News

The Alaska state flag on the bow of the MV Matanuska at the Auke Bay Ferry Terminal on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire File)

Lawmakers approve $66.7M for Alaska Marine Highway System

Legislators increased the operating budget for ferry service by around $20 million.

The Alaska state flag on the bow of the MV Matanuska at the Auke Bay Ferry Terminal on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire File)

Congressional delegation says billions in relief coming to Alaska

There may still be a need for more

The budget is passed and lawmakers have gone home

Now, it’s time to wait and see.

Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire A patient, who tested positive for the coronavirus, had contact with the first floor of the state office building at 410 Willoughby Ave., according to an email from DEC Commissioner Jason Brune.

State workers share COVID-19 concerns

Supervisors’ hands feel tied.

Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire A patient, who tested positive for the coronavirus, had contact with the first floor of the state office building at 410 Willoughby Ave., according to an email from DEC Commissioner Jason Brune.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks at a press conference in Anchorage on Thursday, March 26, 2020. (Courtesy photo | Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)

First in-state COVID-19 death, new mandates announced

Alaskans are to remain at home.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks at a press conference in Anchorage on Thursday, March 26, 2020. (Courtesy photo | Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks at a press conference in Anchorage with Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anne Zink on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. (Courtesy photo | Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)

Officials say state must increase health care capacity to handle virus

State confirms 10 new COVID-19 cases statewide, including 1 in Juneau.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks at a press conference in Anchorage with Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anne Zink on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. (Courtesy photo | Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)
Seated, from left to right, Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Adam Crum, Gov. Mike Dunleavy and Alaska Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anne Zink at a press conference in Anchorage on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. (Courtesy photo | Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)

Dunleavy says ‘all options are on the table’ for COVID-19 response

Social distance over government mandate.

Seated, from left to right, Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Adam Crum, Gov. Mike Dunleavy and Alaska Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anne Zink at a press conference in Anchorage on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. (Courtesy photo | Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)
This undated electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in February 2020 shows the Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, yellow, emerging from the surface of cells, pink, cultured in the lab. Also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus causes COVID-19. The sample was isolated from a patient in the U.S. On Thursday, March 5, 2020, Tennessee’s Department of Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey confirmed the state’s first case of the new coronavirus. (NIAID-RML via AP)

Alaska announces new virus cases — mostly in Anchorage

The number of reported coronavirus cases in Alaska rose to 59.

This undated electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in February 2020 shows the Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, yellow, emerging from the surface of cells, pink, cultured in the lab. Also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus causes COVID-19. The sample was isolated from a patient in the U.S. On Thursday, March 5, 2020, Tennessee’s Department of Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey confirmed the state’s first case of the new coronavirus. (NIAID-RML via AP)

House rejects supplemental budget once again

Things are stalled.

A patient, who tested positive for the coronavirus, had contact with the first floor of the state office building at 410 Willoughby Ave., according to an email from DEC Commissioner Jason Brune. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)

Breaking: Known COVID-19 case had ‘contact’ at state offices in Juneau

Building is ‘minimally staffed.’

A patient, who tested positive for the coronavirus, had contact with the first floor of the state office building at 410 Willoughby Ave., according to an email from DEC Commissioner Jason Brune. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)
A Juneau Pioneer Home resident holds a paper crane made during a visit by Haborview Elementary School students in April 2016. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Legislature passes bill lowering Pioneer Home rates

It next goes to Gov. Mike Dunleavy for consideration.

A Juneau Pioneer Home resident holds a paper crane made during a visit by Haborview Elementary School students in April 2016. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy at a press conference in Anchorage on Monday, March 23, 2020. (Courtesy photo | Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)

Alaska counts its first COVID-19 death

Stay six feet apart.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy at a press conference in Anchorage on Monday, March 23, 2020. (Courtesy photo | Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)
Senators discuss amendments to a COVID-19 emergency funding bill on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire)

Bills are passed, but stalled as final details hammered out

Work is going full speed.

Senators discuss amendments to a COVID-19 emergency funding bill on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire)

As coronavirus cases rise to 36, state mandates travel restrictions and business closures

More cases likely to come.

Senate President Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, speaks to Sen. Click Bishop, R-North Pole, on Monday, March 23, 2020. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire)

Senate passes $12 billion budget, moves to adjourn early

Put’s a strain on state savings.

Senate President Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, speaks to Sen. Click Bishop, R-North Pole, on Monday, March 23, 2020. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire)

Capitol Live: Senate passes 2021 budget bill, includes COVID-19 funding

Live updates from the Capitol.

Dr. Anne Zink, chief medical officer for the State of Alaska, front, and Gov. Mike Dunleavy at a press conference in Anchorage on Thursday, March 19, 2020. (Courtesy photo | Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)

Gov ID’s 2 new COVID cases, issues travel advisories and orders business closures

More testing available.

Dr. Anne Zink, chief medical officer for the State of Alaska, front, and Gov. Mike Dunleavy at a press conference in Anchorage on Thursday, March 19, 2020. (Courtesy photo | Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)

Dunleavy announces economic stimulus, legislators try to rush budget

Expediency may run into politics.

COVID-19 testing is available, but can be costly

Doctor visits and tests before COVID test.

A hospital worker sets up a curbside testing area for people showing symptoms after potential contact with the new coronavirus, Wednesday, March 18, 2020. (Dustin Safranek | Ketchikan Daily News via AP)

Alaska gets work requirement waiver for food stamps

Alaska received a statewide waiver from work requirements for food stamp recipients, the state health commissioner said Wednesday, as new coronavirus cases in Alaska also… Continue reading

A hospital worker sets up a curbside testing area for people showing symptoms after potential contact with the new coronavirus, Wednesday, March 18, 2020. (Dustin Safranek | Ketchikan Daily News via AP)