Former Director of the state’s combined alcohol and marijuana control office Erika McConnell, left, sits with Marijuana board chairman Mark Springer in Anchorage, Alaska, on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019. The board that regulates Alaska’s legal marijuana industry voted to fire McConnell following last month’s vote by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to dismiss her. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)

Top Alaska marijuana regulator fired from job

The Marijuana Control Board voted 3-2.

Former Director of the state’s combined alcohol and marijuana control office Erika McConnell, left, sits with Marijuana board chairman Mark Springer in Anchorage, Alaska, on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019. The board that regulates Alaska’s legal marijuana industry voted to fire McConnell following last month’s vote by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to dismiss her. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)
Alaskans take Roadless Rule fight to DC
Video
Alaskans take Roadless Rule fight to DC
Video
Here’s where Alaska’s Congressional delegation stands on DACA
Here’s where Alaska’s Congressional delegation stands on DACA
Alaska Natives, Tlingit women to testify before Congress on Roadless Rule
Alaska Natives, Tlingit women to testify before Congress on Roadless Rule
Republicans advance 3 nominees for open Alaska House seat
Republicans advance 3 nominees for open Alaska House seat
Reps. Story, Hannan to seek re-election in Nov. election
Reps. Story, Hannan to seek re-election in Nov. election
In this file photo from Sept. 15, 2016, University of Alaska President Jim Johnsen makes a presentation to the university’s Board of Regents at the University of Alaska Southeast Recreation Center. Johnsen and the UA board discussed tuition increases and budget concerns Friday. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
In this file photo from Sept. 15, 2016, University of Alaska President Jim Johnsen makes a presentation to the university’s Board of Regents at the University of Alaska Southeast Recreation Center. Johnsen and the UA board discussed tuition increases and budget concerns Friday. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Empire Live: University of Alaska Board of Regents votes to delay tuition increase decision
Empire Live: University of Alaska Board of Regents votes to delay tuition increase decision
n this file photo from Feb. 25, 2019, Kevin Clarkson answers questions in front of the House Judiciary Committee. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Early blows for state of Alaska in prominent cases

The state has suffered recent blows in lawsuits.

n this file photo from Feb. 25, 2019, Kevin Clarkson answers questions in front of the House Judiciary Committee. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
With a nod to Trump, BLM to hold annual sale of oil lands
With a nod to Trump, BLM to hold annual sale of oil lands
Matt Barnaby, co-owner and brewer at the Barnaby Brewing Company, photographed on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019, has added his name to a list of commenters who don’t like a proposed definition change by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board that would limit the sorts of activities that can happen in breweries and distilleries. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Brewery and distillery regulations widely panned in public comments

The people have spoken, and they don’t like a proposed definition change.

Matt Barnaby, co-owner and brewer at the Barnaby Brewing Company, photographed on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019, has added his name to a list of commenters who don’t like a proposed definition change by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board that would limit the sorts of activities that can happen in breweries and distilleries. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
After 22 years, Legislative Finance Director calls it quits
After 22 years, Legislative Finance Director calls it quits
‘The status quo stays in place’: State’s attempt to change union dues collection is stalled in court
‘The status quo stays in place’: State’s attempt to change union dues collection is stalled in court
Recall Dunleavy application denied by Department of Law

Recall Dunleavy application denied by Department of Law

Department says application is ‘both factually and legally insufficient.’

Recall Dunleavy application denied by Department of Law
Empire Live: Alaska Roadless Rule public hearing
Empire Live: Alaska Roadless Rule public hearing
Dimond Courthouse is home to Juneau’s court systems, Oct. 25, 2019. (Michael S. Lockett | Juneau Empire)

Report highlights staffing issues at Public Defender Agency

A report released Monday highlights problems and solutions.

Dimond Courthouse is home to Juneau’s court systems, Oct. 25, 2019. (Michael S. Lockett | Juneau Empire)
Dunleavy cites Trump as he faces recall campaign

Dunleavy cites Trump as he faces recall campaign

A fight is brewing.

Dunleavy cites Trump as he faces recall campaign
Organized Village of Kake President Joel Jackson, Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson and Organized Village of Saxman President Lee Wallace were among Alaska Native tribal leaders who met with United States Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Jim Hubbard in Juneau Saturday, Nov. 2. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)
Organized Village of Kake President Joel Jackson, Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson and Organized Village of Saxman President Lee Wallace were among Alaska Native tribal leaders who met with United States Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Jim Hubbard in Juneau Saturday, Nov. 2. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)
Ferry service canceled to Southeast towns after repair costs run high
Ferry service canceled to Southeast towns after repair costs run high
In this July photo Ivette Naida, left, receives HIV medication from social workers from the IDEA Exchange. HIV medication is part of the reason transmission rates of the virus are low in Alaska. (AP Photo | Lynne Sladky)

Alaska has some of the highest STD rates, but the lowest HIV rates. Why?

While HIV and STD rates are different, they’re not totally unrelated.

In this July photo Ivette Naida, left, receives HIV medication from social workers from the IDEA Exchange. HIV medication is part of the reason transmission rates of the virus are low in Alaska. (AP Photo | Lynne Sladky)