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Gov. Mike Dunleavy, seen here on Aug. 11, 2020, will be holding a news conference at 5 p.m. regarding COVID-19, according to a release from his office. (Courtesy photo / Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)

Watch: Dunleavy news conference on COVID-19

Watch here.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy, seen here on Aug. 11, 2020, will be holding a news conference at 5 p.m. regarding COVID-19, according to a release from his office. (Courtesy photo / Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)
The Department of Health and Social Services, its headquarters seen here in Juneau on Monday, March 8, 2021, could be split into two departments by an executive order from the governor. However, some lawmakers have raised concern about the legality of the order, saying it could lead to costly litigation. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Lawmakers question whether proposed department split is legal

Governor maintains executive order is within his powers, others are less sure.

The Department of Health and Social Services, its headquarters seen here in Juneau on Monday, March 8, 2021, could be split into two departments by an executive order from the governor. However, some lawmakers have raised concern about the legality of the order, saying it could lead to costly litigation. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)

COVID at a glance for Monday, March 8

The most recent state and local numbers.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)
Marvin Roberts flashes four fingers in a sign of solidarity for the so-called Fairbanks Four following his address at the Alaska Federation of Natives conference in Anchorage in this 2017 photo. Roberts and three other men were convicted of killing a Fairbanks teenager in 1997. Four men who say they were illegally imprisoned for nearly two decades for the murder of a teenager in Alaska will have their lawsuit go forward after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to get involved in the case. The high court turned away the case Monday. As is typical, the justices did not comment in rejecting the case. That leaves in place a decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. In January of last year it overturned a lower court ruling that had dismissed a lawsuit by the “Fairbanks Four” against the city of Fairbanks. (AP Photo / Mark Thiessen)

Supreme Court won’t get involved in Fairbanks Four case

The high court turned away the case Monday.

Marvin Roberts flashes four fingers in a sign of solidarity for the so-called Fairbanks Four following his address at the Alaska Federation of Natives conference in Anchorage in this 2017 photo. Roberts and three other men were convicted of killing a Fairbanks teenager in 1997. Four men who say they were illegally imprisoned for nearly two decades for the murder of a teenager in Alaska will have their lawsuit go forward after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to get involved in the case. The high court turned away the case Monday. As is typical, the justices did not comment in rejecting the case. That leaves in place a decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. In January of last year it overturned a lower court ruling that had dismissed a lawsuit by the “Fairbanks Four” against the city of Fairbanks. (AP Photo / Mark Thiessen)
This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)

COVID at a glance for Friday, March 5

The most recent state and local numbers.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)
From left to right: Alaska state Reps. Chris Tuck, D-Anchorage, Zack Fields, D-Anchorage, and Sara Rasmussen, R-Anchorage, speak on the Alaska House floor on Friday, March 5, 2021. The House passed a Sense of the House on Friday, condemning as inappropriate and objectifying comments Fields had made toward Rasmussen last month. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

House condemns comments about lawmaker’s appearance

Rebuke passed without objection.

From left to right: Alaska state Reps. Chris Tuck, D-Anchorage, Zack Fields, D-Anchorage, and Sara Rasmussen, R-Anchorage, speak on the Alaska House floor on Friday, March 5, 2021. The House passed a Sense of the House on Friday, condemning as inappropriate and objectifying comments Fields had made toward Rasmussen last month. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka, chairs a Senate Finance Committee meeting on Thursday, March 4, 2021. Stedman, who’s chaired the finance committee through multiple legislatures, said time is running out to fix the state’s finances. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

‘Time is running out’ lawmaker warns of state finances

The longer it takes to fix this, my concern is the smaller the dividend will be for the people.”

Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka, chairs a Senate Finance Committee meeting on Thursday, March 4, 2021. Stedman, who’s chaired the finance committee through multiple legislatures, said time is running out to fix the state’s finances. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)

COVID at a glance for Thursday, March 4

The most recent state and local numbers.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)
Sen. Lora Reinbold, R-Eagle River, holds a press in front of the doors to the Senate chambers on Thursday, March 4, 2021. Reinbold called the conference to respond to a letter from Gov. Mike Dunleavy saying he would no longer participate with her as chair of the Senate Judicairy Committee. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

State senator demands governor retract critical letter

“We’re all grown-ups here.”

Sen. Lora Reinbold, R-Eagle River, holds a press in front of the doors to the Senate chambers on Thursday, March 4, 2021. Reinbold called the conference to respond to a letter from Gov. Mike Dunleavy saying he would no longer participate with her as chair of the Senate Judicairy Committee. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
Women members of the Alaska House of Representatives from both parties meet in the hallway of the capitol Wednesday, March 3, 2021, to discuss a vote to condemn Rep. Zack Fields, D-Anchorage, for sexists comments he made on the floor the previous week. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Lawmaker could face formal rebuke for sexist comments

Members to vote Friday.

Women members of the Alaska House of Representatives from both parties meet in the hallway of the capitol Wednesday, March 3, 2021, to discuss a vote to condemn Rep. Zack Fields, D-Anchorage, for sexists comments he made on the floor the previous week. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)

COVID at a glance for Wednesday, March 3

The most recent state and local numbers.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Chairman Andy Teuber introduces U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar at a press conference at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020, in Anchorage. The U.S. Coast Guard was searching for an overdue helicopter piloted by Teuber who is the former head of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. Teuber had resigned last week after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced against him which he denied. Teuber left Anchorage about 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, 2021, in a black and white Robinson R66 helicopter en route to Kodiak Island. (Loren Holmes / Anchorage Daily News)

Search for missing helicopter, pilot near Kodiak suspended

The former president of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium has not been recovered.

Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Chairman Andy Teuber introduces U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar at a press conference at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020, in Anchorage. The U.S. Coast Guard was searching for an overdue helicopter piloted by Teuber who is the former head of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. Teuber had resigned last week after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced against him which he denied. Teuber left Anchorage about 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, 2021, in a black and white Robinson R66 helicopter en route to Kodiak Island. (Loren Holmes / Anchorage Daily News)
In this sample primary ballot released by the state, fictional candidates compete in a primary election. The candidates include a blend of fictional Republican and Democratic candidates. The August 2022 state primary election will be the first to feature open primaries. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Video

State begins implementing voter-approved election overhaul

Here’s how it will work.

In this sample primary ballot released by the state, fictional candidates compete in a primary election. The candidates include a blend of fictional Republican and Democratic candidates. The August 2022 state primary election will be the first to feature open primaries. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Video
This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)

COVID at a glance for Tuesday. March 2

The most recent state and local numbers.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)
Loren Jones speaks about marijuana to the Juneau Chamber of Commerce at its weekly luncheon at the Moose Lodge in this January 2019 photo. Gov. Mike Dunleavy did not reappoint Jones to the Marijuana Control Board. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Jones out as Alaska marijuana board member

“I’m about to turn 75; I’m still on the Juneau Assembly. I’ve got lots of things to occupy my time.”

Loren Jones speaks about marijuana to the Juneau Chamber of Commerce at its weekly luncheon at the Moose Lodge in this January 2019 photo. Gov. Mike Dunleavy did not reappoint Jones to the Marijuana Control Board. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Judy Cavanaugh stands with others at a rally against the Pebble Mine in front of Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s Juneau office in June 2019. The Army Corps of Engineers has accepted a request for administrative appeal filed by Pebble Limited Partnership. A similar effort by the state was reject, Gov. Mike Dunleavy said in a news release. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

2 Pebble appeals, 2 different outcomes

Governor says states appeal rejected, but partnership appeal moves forward.

Judy Cavanaugh stands with others at a rally against the Pebble Mine in front of Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s Juneau office in June 2019. The Army Corps of Engineers has accepted a request for administrative appeal filed by Pebble Limited Partnership. A similar effort by the state was reject, Gov. Mike Dunleavy said in a news release. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)

COVID at a glance for Monday, March 1

The most recent state and local numbers.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)
Members of the Alaska House of Representatives gather for a Finance Committee meeting on Monday, March 1, 2021 even after a staff member had tested positive for COVID-19. Meetings were canceled last week after Rep. Mike Cronk, R-Tok, tested positive. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Work continues even with new cases at the Capitol

“Hell or high water.”

Members of the Alaska House of Representatives gather for a Finance Committee meeting on Monday, March 1, 2021 even after a staff member had tested positive for COVID-19. Meetings were canceled last week after Rep. Mike Cronk, R-Tok, tested positive. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
A magnet promoting the Alaska Reads Act released by the state last year sits atop a stack of Alaskan-authored and Alaska-centric books. A shortened session last year meant the bill, announced by Senate Minority Leader Tom Begich, D-Anchorage, and Gov. Mike Dunleavy, didn't make it through the last Legislature. But there's a new bill, nearly the same as the old bill, working its way through the Senate. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire file)

Reworked reading bill gets second act in Legislature

Still a ways to go.

A magnet promoting the Alaska Reads Act released by the state last year sits atop a stack of Alaskan-authored and Alaska-centric books. A shortened session last year meant the bill, announced by Senate Minority Leader Tom Begich, D-Anchorage, and Gov. Mike Dunleavy, didn't make it through the last Legislature. But there's a new bill, nearly the same as the old bill, working its way through the Senate. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire file)
This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)

COVID at a glance for Friday, Feb. 26

The most recent state and local numbers.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)