitol, seen here on Sept. 24, for a fourth special session. Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s office confirmed the start date of the next session will be changed from a Friday to a Monday. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Next special session to begin Monday, not Friday

Fourth special session.

Lawmakers will return to the Alaska State Capitol, seen here on Sept. 24, for a fourth special session. Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s office confirmed the start date of the next session will be changed from a Friday to a Monday. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
The doors of the Alaska State Capitol were open Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, though the Alaska State Legislature was not in session. They will be soon, however, as Gov. Mike Dunleavy has called a fourth special session of the year. Lawmakers receive a per diem for days in session, and with so many special sessions those costs can add up. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Per diem for special sessions? It’s up to lawmakers

They have options.

The doors of the Alaska State Capitol were open Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, though the Alaska State Legislature was not in session. They will be soon, however, as Gov. Mike Dunleavy has called a fourth special session of the year. Lawmakers receive a per diem for days in session, and with so many special sessions those costs can add up. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
State health officials announced record numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths Friday, but said the high numbers were the result of a data reporting backlog and needed context. Despite the anamolies in the reporting, health officials emphasized COVID-19 was stressing the states health care systems and urgerd Alaskans to get vaccines, like these laid out during a mass-inoculation clinic in Juneau on Mar. 13, 2021. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire file)

Health department: Data backlog drives high numbers for cases, deaths

Zink: ‘Get vaccinated.’

State health officials announced record numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths Friday, but said the high numbers were the result of a data reporting backlog and needed context. Despite the anamolies in the reporting, health officials emphasized COVID-19 was stressing the states health care systems and urgerd Alaskans to get vaccines, like these laid out during a mass-inoculation clinic in Juneau on Mar. 13, 2021. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire file)
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, introduced legislation to permanently exempt large ships from the Passenger Vessel Services Act, which threatened Alaska's cruise ship season this year. The PVSA puts regulations on large cruise ship vessels, like this one entering the Gastineau Channel on Aug. 22, which are critical to the local tourism industry. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Murkowski enters bill to exempt Alaska from Passenger Vessel Services Act

Legislation would let ships travel to Alaska without stopping in Canada.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, introduced legislation to permanently exempt large ships from the Passenger Vessel Services Act, which threatened Alaska's cruise ship season this year. The PVSA puts regulations on large cruise ship vessels, like this one entering the Gastineau Channel on Aug. 22, which are critical to the local tourism industry. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking public comment until Oct. 18, to generate ideas for investment opportunities for the Biden administration’s Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy which hopes to build upon partnerships with regional entities. The USDA Forest Service has previously worked with regional organizations to promote regional development, such as this May, 2021 stream restoration project near Craig, done in partnership with the Southeast Alaska Watershed Coalition and many others. (Courtesy photo / Ian Johnson via U.S. Forest Service)

US Forest Service seeks public comment for regional investment ideas

Door’s wide open.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking public comment until Oct. 18, to generate ideas for investment opportunities for the Biden administration’s Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy which hopes to build upon partnerships with regional entities. The USDA Forest Service has previously worked with regional organizations to promote regional development, such as this May, 2021 stream restoration project near Craig, done in partnership with the Southeast Alaska Watershed Coalition and many others. (Courtesy photo / Ian Johnson via U.S. Forest Service)
From left to right: Jackie Manning, curator of exhibits for the Alaska State Library, Archives and Museum; Aaron Elmore, exhibit designer, and Ellen Carrlee, conservator for the museum unpack an ancient raven's tail robe on loan from the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada. This robe is one of only about a dozen older robes in existence, according to SLAM collections curator Steven Kenrikson, and will only be on display at SLAM until next month. (Courtesy Photo/ Chelsea Kilgore, Alaska State Library Archives and Museum)
Capital City Weekly

Book celebrates historic Ravenstail robe exhibit at state museum

Robes ancient and new are leaving Oct. 9

From left to right: Jackie Manning, curator of exhibits for the Alaska State Library, Archives and Museum; Aaron Elmore, exhibit designer, and Ellen Carrlee, conservator for the museum unpack an ancient raven's tail robe on loan from the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada. This robe is one of only about a dozen older robes in existence, according to SLAM collections curator Steven Kenrikson, and will only be on display at SLAM until next month. (Courtesy Photo/ Chelsea Kilgore, Alaska State Library Archives and Museum)
Health officials encouraged Juneau residents to be vigilant about COVID-19 mitigation and to get tested if they feel symptoms or have been exposed to the virus. The city has several testing cites open to the public including at Juneau International Airport, shown in this October 2020 photo, where emergency worker Melanie Chavez takes a COVID-19 test sample. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)

Continued COVID caseload putting pressure on Juneau’s health care, officials say

Pandemic fatigue.

Health officials encouraged Juneau residents to be vigilant about COVID-19 mitigation and to get tested if they feel symptoms or have been exposed to the virus. The city has several testing cites open to the public including at Juneau International Airport, shown in this October 2020 photo, where emergency worker Melanie Chavez takes a COVID-19 test sample. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)
A proposal from the Alaska Redistricting Board would substantially change Juneau's legislative districts. One of the latest proposals, seen here, would put parts of Auke Bay and the Mendenhall Valley in the same district as downtown Juneau and Douglas Island. The Northern Lynn Canal communities of Haines, Skagway and Kluckwan would be placed in the same district as the Mendenhall Valley. (Courtesy image / Alaska Redistricting Board)

Hitting the road: Redistricting maps to be shown in local hearings

Redistricting roadshow.

A proposal from the Alaska Redistricting Board would substantially change Juneau's legislative districts. One of the latest proposals, seen here, would put parts of Auke Bay and the Mendenhall Valley in the same district as downtown Juneau and Douglas Island. The Northern Lynn Canal communities of Haines, Skagway and Kluckwan would be placed in the same district as the Mendenhall Valley. (Courtesy image / Alaska Redistricting Board)
Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Adam Crum address the House Finance Committee on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020. Crum on Thursday discussed a cyber attack that had compromised Alaskans' information. Crum said because of an ongoing criminal investigation the entity responsible for the attack and the exact information compromised could not be revealed. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

State offers free credit monitoring following data breach

Beginning Sept. 27.

Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Adam Crum address the House Finance Committee on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020. Crum on Thursday discussed a cyber attack that had compromised Alaskans' information. Crum said because of an ongoing criminal investigation the entity responsible for the attack and the exact information compromised could not be revealed. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
A moose was spotted swimming off Lena Point Friday morning. A rare sighting in Juneau, residents quickly posted pictures of the animal to social media. (Courtesy photo / Jo Ann Forst)

Moose spotted off Lena Point, delighting residents

Wild moose chase.

A moose was spotted swimming off Lena Point Friday morning. A rare sighting in Juneau, residents quickly posted pictures of the animal to social media. (Courtesy photo / Jo Ann Forst)
From left to right: Miakah Nix, Daniel Ashenfelter, Shawn Merry and Conrad Revey, members of the Keex’ Kwaan Community Forest Partnership, one of the many existing programs set to benefit from the trust. The Keex’Kwaan Community Forest Partnership is a one of Sustainable Southeast Partnership’s collaborative land management programs. Programs work with private, state, and federal land managers. (Courtesy Photo / Bethany Sonsini Goodrich)

New fund established for Indigenous-led development

Funding into the future.

From left to right: Miakah Nix, Daniel Ashenfelter, Shawn Merry and Conrad Revey, members of the Keex’ Kwaan Community Forest Partnership, one of the many existing programs set to benefit from the trust. The Keex’Kwaan Community Forest Partnership is a one of Sustainable Southeast Partnership’s collaborative land management programs. Programs work with private, state, and federal land managers. (Courtesy Photo / Bethany Sonsini Goodrich)
Alaskans pick up and turn in Permanent Fund Dividend applications at the Department of Revenue office in the State Office Building in March 2011. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Dividend payments expected in 30 days

The bill passed, when do you get a check or deposit?

Alaskans pick up and turn in Permanent Fund Dividend applications at the Department of Revenue office in the State Office Building in March 2011. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Senators converse during an At Ease in a floor session of the Alaska State Senate on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021. Senators passed a budget bill with a Permanent Fund Dividend of $1,100, but there’s disagreement over the fund sources that may lead to legal action. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Senate passes budget bill, $1,100 PFD hours before deadline

Next stop: The governor’s desk.

Senators converse during an At Ease in a floor session of the Alaska State Senate on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021. Senators passed a budget bill with a Permanent Fund Dividend of $1,100, but there’s disagreement over the fund sources that may lead to legal action. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)