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Andy Jones, Director of the Department of Health and Social Services’ Office of Substance Misuse, right, speak about the fiscal impacts of the opioids on the state along with Michael Duxbury, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, center, and Laura Brooks, Director of Health and Rehabilitation for the Department of Corrections, in front of the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

The opioid crisis costs Alaska more than $1B per year, and it’s going to keep being costly

The cost of an epidemic.

Andy Jones, Director of the Department of Health and Social Services’ Office of Substance Misuse, right, speak about the fiscal impacts of the opioids on the state along with Michael Duxbury, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, center, and Laura Brooks, Director of Health and Rehabilitation for the Department of Corrections, in front of the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Odd museum collection has rhyme and reason

Odd museum collection has rhyme and reason

It’s ekphrastic.

Odd museum collection has rhyme and reason
High school robotics team advances to Worlds competition

High school robotics team advances to Worlds competition

They will be the first team from Southeast Alaska to ever go to the world championship.

High school robotics team advances to Worlds competition
Gray-Jackson hoping Black History Bill passes this month

Gray-Jackson hoping Black History Bill passes this month

Honoring African-American contributions.

Gray-Jackson hoping Black History Bill passes this month
Capitol Live: Economy to take a hit, no matter the budget outcome

Capitol Live: Economy to take a hit, no matter the budget outcome

Live updates from inside the Alaska State Capitol.

Capitol Live: Economy to take a hit, no matter the budget outcome
Here’s a look at what Dunleavy’s four new crime bills would do

Here’s a look at what Dunleavy’s four new crime bills would do

The bills address sex crimes, pretrial processes, parole and prison sentences.

Here’s a look at what Dunleavy’s four new crime bills would do
House Republicans Cathy Tilton, left, David Talerico, center, and Lance Pruitt speak to the press outside the House chambers after Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s State of the State speech on Tuesday. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Gov’s crime message resonates, but Juneau lawmakers hesitant about constitutional amendments

Most everyone agreed on Dunleavy’s take on public safety.

House Republicans Cathy Tilton, left, David Talerico, center, and Lance Pruitt speak to the press outside the House chambers after Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s State of the State speech on Tuesday. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Tall promises, short details: Senate Democrats concerned about budget

Tall promises, short details: Senate Democrats concerned about budget

Lawmakers caution constituents of inevitable budget cuts.

Tall promises, short details: Senate Democrats concerned about budget
School buses drop students off at Thunder Mountain High School on Monday, Sept. 21, 2015. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Gov’s bills includes $20M slash to education

The money was already approved.

School buses drop students off at Thunder Mountain High School on Monday, Sept. 21, 2015. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Sen. Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, introduces Senate Bill 22 to the Senate Resources Committee at the Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. The bill would allow organizations to obtain permits and enhance the habitat of shellfish in hopes of improving the seafood industry. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Shellfish rehabilitation bill carries economic potential

Experts see a bright future in mariculture.

Sen. Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, introduces Senate Bill 22 to the Senate Resources Committee at the Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. The bill would allow organizations to obtain permits and enhance the habitat of shellfish in hopes of improving the seafood industry. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
At town hall, Juneau residents worry about budget cuts

At town hall, Juneau residents worry about budget cuts

Locals crowded into a local library to voice their concerns.

At town hall, Juneau residents worry about budget cuts
Should Alaska privatize prisons? Dems upset over budget director’s ties to industry

Should Alaska privatize prisons? Dems upset over budget director’s ties to industry

Lawmakers are sending a letter to the governor.

Should Alaska privatize prisons? Dems upset over budget director’s ties to industry
Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s Office of Management and Budget Director Donna Arduin presents the governor’s supplemental budget to the Senate Finance Committee at the Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Budget director’s history of cutting with ‘hatchet, not a scalpel’ sparks concern

How much power should the position have?

Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s Office of Management and Budget Director Donna Arduin presents the governor’s supplemental budget to the Senate Finance Committee at the Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Leaderless House on track to break 37-year record

Leaderless House on track to break 37-year record

Given Monday’s drama, organization is unlikely.

  • Feb 8, 2019
  • By Kevin Baird Juneau Empire
Leaderless House on track to break 37-year record
Donna Arduin, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, speaks to House members during an informational meeting at the Capitol on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

House Republicans criticize Dunleavy’s proposed education cut

Some representatives confident education cut won’t happen.

Donna Arduin, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, speaks to House members during an informational meeting at the Capitol on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
The daily struggles of a gearhead

The daily struggles of a gearhead

How to justify purchasing those new waders.

The daily struggles of a gearhead
Photos: Governor’s Arts and Humanities Awards

Photos: Governor’s Arts and Humanities Awards

Highlights from the ceremony.

Photos: Governor’s Arts and Humanities Awards
Capitol Live: Private contractor to take over administration at psych institute

Capitol Live: Private contractor to take over administration at psych institute

Live updates from inside the Alaska Capitol.

Capitol Live: Private contractor to take over administration at psych institute
Dr. Michael Johnson, Commissioner of Education and Early Development, is interviewed by members of the Senate Finance Committee at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019. Gov. Mike Dunleavy has chosen Dr. Johnson as a Lt. Governor successor if needed. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Senate questions Lt. Gov. Meyer’s back-up

Education commissioner tagged as emergency replacement Lt. Gov.

Dr. Michael Johnson, Commissioner of Education and Early Development, is interviewed by members of the Senate Finance Committee at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019. Gov. Mike Dunleavy has chosen Dr. Johnson as a Lt. Governor successor if needed. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
JDHS student is latest performer in piano series
Features

JDHS student is latest performer in piano series

Here’s to you Farley-Robinson.

JDHS student is latest performer in piano series