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Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski challenges the Alaska State Legislature to “right the ship” by taking necessary action to secure federal funds for ferries, infrastructure and other needs during her annual speech Wednesday at the Alaska State Capitol.

Murkowski gives Legislature ‘tough love’ in speech

U.S. senator asks state lawmakers to make federal funds count in speech.

Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski challenges the Alaska State Legislature to “right the ship” by taking necessary action to secure federal funds for ferries, infrastructure and other needs during her annual speech Wednesday at the Alaska State Capitol.
Rep. David Eastman, R-Wasilla, watches his fellow House members censure him by a 35-1 vote Wednesday. The censure, which came after he asked about potential economic benefits from the deaths of abused children, is the second for Eastman, the only House member ever reprimanded in such a manner. Eastman was the lone vote against the motion.(Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Eastman gets 2nd censure for questions about dead abused children

Controversial Wasilla legislator causes uproar by asking if deaths offer economic benefits

Rep. David Eastman, R-Wasilla, watches his fellow House members censure him by a 35-1 vote Wednesday. The censure, which came after he asked about potential economic benefits from the deaths of abused children, is the second for Eastman, the only House member ever reprimanded in such a manner. Eastman was the lone vote against the motion.(Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire Bridget Weiss, superintendent of the Juneau School District, speaks during a rally seeking an increase in public school funding Jan. 23 at the Alaska State Capitol. Weiss, who is stepping down as superintendent June 30, is scheduled to take on a broader statewide role as the new liaison for the University of Alaska College of Education Consortium starting July 1.

Weiss tapped to be first-ever liaison for UA program that recruits, trains teachers

It’s a new role for the departing Juneau superintendent.

Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire Bridget Weiss, superintendent of the Juneau School District, speaks during a rally seeking an increase in public school funding Jan. 23 at the Alaska State Capitol. Weiss, who is stepping down as superintendent June 30, is scheduled to take on a broader statewide role as the new liaison for the University of Alaska College of Education Consortium starting July 1.
A school bus drives past the entrance of The University of Alaska Southeast on Tuesday afternoon. Pat Pitney, president of the statewide university system, highlighted ongoing and new efforts to by campuses including UAS to lure students into the teaching programs and subsequently remain as public school teachers in the state. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Sky’s the limit for recovering UA, president says

“State of the University” highlights fiscal and enrollment stability, unique programs such as drones

A school bus drives past the entrance of The University of Alaska Southeast on Tuesday afternoon. Pat Pitney, president of the statewide university system, highlighted ongoing and new efforts to by campuses including UAS to lure students into the teaching programs and subsequently remain as public school teachers in the state. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire Rep. Sara Hannan, D-Juneau addresses a crowd during a recent rally outside the Alaska State Capitol. Hannan is the sponsor of a bill that would ban licensed practitioners from performing “conversion therapy” in the state.

Lawmaker says ban on conversion therapy can help address LGBTQ+ youth suicide

The bill, sponsored by Juneau Rep. Sara Hannan, awaits a House committee hearing.

Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire Rep. Sara Hannan, D-Juneau addresses a crowd during a recent rally outside the Alaska State Capitol. Hannan is the sponsor of a bill that would ban licensed practitioners from performing “conversion therapy” in the state.
Nurse Sherra Pritchard gives Madyson Knudsen a bandage at the Kenai Public Health Center after the ten-year-old received her first COVID-19 vaccine on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)

COVID-19 stable in AK; flu and RSV in steep decline

KENAI — Flu and respiratory syncytial virus have both seen a steep decline in Alaska, health officials said on a recent Public Health ECHO, held… Continue reading

Nurse Sherra Pritchard gives Madyson Knudsen a bandage at the Kenai Public Health Center after the ten-year-old received her first COVID-19 vaccine on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)
U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola addresses a joint session of the Alaska State Legislature at the Alaska State Capitol on Friday. It was the first speech to the Legislature by Alaska’s lone U.S. House member since her predecessor Don Young did so in 1992, declaring in subsequent years it was an unproductive use of time until his death last year. Peltola, who served in the Legislature from 1999 to 2009, noted Young did make regular visits to the state capitol to meet individually and with groups of lawmakers, which she did as well during her visit this week. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

A Mary Friday at the Alaska State Capitol

Kuspuks abound as Peltola invokes “Alaska model” of cooperation in congressional speech to Legislature

U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola addresses a joint session of the Alaska State Legislature at the Alaska State Capitol on Friday. It was the first speech to the Legislature by Alaska’s lone U.S. House member since her predecessor Don Young did so in 1992, declaring in subsequent years it was an unproductive use of time until his death last year. Peltola, who served in the Legislature from 1999 to 2009, noted Young did make regular visits to the state capitol to meet individually and with groups of lawmakers, which she did as well during her visit this week. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
A map shows Juneau, Gustavus and Yakutat are the three municipalities in Southeast Alaska with sites contaminated by “forever chemicals” known by the abbreviation of PFAS. A bill by state Sen. Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau, seeks to eliminate the use of such chemicals for most firefighting, which is one of the most common activities that uses such substances. (Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation)

Going through fire and water to fight PFAS

Ban on “forever chemicals” for most firefighting sought by Kiehl part of much bigger overhaul effort

A map shows Juneau, Gustavus and Yakutat are the three municipalities in Southeast Alaska with sites contaminated by “forever chemicals” known by the abbreviation of PFAS. A bill by state Sen. Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau, seeks to eliminate the use of such chemicals for most firefighting, which is one of the most common activities that uses such substances. (Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation)
Carol Beecher, the new director of the Alaska Division of Elections, speaks during a news conference on Thursday at the Alaska State Capitol. Beecher’s appointment as director was announced a day earlier by Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom, who participated in a Thursday news conference by phone. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)

New elections director says political ties won’t affect her work

Carol Beecher, a GOP donor, declines to say if she believes recent elections were fairly conducted

Carol Beecher, the new director of the Alaska Division of Elections, speaks during a news conference on Thursday at the Alaska State Capitol. Beecher’s appointment as director was announced a day earlier by Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom, who participated in a Thursday news conference by phone. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)
Anchorage School District superintendent Dr. Jharrett Bryantt speaks with a reporter in the library at Denali Montessori Elementary School on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022 in Anchorage, Alaska. Alaska’s largest school district repeatedly and inappropriately secluded and restrained students with disabilities, the U.S. Department of Justice said Thursday following an investigation into alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Loren Holmes / Anchorage Daily News)

DOJ faults Alaska district for use of seclusion, restraints

Since 2017, five other school districts have entered into agreements with the department.

Anchorage School District superintendent Dr. Jharrett Bryantt speaks with a reporter in the library at Denali Montessori Elementary School on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022 in Anchorage, Alaska. Alaska’s largest school district repeatedly and inappropriately secluded and restrained students with disabilities, the U.S. Department of Justice said Thursday following an investigation into alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Loren Holmes / Anchorage Daily News)
An election official helps a voter feed their completed and sealed ballot into the ballot box on Election Day 2022. Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom on Wednesday announced Carol Beecher had been selected to lead the state Division of Elections. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Republican supporter Beecher tapped as Alaska elections head

Dahlstrom, in a statement, praised appointee’s “professionalism and extensive experience.

An election official helps a voter feed their completed and sealed ballot into the ballot box on Election Day 2022. Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom on Wednesday announced Carol Beecher had been selected to lead the state Division of Elections. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy, left, reads highlights from his revised state budget proposal for the 2024 fiscal year as Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Commissioner Ryan Anderson waits to present revisions within his department. Among the most significant revisions are required matching funds for federal allocations to the Alaska Marine Highway system. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

New spending plan calls for ‘toll’ funds to shore up ferries

It adds temporary food stamp workers, attempts novel way to secure federal funds for AMHS upgrades.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy, left, reads highlights from his revised state budget proposal for the 2024 fiscal year as Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Commissioner Ryan Anderson waits to present revisions within his department. Among the most significant revisions are required matching funds for federal allocations to the Alaska Marine Highway system. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
People rally in support of renewable energy policies, such as strengthening a renewable energy fund, across from the Alaska Capitol on Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, in Juneau, Alaska. Some environmentalists are skeptical of legislation proposed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy that aims to capitalize on carbon storage and carbon markets. (AP Photo / Becky Bohrer)

Alaska carbon plan: Boost state coffers without cutting oil

Hearings with state lawmakers are underway…

People rally in support of renewable energy policies, such as strengthening a renewable energy fund, across from the Alaska Capitol on Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, in Juneau, Alaska. Some environmentalists are skeptical of legislation proposed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy that aims to capitalize on carbon storage and carbon markets. (AP Photo / Becky Bohrer)
Gov. Ernest Gruening (seated) signs the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945. Witnessing are O. D. Cochran, Elizabeth Peratrovich, Edward Anderson, Norman Walker and Roy Peratrovich. (Courtesy Photo / Alaska State Library - Historical Collections)

Officials honor Elizabeth Peratrovich day with proclamations

With physical gatherings limited, virtual events and statements marked the day.

Gov. Ernest Gruening (seated) signs the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945. Witnessing are O. D. Cochran, Elizabeth Peratrovich, Edward Anderson, Norman Walker and Roy Peratrovich. (Courtesy Photo / Alaska State Library - Historical Collections)
Members of the Alaska State Legislature listen to U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan’s annual speech in the House chamber last week. Sullivan, fellow Republican U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski and several Alaska Native leaders on Tuesday urged the federal government to approve the Willow project. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire File)

Alaska Native leaders, U.S. senators back major Willow project

They cast it as economically critical for Indigenous communities, important for energy security.

Members of the Alaska State Legislature listen to U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan’s annual speech in the House chamber last week. Sullivan, fellow Republican U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski and several Alaska Native leaders on Tuesday urged the federal government to approve the Willow project. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire File)
This July 24, 2018, file photo shows a portion of the 1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return form. (AP Photo / Mark Lennihan File)

Local tax pros share advice following IRS announcement

“You put the amendment in after you get your refund.”

This July 24, 2018, file photo shows a portion of the 1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return form. (AP Photo / Mark Lennihan File)
Alaska House Speaker Cathy Tilton, R-Wasilla, accepts a Valentine’s Day card from a Montessori Borealis preschool student in the hallway outside the House chamber at the Alaska State Capitol on Monday. A couple dozen youths from the Juneau Montessori program visited with their parents and teachers during the morning, lobbying for an increase in education funding. Tilton said during a subsequent press briefing she is not ruling out an increase, but is interested in “outside the box” alternatives. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

What’s in the cards for education funding

Major players at Alaska’s Capitol are showing their hands, but lots of bids and buffs remain.

Alaska House Speaker Cathy Tilton, R-Wasilla, accepts a Valentine’s Day card from a Montessori Borealis preschool student in the hallway outside the House chamber at the Alaska State Capitol on Monday. A couple dozen youths from the Juneau Montessori program visited with their parents and teachers during the morning, lobbying for an increase in education funding. Tilton said during a subsequent press briefing she is not ruling out an increase, but is interested in “outside the box” alternatives. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Supporters of a bill that would allow child care providers to participate in collective bargaining with the state’s Department of Health and establish a state fund to provide grants to childcare providers stand outside the Alaska State Capitol early Friday evening. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Child care providers rally outside Capitol in support of increased funding

Supporters say new bill would provide necessary support and resources

Supporters of a bill that would allow child care providers to participate in collective bargaining with the state’s Department of Health and establish a state fund to provide grants to childcare providers stand outside the Alaska State Capitol early Friday evening. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
The Columbia ferry, which was grounded in 2019 to save costs, is scheduled to return to Juneau next weekend as it resumes service between Alaska and Bellingham, Washington, due to a more-extensive-than-expected overhaul of the Matanuska. The ferry system is by far the biggest recipient to date of funds from the 2021 federal infrastructure bill in terms of Southeast Alaska impacts. (Carey Case / Alaska Marine Highway)

Trillion dollar maybes: Coordinated approach aims to untangle complicated federal funding web

State, tribal and local governments using “hub” plans to simplify and maximize Alaska’s share.

The Columbia ferry, which was grounded in 2019 to save costs, is scheduled to return to Juneau next weekend as it resumes service between Alaska and Bellingham, Washington, due to a more-extensive-than-expected overhaul of the Matanuska. The ferry system is by far the biggest recipient to date of funds from the 2021 federal infrastructure bill in terms of Southeast Alaska impacts. (Carey Case / Alaska Marine Highway)
Senate pages Jenna Carpenter and Zaxon Tomaszewski play “Off To The Races” outside the Senate Chambers exactly 15 minutes before the start of the floor session. Pages then perform the tones alerting senators the session is about to start on all floors of the Capitol where the legislators have offices. The House relies on an electronic bell notification that plays the famous clock chime “Westminster Quarters.” (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

The ABCs of the 33rd Legislature

Legislative business isn’t always as simple as 1-2-3.

Senate pages Jenna Carpenter and Zaxon Tomaszewski play “Off To The Races” outside the Senate Chambers exactly 15 minutes before the start of the floor session. Pages then perform the tones alerting senators the session is about to start on all floors of the Capitol where the legislators have offices. The House relies on an electronic bell notification that plays the famous clock chime “Westminster Quarters.” (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)