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Marijuana industry testifies against governor’s control board nominee

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Marijuana industry testifies against governor’s control board nominee

“There’s this undercurrent of trying to push back the marijuana industry.”

The Alaska State Capitol. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

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No-bid contract for psychiatric institute raises questions

A previous report advised against privatizing the institute.

Andy Jones, Director of the Department of Health and Social Services’ Office of Substance Misuse, right, speak about the fiscal impacts of the opioids on the state along with Michael Duxbury, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, center, and Laura Brooks, Director of Health and Rehabilitation for the Department of Corrections, in front of the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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The opioid crisis costs Alaska more than $1B per year, and it’s going to keep being costly

The cost of an epidemic.

US Senator questions Facebook over policies surrounding ivory sales

Business

US Senator questions Facebook over policies surrounding ivory sales

He worked with Alaska Native artists to resolve an issue with Etsy last year.

Dunleavy’s candidate screening process under scrutiny

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Dunleavy’s candidate screening process under scrutiny

Some nominees have been “found wanting.”

Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s Office of Management and Budget Director Donna Arduin presents the governor’s supplemental budget to the Senate Finance Committee at the Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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Budget director’s history of cutting with ‘hatchet, not a scalpel’ sparks concern

How much power should the position have?

State sues opioid manufacturer, alleging willful deception

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State sues opioid manufacturer, alleging willful deception

It’s the country’s leading opioid producer.

Dan Robinson, chief of research and analysis for the Department of Labor & Workforce Development, gives a 2019 Alaska Job Forecast and Outlook presentation at the Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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Alaska’s job market projected to rebound in 2019

Tourism is the main bright spot for Southeast.

School buses drop students off at Thunder Mountain High School on Monday, Sept. 21, 2015. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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Gov’s bills includes $20M slash to education

The money was already approved.

Rep. David Talerico, R-Healy, speaks during a press conference with Rep. Sarah Vance, R-Homer, left, and Rep. Colleen Sullivan-Leonard, R-Wasilla,at the Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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Reps talking, but House still unsettled

The House is a week away from a dubious record.

Update: Commissioner designee resigns after accusations of false resume entry

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Update: Commissioner designee resigns after accusations of false resume entry

He also admitted to making inaccurate statements in a confirmation hearing.

Jerry Arizpe and his wife, Jordan, hold a 33-pound bag of food they picked up at the Southeast Alaska Food Bank on Monday, Jan 21, 2019. Arizpe is a U.S. Coast Guardsman at Station Juneau and is not currently receiving a paycheck because of the partial federal shutdown. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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‘Money-wise, I’m almost broke’: Furloughed workers in Juneau prepare for second missed paycheck

“This was a wakeup call for a lot of us.”

House Republicans Cathy Tilton, left, David Talerico, center, and Lance Pruitt speak to the press outside the House chambers after Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s State of the State speech on Tuesday. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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Gov’s crime message resonates, but Juneau lawmakers hesitant about constitutional amendments

Most everyone agreed on Dunleavy’s take on public safety.