News

Presiding judges in the Alaska court system will be able to choose whether to go forward with criminal jury trials on a case by case basis soon, such as those held at the Dimond Courthouse, seen here Oct. 20, 2019. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Mask policy, largely suspended jury trials remain in place for state’s courts

The presiding judge will choose to hold jury trials on a case-by-case basis going forward.

Presiding judges in the Alaska court system will be able to choose whether to go forward with criminal jury trials on a case by case basis soon, such as those held at the Dimond Courthouse, seen here Oct. 20, 2019. (Michael S. Lockett / 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 Tuesday, Feb. 16

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)
Coast Guard Cutter Hickory crewmembers offload pallets of water destined for the residents in Angoon, Alaska, Feb. 14, 2021. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

Tlingit and Haida, Coast Guard work together to help Angoon

Mechanical failures and cold threatened the water supply.

Coast Guard Cutter Hickory crewmembers offload pallets of water destined for the residents in Angoon, Alaska, Feb. 14, 2021. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
In this Oct. 28, 2016, photo provided by the Maniilaq Association, Alex Whiting, left, and Cyrus Harris, right, are observed by Chris Sannito, second from left, and Brian Himelbloom, third from left, of the Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center as they trim and clean seal blubber in Kotzebue, Alaska. In January 2021, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation approved seal oil to be served at a Maniilaq elder care home, believed to be a first for seal oil in the U.S. (Maniilaq Association via AP)

Cultural ‘big deal’: Seal oil makes menu at Alaska care home

Seal oil is back on the menu for Inupiat elders.

In this Oct. 28, 2016, photo provided by the Maniilaq Association, Alex Whiting, left, and Cyrus Harris, right, are observed by Chris Sannito, second from left, and Brian Himelbloom, third from left, of the Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center as they trim and clean seal blubber in Kotzebue, Alaska. In January 2021, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation approved seal oil to be served at a Maniilaq elder care home, believed to be a first for seal oil in the U.S. (Maniilaq Association via AP)
Rep. Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, speaks to colleagues on Friday, Feb 12, 2021. Edgmon, who served as speaker of the house in 31st Legislature, was named Monday as a co-chair of the House Finance Committee. A full list of committee assignments is expected soon. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

House on verge of organizing

Not quite there yet.

Rep. Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, speaks to colleagues on Friday, Feb 12, 2021. Edgmon, who served as speaker of the house in 31st Legislature, was named Monday as a co-chair of the House Finance Committee. A full list of committee assignments is expected soon. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy delivers this year’s virtual State of the State address in this Jan. 28, 2021 photo. On Sunday, Feb. 14, Dunleavy and state health officials held a COVID-19 update news conference. (Courtesy Photo / Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)

Watch: Dunleavy and state officials give COVID-19 update

Conference held with disaster declaration deadline looming.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy delivers this year’s virtual State of the State address in this Jan. 28, 2021 photo. On Sunday, Feb. 14, Dunleavy and state health officials held a COVID-19 update news conference. (Courtesy Photo / Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)
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. 12

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. David Wilson, R-Wasilla, speaks to Sen. Tom Begich, D-Anchorage, during an at ease in the debate over the extension of an emergency declaration on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Disaster declaration deadline looms

Running out of time, lawmakers fail to extend emergency

Sen. David Wilson, R-Wasilla, speaks to Sen. Tom Begich, D-Anchorage, during an at ease in the debate over the extension of an emergency declaration on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
Amanda Price, Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, center, is surrounded by Department of Public Safety officials during a press conference on her confirmation to the position at the Capitol on Tuesday, April 16, 2019. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Department of Public Safety commissioner resigns

Price is out.

Amanda Price, Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, center, is surrounded by Department of Public Safety officials during a press conference on her confirmation to the position at the Capitol on Tuesday, April 16, 2019. (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 Thursday, Feb. 11

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)
Rep. Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak, was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 but a clear majority still hasn’t formed in the body. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Update: Deadlock ends, state House selects a speaker

17 days of deadlock.

Rep. Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak, was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 but a clear majority still hasn’t formed in the body. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
The lawsuit in question stemmed from a legal opinion written by former-Attorney General Kevin Clarkson, seen here in this Jan. 30, 2019 Empire file photo with Gov. Mike Dunleavy. An Anchorage judge wrote the opinion violated collective bargaining agreements and federal labor law. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file)

Judge says state broke law in order over union dues lawsuit

Damages to be paid to union.

The lawsuit in question stemmed from a legal opinion written by former-Attorney General Kevin Clarkson, seen here in this Jan. 30, 2019 Empire file photo with Gov. Mike Dunleavy. An Anchorage judge wrote the opinion violated collective bargaining agreements and federal labor law. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file)
In this file photo Bartlett Regional Hospital pharmacist Chris Sperry holds a vial of COVID-19 vaccine on Dec. 15, 2020. Appointments are still available for the second vaccine clinic for elderly residents 65 and older on Feb. 11-12 as of Feb. 2, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

State announces more people eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine

Includes some 50 and older, educators and people living or working in congregate settings.

In this file photo Bartlett Regional Hospital pharmacist Chris Sperry holds a vial of COVID-19 vaccine on Dec. 15, 2020. Appointments are still available for the second vaccine clinic for elderly residents 65 and older on Feb. 11-12 as of Feb. 2, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
The election of Rep. Josiah Patkotak, I-Utqiaġvik, seen here on Friday, Feb. 5, as Speaker Pro Tem is the only break so far in the deadlock in the House of Representatives. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Senators wait ‘patiently’

Deadlock day 17.

The election of Rep. Josiah Patkotak, I-Utqiaġvik, seen here on Friday, Feb. 5, as Speaker Pro Tem is the only break so far in the deadlock in the House of Representatives. (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, Feb. 10

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)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy, seen here speaking in this Aug. 11, 2020 file photo, will be holding a news conference this evening at 5 p.m. (Courtesy photo / Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)

Watch: Governor holds COVID-19 news conference

Live at 5 p.m.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy, seen here speaking in this Aug. 11, 2020 file photo, will be holding a news conference this evening at 5 p.m. (Courtesy photo / Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)
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, Feb. 9

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)
Some buildings, like Centennial Hall, seen here on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021, have been converted into facilities to help combat the coronavirus pandemic. If the state’s COVID-19 emergency declaration lapses on Feb. 15, health officials are saying it could make combating the pandemic more difficult. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

With deadline looming, some say disaster order no longer needed

Health officials say extension would help effort against ongoing pandemic.

Some buildings, like Centennial Hall, seen here on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021, have been converted into facilities to help combat the coronavirus pandemic. If the state’s COVID-19 emergency declaration lapses on Feb. 15, health officials are saying it could make combating the pandemic more difficult. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
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State says spread kindness, not COVID with new campaign

#WithYouAlaska

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COVID-19. (Courtesy Image / Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Report: Vigilance needed to prevent further COVID-19 deaths

DHSS releases comprehensive coronavirus casualty count for 2020

COVID-19. (Courtesy Image / Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)