News

Charlie Pierce (Courtesy Photo)

Kenai Peninsula Borough paid more than $260K to settle complaints against Pierce

Only one of the settlements has been previously disclosed to the public.

Charlie Pierce (Courtesy Photo)
Alaska Rep. Victor Kohring, R-Wasilla, is led into the Federal Court Room for arraignment in Juneau, Alaska on Friday, May 4, 2007. Kohring, a former Alaska lawmaker who was caught up in a corruption scandal that roiled the state Legislature more than 15 years ago, has died in a vehicle crash. (AP File Photo / Chris Miller)

Former Alaska lawmaker Kohring dies in vehicle crash

Car crash occurred Tuesday evening, according to troopers.

Alaska Rep. Victor Kohring, R-Wasilla, is led into the Federal Court Room for arraignment in Juneau, Alaska on Friday, May 4, 2007. Kohring, a former Alaska lawmaker who was caught up in a corruption scandal that roiled the state Legislature more than 15 years ago, has died in a vehicle crash. (AP File Photo / Chris Miller)
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)
A voter in Juneau fills out their ballot during the Aug. 16 special general and primary elections. Two rural Alaska communities failed to open polling places on Election Day. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire File)

Two rural Alaska communities failed to open polling places on Election Day

Two voting stations in rural Alaska failed to open as scheduled on Alaska’s Aug. 16 election day, leaving local residents with no way to vote… Continue reading

A voter in Juneau fills out their ballot during the Aug. 16 special general and primary elections. Two rural Alaska communities failed to open polling places on Election Day. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire File)
Education Secretary Miguel Cardona listens as President Joe Biden speaks about student loan debt forgiveness in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022, in Washington. The Department of Education recently announced $35 million in grants to support Alaska Native education projects in the state. “I am excited to announce 28 new Alaska Native Education program projects, which will help better meet the needs of Alaska Native students at this critical moment and continue to strengthen the relationship between the Department and Alaska Native Organizations,” said Cardona in a statement. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Feds award $35M to support Alaska Native education projects

The 28 grantees across the state received more than $35 million in federal funds combined

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona listens as President Joe Biden speaks about student loan debt forgiveness in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022, in Washington. The Department of Education recently announced $35 million in grants to support Alaska Native education projects in the state. “I am excited to announce 28 new Alaska Native Education program projects, which will help better meet the needs of Alaska Native students at this critical moment and continue to strengthen the relationship between the Department and Alaska Native Organizations,” said Cardona in a statement. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Alaska LNG Project Manager Brad Chastain presents information about the project during a luncheon at the Kenai Chamber Commerce and Visitor Center on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Murkowski, Sullivan throw support behind Alaska LNG Project

The project would move gas from the North Slope through an 800-mile pipeline to a liquefaction plant in Nikiski

Alaska LNG Project Manager Brad Chastain presents information about the project during a luncheon at the Kenai Chamber Commerce and Visitor Center on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Alaska Department of Revenue Commissioner Lucinda Mahoney (Courtesy Photo / State of Alaska Department of Revenue)

State revenue commissioner resigning

Mahoney’s resignation is effective Sept. 9. She has been in the role since 2020.

Alaska Department of Revenue Commissioner Lucinda Mahoney (Courtesy Photo / State of Alaska Department of Revenue)
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)
Alaska State Troopers Capt. Maurice “Mo” Hughes is seen at a news conference on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022 during a ceremony naming him the first Black leader of the Alaska State Troopers. (Video screenshot)

Alaska State Troopers have 1st Black leader

James Cockrell, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Public Safety, announced the changes to reporters on Wednesday morning.

Alaska State Troopers Capt. Maurice “Mo” Hughes is seen at a news conference on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022 during a ceremony naming him the first Black leader of the Alaska State Troopers. (Video screenshot)
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)
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.
The MV Tustumena sails into Homer after spending the day in Seldovia in 2010. (Homer News File Photo)

Tustumena sailings canceled due to crew shortage

Schedule anticipated to resume on Aug. 27

The MV Tustumena sails into Homer after spending the day in Seldovia in 2010. (Homer News File Photo)
The kennels manager and park ranger Denali National Park and Preserve David Tomeo’s son, Will, runs down a trail while the five puppies chase him. This year marks 100 years since the national park began the program of owning and raising Alaskan Huskies to serve as sled dogs throughout the park — which continues to remain the only sled dog operation in the federal government. (Courtesy / David Tomeo)

Even when it’s not National Dog Day, it’s puppies 24/7 with Denali’s sled dog cam

Sad? Mad? Happy? Puppies are always the answer.

The kennels manager and park ranger Denali National Park and Preserve David Tomeo’s son, Will, runs down a trail while the five puppies chase him. This year marks 100 years since the national park began the program of owning and raising Alaskan Huskies to serve as sled dogs throughout the park — which continues to remain the only sled dog operation in the federal government. (Courtesy / David Tomeo)
A Palmer man was convicted of ten felonies following three home invasions that resulted in two deaths, as well as setting the bodies and detached garage on fire. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Palmer man convicted of murder in string of robberies

The man committed multiple home invasions near Wasilla, targeting houses allegedly involved in drug trafficking.

A Palmer man was convicted of ten felonies following three home invasions that resulted in two deaths, as well as setting the bodies and detached garage on fire. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)