Visitors to the Alaska Capitol take pictures as members of the House’s Republican minority gather in a hallway to discuss an upcoming vote on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

As key bills advance, here’s an update on the Alaska Legislature’s biggest issues

Still looming is deficit caused by a collision between education spending, PFD and lower oil revenue.

Visitors to the Alaska Capitol take pictures as members of the House’s Republican minority gather in a hallway to discuss an upcoming vote on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health secretary, has spoken often of his and his family’s longstanding commitment to Native Americans. (Eric Lee / The New York Times)

Kennedy’s plan to send health officials to ‘Indian country’ angers Native leaders

Health secretary says he wants to improve Indian Health Service; Native leaders have doubts.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health secretary, has spoken often of his and his family’s longstanding commitment to Native Americans. (Eric Lee / The New York Times)
Protesters spill out into the street beyond the front of the Alaska State Capitol on Saturday as part of anti-Trump demonstrations that took place internationally during the day. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Largest Juneau protest of Trump’s second term joins voices of discontent at events worldwide

Wide range of grievances shared in speeches and songs Saturday at Alaska State Capitol.

Protesters spill out into the street beyond the front of the Alaska State Capitol on Saturday as part of anti-Trump demonstrations that took place internationally during the day. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., is pictured on Thursday, March 14, 2024. (Jennifer Shutt / States Newsroom)

GOP budget would add an ‘unprecedented’ $5.8 trillion to the deficit, analysis finds

WASHINGTON — The nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget released an analysis Friday showing the budget resolution Republicans plan to adopt later this month… Continue reading

The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., is pictured on Thursday, March 14, 2024. (Jennifer Shutt / States Newsroom)
(Juneau Empire file photo)

Aurora forecast through the week of April 6

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute and available online, along with more data, at www.gi.alaska.edu/monitors/aurora-forecast. The listings below will… Continue reading

(Juneau Empire file photo)
The head of the National Archives, which has been described as “the custodian of America’s collective memory,” was fired by President Trump in February. (Jared Soares / For The New York Times)

The White House frames the past by erasing parts of it

Public record being selectively deleted, letting president declare his version of history, archivists say.

The head of the National Archives, which has been described as “the custodian of America’s collective memory,” was fired by President Trump in February. (Jared Soares / For The New York Times)
The Anchorage band Big Chimney Barn Dance performs in the main ballroom of Centennial Hall on Sunday, April 14, 2024, near the end of the 49th Annual Alaska Folk Festival. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

50th Folk Festival looks to continue long traditions, only more so with record performer interest

Weeklong festival will feature long-ago as well as current musicians, all captured for documentary.

The Anchorage band Big Chimney Barn Dance performs in the main ballroom of Centennial Hall on Sunday, April 14, 2024, near the end of the 49th Annual Alaska Folk Festival. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Brad Hogarth, one of four finalists to be the new music director of the Juneau Symphony, guides the ensemble through a rehearsal on Tuesday night at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Juneau Symphony takes guest conductor on road trip for Sitka show before Sunday’s concert at JDHS

Brad Hogarth, a performer and conductor at Sitka holiday shows, auditions to be symphony’s music director.

Brad Hogarth, one of four finalists to be the new music director of the Juneau Symphony, guides the ensemble through a rehearsal on Tuesday night at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Donovan Jackson, 12, of Juneau competes in the one-foot high kick Saturday morning during the 2022 Traditional Games. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire file photo)

Eighth annual Traditional Games kicks off this weekend, expanding Indigenous representation

Native Youth Olympics carry on Indigenous values with athletes reaching for their personal bests.

Donovan Jackson, 12, of Juneau competes in the one-foot high kick Saturday morning during the 2022 Traditional Games. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire file photo)
An oil drilling site in Midland, Texas. (Desiree Rios / For The New York Times)

‘Wait, baby, wait’: Slumping oil prices reflect economic worries

Fears Trump’s tariffs will slash global economic growth — and oil demand — are weighing on the market.

An oil drilling site in Midland, Texas. (Desiree Rios / For The New York Times)
Alaska Native youth dance at Celebration in Juneau on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)

Value of Alaska Native education emphasized by Sealaska Heritage Institute president at US Senate hearing

Rosita Ḵaaháni Worl says federal funds for cultural education vital to Alaska Native students’ success.

Alaska Native youth dance at Celebration in Juneau on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
The House Finance Committee listens to public testimony about next year’s proposed budget on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Alaska State Capitol. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

State budget with $1.9B deficit and ‘full’ $3,800 PFD sent to House floor; expect drastic revisions by Senate

House Finance plan passes after battles among allies as well as opponents; vote on $1,000 PFD fails 7-4.

The House Finance Committee listens to public testimony about next year’s proposed budget on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Alaska State Capitol. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
An Eaglecrest skier cruises downhill in warm temperatures and scant snow on Wednesday. The ski area announced Thursday its last day of the season will be this Sunday. (Eaglecrest Ski Area photo)

Eaglecrest Ski Area to end season a week early on Sunday with concert, but no Slush Cup

Poor conditions much of the season limited operations, officials say rain may wipe out scant snow left.

An Eaglecrest skier cruises downhill in warm temperatures and scant snow on Wednesday. The ski area announced Thursday its last day of the season will be this Sunday. (Eaglecrest Ski Area photo)
NOAA Fisheries Alaska region, hit hard by staffing losses, helps oversee the harvests off Alaska, which produce about half the fish caught in U.S. waters. Here, a trawl net full of pollock — the largest volume fishery off Alaska — comes aboard the Northern Hawk during the summer 2023 harvest. (Photo by Hal Bernton)

Internal memo outlines stark impacts of federal downsizing on Alaska regional fishery agency

Understaffed federal offices supporting fishing regulators cut even further, as NOAA Fisheries works ‘to keep the lights on’

NOAA Fisheries Alaska region, hit hard by staffing losses, helps oversee the harvests off Alaska, which produce about half the fish caught in U.S. waters. Here, a trawl net full of pollock — the largest volume fishery off Alaska — comes aboard the Northern Hawk during the summer 2023 harvest. (Photo by Hal Bernton)
Kids, parents, grandparents and U.S. Forest Service staff perform a vigorous reenactment of the life of a snowflake during a Mendenhall Minis event at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center on Saturday, Feb. 22. 2025. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

Glacier visitor center plans “half time” operations during tourism season due to mass firings

CBJ tourism manager proposes spending $200K in passenger fees to help organizations with staff at glacier.

Kids, parents, grandparents and U.S. Forest Service staff perform a vigorous reenactment of the life of a snowflake during a Mendenhall Minis event at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center on Saturday, Feb. 22. 2025. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Heidi Drygas, executive director of the Alaska State Employees Association, leads a cheer on the steps of the Alaska State Capitol on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire file photo)

State employee salary study misses another deadline, prompting House resolution demanding to see data

Critics say Dunleavy administration is withholding results showing state pay is uncompetitive.

Heidi Drygas, executive director of the Alaska State Employees Association, leads a cheer on the steps of the Alaska State Capitol on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire file photo)
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)

Police calls for Tuesday, April 1, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo))

Police calls for Monday, March 31, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo))
U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, speaks to the Alaska Legislature on Thursday, March 20, 2025. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Murkowski votes to oppose Canada tariffs, Sullivan votes in support

Vote largely symbolic since resolution lacks support in the Republican-controlled U.S. House.

U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, speaks to the Alaska Legislature on Thursday, March 20, 2025. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Rep. Zack Fields, D-Anchorage, speaks in favor of Senate Bill 15 on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in the Alaska House of Representatives. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Alaska Legislature approves bill allowing teenage alcohol servers at restaurants, breweries

The Alaska Legislature has voted to allow teenagers as young as 18 to serve alcohol in the state. On Wednesday, the Alaska House of Representatives… Continue reading

Rep. Zack Fields, D-Anchorage, speaks in favor of Senate Bill 15 on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in the Alaska House of Representatives. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)