News

The MV Kennicott, docked at the Auke Bay Ferry Terminal, was out of commission awaiting repairs on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020. Chairman of the Alaska Marine Highway Reshaping Workgroup Admiral Tom Barrett said the system's inability to plan long-term was hindering its ability to be effective. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

AMHS needs ability to plan long-term, says reshaping group chairman

Costs are going to have to fall.

The MV Kennicott, docked at the Auke Bay Ferry Terminal, was out of commission awaiting repairs on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020. Chairman of the Alaska Marine Highway Reshaping Workgroup Admiral Tom Barrett said the system's inability to plan long-term was hindering its ability to be effective. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Thunder Mountain High School was used as a polling place on Election Day, Nov. 3, 2020. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

New results shift results of some House races

Still more to come.

Thunder Mountain High School was used as a polling place on Election Day, Nov. 3, 2020. (Ben Hohenstatt / 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 causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)

COVID at a glance

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 causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks during a virtual town hall meeting on Sept. 15. (Courtesy Photo / Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)
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Governor issues health alert asking for COVID-19 diligence

Gov asks you wear a mask.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks during a virtual town hall meeting on Sept. 15. (Courtesy Photo / Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)
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In this Nov. 3, 2020, photo, Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, gathers with supporters in Anchorage. Young, the longest-serving Republican ever in the U.S. House, has won his 25th term. Young defeated Alyse Galvin in back-to-back elections for Alaska’s sole seat in the House. The race was called Wednesday, Nov. 11. (Marc Lester/Anchorage Daily News)

Rep Young says he tested positive for COVID-19

The 87-year old representative recently won reelection.

In this Nov. 3, 2020, photo, Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, gathers with supporters in Anchorage. Young, the longest-serving Republican ever in the U.S. House, has won his 25th term. Young defeated Alyse Galvin in back-to-back elections for Alaska’s sole seat in the House. The race was called Wednesday, Nov. 11. (Marc Lester/Anchorage Daily News)
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 causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)

COVID at a glance

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 causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)
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State reports COVID-19 death for Juneau

Details are sparse.

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Andi Story, seen here in this file photo, appears to be the winner in the race for Alaska House of Representatives District 34, though results are not yet finalized. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

With more votes to come, Story appears victorious

It’s not over until DOE says so.

Andi Story, seen here in this file photo, appears to be the winner in the race for Alaska House of Representatives District 34, though results are not yet finalized. (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 causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)

COVID at a glance

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 causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)
Col. Mary Louise Milligan Rasmuson was the 5th commander of the Women’s Army Corps and oversaw the integration of the service. On Nov. 9, 2020, Operation Mary Louise, named in her honor, was stood up to enhance visibility and access to services for women veterans in Alaska. (Courtesy Photo / Rasmuson Foundation)

Group seeks to improve support for women veterans in Alaska

Alaska has nearly 10,000 women veterans. Less than a third of them use services they’ve earned

Col. Mary Louise Milligan Rasmuson was the 5th commander of the Women’s Army Corps and oversaw the integration of the service. On Nov. 9, 2020, Operation Mary Louise, named in her honor, was stood up to enhance visibility and access to services for women veterans in Alaska. (Courtesy Photo / Rasmuson Foundation)
Nearly every voting booth was occupied at a polling place in Nugget Mall on the evening of Nov. 3, 2020. While over 190,000 votes cast on Election Day have been tallied, state officials will begin counting more than 155,000 absentee and other types of ballots this week. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

State elections officials prepare for absentee ballot count

There’s still a lot of counting ahead.

Nearly every voting booth was occupied at a polling place in Nugget Mall on the evening of Nov. 3, 2020. While over 190,000 votes cast on Election Day have been tallied, state officials will begin counting more than 155,000 absentee and other types of ballots this week. (Ben Hohenstatt / 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 causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)

COVID at a glance

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 causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)
The Alaska State Capitol on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020. The state’s emergency declaration for COVID-19 ends Nov. 15, and lawmakers have asked Gov. Mike Dunleavy to call a special session to extend it. Dunleavy issued a second emergency declaration Friday but some lawmakers have said that violates state law. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Gov issues 2nd emergency declaration, but lawmakers cry foul

No mask mandate.

The Alaska State Capitol on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020. The state’s emergency declaration for COVID-19 ends Nov. 15, and lawmakers have asked Gov. Mike Dunleavy to call a special session to extend it. Dunleavy issued a second emergency declaration Friday but some lawmakers have said that violates state law. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks during a virtual town hall meeting on Sept. 15. (Courtesy Photo / Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)

Governor urges Alaskans to change behavior amid rising case counts

He cited virus’ impacts on the military and emergency responders.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks during a virtual town hall meeting on Sept. 15. (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 causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)

COVID at a glance

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 causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)
Blank Unemployment Benefits form

State says FEMA-boosted jobless aid starts soon

Announcement was made on Wednesday.

Blank Unemployment Benefits form
Election official Steve Lewis directs voter Patrick Endozo, who attempts to feed his completed ballot into a scanning machine at a polling place inside Nugget Mall on Election Day. Election officials said shortly before 5 p.m. that about 150 more people had voted at the polling place than voted there in the state's August primary. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Election Night trends continue, but no winners yet

It’s not over til it’s over.

Election official Steve Lewis directs voter Patrick Endozo, who attempts to feed his completed ballot into a scanning machine at a polling place inside Nugget Mall on Election Day. Election officials said shortly before 5 p.m. that about 150 more people had voted at the polling place than voted there in the state's August primary. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
The Alaska State Capitol on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020. Lawmakers may have to hold a special session to extend the disaster declaration over COVID-19, but who makes the call for the special session is still up in the air. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Leg leaders: Governor’s support needed to call special session

Who is gonna call…a special session

The Alaska State Capitol on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020. Lawmakers may have to hold a special session to extend the disaster declaration over COVID-19, but who makes the call for the special session is still up in the air. (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 causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)

COVID at a glance

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 causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)
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 causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)

COVID at a glance

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 causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)