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In this Nov. 4 photo, Alaska Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Dunleavy stands with his wife, Rose, on stage during a GOP rally in Anchorage. For the first time ever, a U.S. governor will be sworn into office above the Arctic Circle. Dunleavy will become Alaska’s top elected official Dec. 3, when he takes the oath of office in Noorvik, a tiny Inupiat Eskimo village above the Arctic Circle and more than a thousand miles from the state capital of Juneau. (Becky Bohrer | Associated Press)

Dunleavy to be sworn in above Arctic Circle

Most of Alaska’s previous governors took their oaths in Juneau.

In this Nov. 4 photo, Alaska Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Dunleavy stands with his wife, Rose, on stage during a GOP rally in Anchorage. For the first time ever, a U.S. governor will be sworn into office above the Arctic Circle. Dunleavy will become Alaska’s top elected official Dec. 3, when he takes the oath of office in Noorvik, a tiny Inupiat Eskimo village above the Arctic Circle and more than a thousand miles from the state capital of Juneau. (Becky Bohrer | Associated Press)
A gavel is seen in an undated file photo.

Council picks judge nominees — but which governor will have the say?

The Alaska Judicial Council has picked a list of finalists for judgeships across the state, and now it’s time for the governor to have his… Continue reading

A gavel is seen in an undated file photo.
<span class="neFMT neFMT_PhotoCredit">Courtesy Alaska Department of Corrections</span> This photo, courtesy of the Alaska Department of Corrections, shows the Spring Creek Correctional Center in Seward, Alaska. This photo, courtesy of the Alaska Department of Corrections, shows the Spring Creek Correctional Center in Seward. (Courtesy Alaska Department of Corrections)

Spring Creek holds town hall

On Monday night, the Spring Creek Correctional Center opened its doors to the public, inviting them to the maximum security prison for an open discussion… Continue reading

<span class="neFMT neFMT_PhotoCredit">Courtesy Alaska Department of Corrections</span> This photo, courtesy of the Alaska Department of Corrections, shows the Spring Creek Correctional Center in Seward, Alaska. This photo, courtesy of the Alaska Department of Corrections, shows the Spring Creek Correctional Center in Seward. (Courtesy Alaska Department of Corrections)
<span class="neFMT neFMT_PhotoCredit">Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News</span> Sarah Vance smiles at a GOP victory party Tuesday at Land’s End.

Election: Vance defeats Seaton, Dunleavy poised to be governor

Alaskans spoke Tuesday night, and they said they wanted Republican Mike Dunleavy for their next governor. Voters in Alaska House District 31 also chose political… Continue reading

<span class="neFMT neFMT_PhotoCredit">Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News</span> Sarah Vance smiles at a GOP victory party Tuesday at Land’s End.
Green Elephant Gardens gardener Scott Jones cares for a marijuana plant on Green Elephant’s first day of operation in June 2017. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire file)

Two years on, Alaska’s marijuana industry keeps growing

October collections might set a new record.

Green Elephant Gardens gardener Scott Jones cares for a marijuana plant on Green Elephant’s first day of operation in June 2017. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire file)
Hotel workers strike for a wage increase in front of a Marriott hotel Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018, in San Francisco. Alaska’s minimum wage is set to rise to $9.89 per hour on Jan. 1. (Ben Margot | The Associated Press)

Alaska’s minimum wage to rise Jan. 1

Inflation increased, so the wage will rise.

Hotel workers strike for a wage increase in front of a Marriott hotel Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018, in San Francisco. Alaska’s minimum wage is set to rise to $9.89 per hour on Jan. 1. (Ben Margot | The Associated Press)
The Holland America Line ship Amsterdam sits at port in Juneau on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018. The Amsterdam is one of nine ships that have received Notice of Violations for air opacity issued by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Alaska negotiating settlements with cruise companies over air, water violations

Closed-door meetings decide how much cruises will pay for summer violations.

The Holland America Line ship Amsterdam sits at port in Juneau on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018. The Amsterdam is one of nine ships that have received Notice of Violations for air opacity issued by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
An unused sexual assault evidence kit, colloquially known as a “rape kit,” is seen Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. (James Brooks | Juneau Empire file) An unused sexual assault evidence kit, colloquially known as a “rape kit,” is seen Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. (James Brooks | Juneau Empire file)

Department of Public Safety proposes permanent fix for rape evidence kit backlog

Testing all of the kits is expected to take years.

An unused sexual assault evidence kit, colloquially known as a “rape kit,” is seen Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. (James Brooks | Juneau Empire file) An unused sexual assault evidence kit, colloquially known as a “rape kit,” is seen Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. (James Brooks | Juneau Empire file)
Homer residents cast their votes in the 2018 midterm election Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 at Homer City Hall in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)

Election result updates

The following are preliminary results for the 2018 midterm election, as reported by the Alaska Division of Elections. 11:15 p.m. Update: Governor/Lt. Governor (D) Begich/Call:… Continue reading

Homer residents cast their votes in the 2018 midterm election Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 at Homer City Hall in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)
In this Sept. 6 file photo, Democratic nominee for governor of Alaska Mark Begich, right, speaks as Gov. Bill Walker listens during a chamber of commerce gubernatorial candidate forum on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018, in Juneau, Alaska, On Friday, Oct. 19, Walker announced he was dropping his bid for re-election, though his name remains on the ballot. He threw his support behind Begich, who will face Republican Mike Dunleavy in November. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File)

Walker’s support for Begich is ‘narrow’

When he gave a speech announcing his withdrawal from the election, Gov. Bill Walker told his audience that they should support Democratic candidate Mark Begich.… Continue reading

In this Sept. 6 file photo, Democratic nominee for governor of Alaska Mark Begich, right, speaks as Gov. Bill Walker listens during a chamber of commerce gubernatorial candidate forum on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018, in Juneau, Alaska, On Friday, Oct. 19, Walker announced he was dropping his bid for re-election, though his name remains on the ballot. He threw his support behind Begich, who will face Republican Mike Dunleavy in November. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File)
Sen. Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage, speaks to his amendment to the state’s operating budget to inflation-proof the Alaska Permanent Fund in the Senate at the Capitol on Thursday, April 12, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)

Democratic Anchorage senator declaims pro-Dunleavy ads

A Democratic senator from Anchorage is asking a campaign backing Republican governor candidate Mike Dunleavy to stop using his voice and picture in pro-Dunleavy ads.… Continue reading

Sen. Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage, speaks to his amendment to the state’s operating budget to inflation-proof the Alaska Permanent Fund in the Senate at the Capitol on Thursday, April 12, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)
Angela Rodell, executive director of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation, speaks in July 2018. An APFC spokeswoman said the corporation has declined an invitation to a Saudi investment conference. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation not attending Saudi conference

But not for political reasons.

Angela Rodell, executive director of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation, speaks in July 2018. An APFC spokeswoman said the corporation has declined an invitation to a Saudi investment conference. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Democratic nominee for governor in Alaska, Mark Begich, speaks during a chamber of commerce gubernatorial candidate forum on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018, in Juneau, Alaska, as Gov. Bill Walker, left, looks on. The forum featured the three major candidates in the race, including Republican nominee Mike Dunleavy, who is not pictured. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)

A discussion with gubernatorial candidate Mark Begich

The Kenai Peninsula’s economy has long been dependent on oil and gas. What will you do to boost the economy on the Kenai Peninsula beyond… Continue reading

Democratic nominee for governor in Alaska, Mark Begich, speaks during a chamber of commerce gubernatorial candidate forum on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018, in Juneau, Alaska, as Gov. Bill Walker, left, looks on. The forum featured the three major candidates in the race, including Republican nominee Mike Dunleavy, who is not pictured. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)
Former state Senate Mike Dunleavy, left, Gov. Bill Walker, center, and former U.S. Senator Mark Begich shake hands after a debate at a Juneau Chamber of Commerce luncheon at Centennial Hall on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Alaska Gov. Bill Walker abandons election

Incumbent independent throws support behind Democratic candidate Mark Begich.

Former state Senate Mike Dunleavy, left, Gov. Bill Walker, center, and former U.S. Senator Mark Begich shake hands after a debate at a Juneau Chamber of Commerce luncheon at Centennial Hall on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott abruptly resigned form office Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)

Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott abruptly resigns

It’s unknown what the ‘inappropriate comments’ were that sparked his resignation.

Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott abruptly resigned form office Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)
In this file photo from 2015, a protester stands next to rubber boots on the steps of the Alaska State Capitol during a rally to bring attention to the long-term protection of transboundary waters, principally the Taku, Stikine and Unuk watersheds. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Alaska’s congressional delegation pens another transboundary letter

It urges the State Department to protect Alaska’s watersheds.

In this file photo from 2015, a protester stands next to rubber boots on the steps of the Alaska State Capitol during a rally to bring attention to the long-term protection of transboundary waters, principally the Taku, Stikine and Unuk watersheds. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Alyse Galvin, independent candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, and Don Young, Republican incumbent candidate for U.S. House, are seen in a composite image using photographs submitted by their campaigns. (Composite image)

Galvin is beating Rep. Young in fundraising

If Galvin were to defeat Young, it would be a colossal upset.

Alyse Galvin, independent candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, and Don Young, Republican incumbent candidate for U.S. House, are seen in a composite image using photographs submitted by their campaigns. (Composite image)
The Kenai Peninsula Borough building, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

Superior Court finds borough invocation policy violates Constitution

Editor’s note: This article has been updated to include more background information and quotes from sources including Borough Mayor Charlie Pierce. The Alaska Superior Court… Continue reading

The Kenai Peninsula Borough building, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)
Cruise ship visitors gather for their tours on the Seawalk on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Judge taking time on cruise ship lawsuit ruling

The lawsuit between the city and the cruise industry won’t be resolved any time soon.

Cruise ship visitors gather for their tours on the Seawalk on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Search on for rodent on Bering Sea island

JUNEAU (AP) — Wildlife officials are working to capture a rogue rodent sighted on a rat-free island off the coast of southwest Alaska. The U.S.… Continue reading

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