News

Monday recap: Legislature tells state to see missing eyes

The Alaska House has voted to require Alaska businesses to report when an employee loses an eye or a limb on the job.Senate Bill 148,… Continue reading

Alaska leaders try to agree on budget plan; oil prices hurt

JUNEAU — The collapse in oil prices has left oil-reliant Alaska with a multibillion-dollar budget deficit and few palatable options for digging its way out.With… Continue reading

Analysis: 28 water systems in Alaska exceed EPA lead limit

ANCHORAGE — The only school in one of Alaska’s most eroded communities is among 28 public and private entities in the state whose water systems… Continue reading

In this Feb. 10 photo ukulele instructor Kathy Paulson, right, shows Sally Potter a chord fingering at the public library in Ketchikan.

Southeast Strummers bring tropical flare to Alaska

KETCHIKAN — When walking through the Ketchikan Public Library or down a hall of the University of Alaska Southeast Ketchikan Campus’ Robertson Building or even… Continue reading

In this Feb. 10 photo ukulele instructor Kathy Paulson, right, shows Sally Potter a chord fingering at the public library in Ketchikan.

Man falls through Chena River ice

FAIRBANKS — Police are asking for information after a man was last seen falling through the Chena River ice.The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reported the man… Continue reading

Shop owner: Low demand for Bethel’s first beers in 40 years

BETHEL — A pizza shop in Bethel has sold the first beer in the city in 40 years, but business was slow.Fili’s Pizza is the… Continue reading

Taquan Air buys Ketchikan-based Promech Air

KETCHIKAN — Two of Ketchikan’s regional airlines have combined, with Taquan Air purchasing Promech Air’s Alaska operations.The Ketchikan Daily News reported that Taquan will take… Continue reading

US rig count drops 7 this week to 443, another all-time low

HOUSTON — The number of rigs exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. dropped by seven this week to 443, another all-time low… Continue reading

FBI announces special agent in charge of Anchorage division

ANCHORAGE — The Anchorage division of the FBI has a new special agent in charge.FBI Director James Comey announced Thursday that Marlin Ritzman will take… Continue reading

Saturday recap: House votes to put lawmakers on gasline board

The House has approved a Senate bill that will appoint three members of the Alaska Legislature to nonvoting seats on the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation… Continue reading

Frustrated Democrats make futile stands on House, Senate floor

Democrats frustrated at the Republican-led House and Senate majorities’ pursuit of a lawsuit against Gov. Bill Walker for authorizing Medicaid expansion attempted Friday to de-fund… Continue reading

In this Friday, March 25, 2016 photo, Legislative aid David Russell-Jensen, of Juneau, escorts Tlingit elder Selina Everson out of a floor session after she gave the traditional invocation, in Juneau, Alaska. Everson, a former Capitol employee, said she is happy to see legislators carrying on a "Kuspuk Friday" tradition where they wear the traditional Alaska Native garment at work for the day. While Alaska Native lawmakers started the tradition, it has since crossed racial and ethnic boundaries to be embraced by legislators who have found diverse ways to incorporate their own ideas into the garment. (AP Photo/Rashah McChesney)

Lawmakers don Native garments to honor culture

JUNEAU — Every Friday during the Alaska legislative session, a growing group of state lawmakers trades suit coats and sweater sets for a loose-fitting traditional… Continue reading

In this Friday, March 25, 2016 photo, Legislative aid David Russell-Jensen, of Juneau, escorts Tlingit elder Selina Everson out of a floor session after she gave the traditional invocation, in Juneau, Alaska. Everson, a former Capitol employee, said she is happy to see legislators carrying on a "Kuspuk Friday" tradition where they wear the traditional Alaska Native garment at work for the day. While Alaska Native lawmakers started the tradition, it has since crossed racial and ethnic boundaries to be embraced by legislators who have found diverse ways to incorporate their own ideas into the garment. (AP Photo/Rashah McChesney)

Woman dies of injuries suffered in Fairbanks dirt bike crash

FAIRBANKS — A Fairbanks woman involved in a crash on a stolen dirt bike has died.Fairbanks police say Lakeisha Nollner-Albert died Thursday from injuries suffered… Continue reading

Assistant Attorney General Margaret Paton-Walsh and Attorney Mark Choate speak after oral arguments in front of Juneau Superior Court Judge Louis Menendez, background, on the Alaska Democratic Party lawsuit against the state of Alaska regarding whether independents can appear on the primary ballot under the Democratic label. Attorney Jon Choate, Mark Choate's son and law firm partner, presented on behalf of the Alaska Democratic Party by phone.

Lawyers argue timing in Democratic Party’s suit to allow independents on primary ballot

A decision about whether independents may appear on the Alaska Democratic Party’s fall primary election ballot is now in the hands of Juneau Superior Court… Continue reading

Assistant Attorney General Margaret Paton-Walsh and Attorney Mark Choate speak after oral arguments in front of Juneau Superior Court Judge Louis Menendez, background, on the Alaska Democratic Party lawsuit against the state of Alaska regarding whether independents can appear on the primary ballot under the Democratic label. Attorney Jon Choate, Mark Choate's son and law firm partner, presented on behalf of the Alaska Democratic Party by phone.
Sherry Denny, the manager at Northern Glitter Boutique, demonstrates the latest craze in exercise -- the Simply Fit Board.

Twisting board craze catches on in Eagle River

It’s a fitness trend sweeping the Lower 48 and available exclusively for Alaskans in Eagle River at the Northern Glitter Boutique.“We are the only store… Continue reading

Sherry Denny, the manager at Northern Glitter Boutique, demonstrates the latest craze in exercise -- the Simply Fit Board.

UA tuition could rise 15 pct. from budget cuts

JUNEAU — Tuition at the University of Alaska could rise between 10 and 15 percent in response to pending cuts considered by the Legislature.University of… Continue reading

Friday recap: Senate votes to revise alcohol board

Since 2012, alcohol retailers, public health experts and others have spent more than 8,000 hours drafting a mammoth revision to the state statutes dealing with… Continue reading

Senate reshapes Alaska’s criminal landscape

Clarification: A story in Saturday’s Web edition of the Empire stated that AWARE of Juneau supports Senate Bill 91, criminal sentencing reform. AWARE executive director Saralyn… Continue reading

House votes to limit governor’s ability to accept federal funds

The Alaska House of Representatives has voted to restrict the ability of the governor to accept additional funds from the federal government.The issue came about… Continue reading

Murkowski questions agency on its mission to assess minerals

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — The head of the U.S. Geological Survey assured U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski on Thursday that the identification and assessment of minerals… Continue reading