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University of Alaska President Jim Johnsen makes a presentation to the university’s Board of Regents at the UAS Recreation Center on Sept. 15, 2016. A declaration of financial exigency that would have allowed University of Alaska to make drastic cuts was rescinded Tuesday. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

University of Alaska rescinds emergency financial declaration

The financial picture still isn’t rosy.

University of Alaska President Jim Johnsen makes a presentation to the university’s Board of Regents at the UAS Recreation Center on Sept. 15, 2016. A declaration of financial exigency that would have allowed University of Alaska to make drastic cuts was rescinded Tuesday. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
In this Tuesday, April 9, 2019 photo, Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks during a press conference at the Capitol. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Governor reluctant to consider oil taxes

Will taxes might cause companies to leave?

In this Tuesday, April 9, 2019 photo, Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks during a press conference at the Capitol. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Michael Penn | Juneau Empire Terry Allen rides his jet ski at Auke Lake on Monday, Aug. 19, 2019.

Alaska just recorded its hottest month — ever

Alaska has been America’s canary in the coal mine for climate warming, and the yellow bird is swooning.

Michael Penn | Juneau Empire Terry Allen rides his jet ski at Auke Lake on Monday, Aug. 19, 2019.
U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, speaks during an interview at the Juneau Empire on Monday, Aug. 5, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Military, oceans, domestic violence: Sen. Sullivan visits Empire, talks issues

Sullivan stops by the Empire to talk bills.

U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, speaks during an interview at the Juneau Empire on Monday, Aug. 5, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
University of Alaska Board of Regents chairman John Davies speaks at a news conference in Anchorage, Alaska, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019, where Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced he would support a $25 million cut this year to the University of Alaska system. That is a sharp reversal from the $135 million cut Dunleavy earlier endorsed. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)

Dunleavy signs ‘step-down’ compact with University of Alaska

Plan will introduce cuts over three years rather than one

University of Alaska Board of Regents chairman John Davies speaks at a news conference in Anchorage, Alaska, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019, where Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced he would support a $25 million cut this year to the University of Alaska system. That is a sharp reversal from the $135 million cut Dunleavy earlier endorsed. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game Beluga whales arch their backs through the surface of the water in September 2017. Of Alaska’s five distinct beluga whale populations, only Cook Inlet’s is listed as endangered.

Researchers receive federal funds to study Cook Inlet belugas

The grant program supports management, research and outreach campaigns for conservation of wildlife.

Alaska Department of Fish and Game Beluga whales arch their backs through the surface of the water in September 2017. Of Alaska’s five distinct beluga whale populations, only Cook Inlet’s is listed as endangered.
Clarion reporters Brian Mazurek, left, and Victoria Petersen interview Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, at the Peninsula Clarion in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019. Murkowski discussed issues such as the Alaska Permanent Fund dividend, the Pebble Mine project and Alaska-related legislation. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)

A conversation with the senator

Lisa Murkowski talks PFD, Pebble and what’s happening in the Senate.

Clarion reporters Brian Mazurek, left, and Victoria Petersen interview Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, at the Peninsula Clarion in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019. Murkowski discussed issues such as the Alaska Permanent Fund dividend, the Pebble Mine project and Alaska-related legislation. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)
Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks during a press conference at the Capitol on April 9, 2019.

Gov. Dunleavy received treatment for a mild form of skin cancer

His office announced a brush with cancer today.

Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks during a press conference at the Capitol on April 9, 2019.

State extends no-bid contract to grandson of governor donor

ANCHORAGE — Alaska has extended a no-bid contract awarded to a relative of a major financial supporter of the governor, officials said. The one-year contract… Continue reading

Recall Dunleavy supporters hold signs at a Recall Dunleavy rally held on Aug. 1, 2019, at WKFL Park in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong)

Recall Dunleavy effort starts with statewide rallies on Thursday

A movement to recall Gov. Mike Dunleavy started on Thursday with rallies around the state, including one held at WKFL Park in Homer. Co-sponsored by… Continue reading

Recall Dunleavy supporters hold signs at a Recall Dunleavy rally held on Aug. 1, 2019, at WKFL Park in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong)
Sen. David Wilson offers an amendment to the operating budget at the Capitol on Monday, July 29, 2019. Sen. Wilson’s amendment would pay $1,400 as part two of an Alaskan permanent fund dividend. It was voted down. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

House passes capital budget, reverses sweep, approves veto restoration

House and Senate pass legislation on to Dunleavy’s desk.

Sen. David Wilson offers an amendment to the operating budget at the Capitol on Monday, July 29, 2019. Sen. Wilson’s amendment would pay $1,400 as part two of an Alaskan permanent fund dividend. It was voted down. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
John Vercessi, left, and Dave Bell man the picket line for the Inlandboatmen’s Union of the Pacific at the Alaska Marine Highway System’s Auke Bay Terminal on Tuesday, July 30, 2019. Vercessi works as a seaman on the MV LeConte and Bell is a relief boatswain. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Ferry work stoppages stretch to seventh day

Striker ready to trade picket line for regular work.

John Vercessi, left, and Dave Bell man the picket line for the Inlandboatmen’s Union of the Pacific at the Alaska Marine Highway System’s Auke Bay Terminal on Tuesday, July 30, 2019. Vercessi works as a seaman on the MV LeConte and Bell is a relief boatswain. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Board of Regents votes to consolidate UA system

UA regents move to bring universities under one roof.

Wikimedia Commons The replica of the school bus that Chris McCandless lived in, this one was used for the filming of Into the Wild.

Woman dies trying to reach ‘Into the Wild’ bus

FAIRBANKS — A newlywed woman from Belarus who was swept away by a river in Alaska was trying to reach an abandoned bus made famous… Continue reading

Wikimedia Commons The replica of the school bus that Chris McCandless lived in, this one was used for the filming of Into the Wild.
Michael Penn / Juneau Empire The Tlingit & Haida Head Start program is located in the Airport Shopping Center.

Pre-K programs to lose funding after budget vetoes

ANCHORAGE — Alaska’s Head Start early childhood education program is preparing to close pre-K classrooms and cut jobs after budget vetoes, officials said. The program… Continue reading

Michael Penn / Juneau Empire The Tlingit & Haida Head Start program is located in the Airport Shopping Center.
Members of the Inland Boatmen’s Union of the Pacific picket in front of the Auke Bay Terminal on Thursday, July 25, 2019. The union called a strike on Wednesday over failed negotiations with Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s administration. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
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Ferry workers strike continues; State says strike ‘illegal’

Ferry workers strike, and the state strikes back

Members of the Inland Boatmen’s Union of the Pacific picket in front of the Auke Bay Terminal on Thursday, July 25, 2019. The union called a strike on Wednesday over failed negotiations with Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s administration. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
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Bill Roth / Anchorage Daily News Nimeron Mike was hired as a village police officer in his hometown of Stebbins even though he is a registered sex offender who served six years behind bars. Mike worked as a cop from Dec. 31 to March 29.

At least 14 Alaska cities have public safety officers with criminal records

ANCHORAGE — At least 14 cities in Alaska have employed police officers whose criminal records should have prevented them from being hired under state law,… Continue reading

Bill Roth / Anchorage Daily News Nimeron Mike was hired as a village police officer in his hometown of Stebbins even though he is a registered sex offender who served six years behind bars. Mike worked as a cop from Dec. 31 to March 29.
The University of Alaska Board of Regents meets in an emergency meeting in Anchorage, Alaska Monday, July 22, 2019. Regents voted 10-1 to declare a financial exigency, allowing administrators to expedite layoffs of tenured faculty in the face of severe budget issues. (AP Photo/Dan Joling)

Financial crisis opens University of Alaska up to layoffs

ANCHORAGE — The University of Alaska Board of Regents decided Monday they could no longer wait to see if the Alaska Legislature will bail them… Continue reading

The University of Alaska Board of Regents meets in an emergency meeting in Anchorage, Alaska Monday, July 22, 2019. Regents voted 10-1 to declare a financial exigency, allowing administrators to expedite layoffs of tenured faculty in the face of severe budget issues. (AP Photo/Dan Joling)
Lawmakers talk among themselves during a break of a joint session of the Alaska Legislature Thursday, July 11, 2019, in Juneau, Alaska. Lawmakers are meeting for a second day to consider overriding Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s budget vetoes, but still don’t have the needed 45 votes as about a third of lawmakers continue to meet in Wasilla instead of Juneau. (Michael Penn/The Juneau Empire via AP)

Efforts to override vetoes quashed

Without enough lawmakers in Juneau, legislators look to next steps

Lawmakers talk among themselves during a break of a joint session of the Alaska Legislature Thursday, July 11, 2019, in Juneau, Alaska. Lawmakers are meeting for a second day to consider overriding Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s budget vetoes, but still don’t have the needed 45 votes as about a third of lawmakers continue to meet in Wasilla instead of Juneau. (Michael Penn/The Juneau Empire via AP)

Alaskans give heated testimony, make their voices heard on PFD

Both sides traded barbs.

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