James Brooks

Alaska chief justice expects another 3.5 percent drop in court system budget

Alaska’s chief justice told lawmakers Wednesday that he’s optimistic and hopes they will find a solution to the state’s multibillion-dollar budget deficit. Then again, “Candidly,… Continue reading

In this file photo, the Git-Hoan Dancers of Metlakatla give their take on snapping selfies during a performance for Celebration 2016 at Centennial Hall. Celebration is a biennial festival that celebrates Alaska Native culture and the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian peoples. (Michale Penn | Juneau Empire File)

‘A great day’: House votes to put Indigenous Peoples Day on Columbus Day

The Alaska House of Representatives has approved a bill recognizing Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples Day. House Bill 78 was approved in a 31-7 vote… Continue reading

In this file photo, the Git-Hoan Dancers of Metlakatla give their take on snapping selfies during a performance for Celebration 2016 at Centennial Hall. Celebration is a biennial festival that celebrates Alaska Native culture and the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian peoples. (Michale Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Marijunana Control Board member Loren Jones speaks during their meeting at the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development in the State Office Building on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017.

Fearful of new U.S. Attorney General, marijuana board drops plans for cafe-style rules

  In a surprise move, Alaska’s marijuana control board has abandoned plans for cafe-style regulations that would have allowed marijuana to be consumed in some… Continue reading

Marijunana Control Board member Loren Jones speaks during their meeting at the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development in the State Office Building on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017.
Rep. Matt Claman, D-Anchorage, Chair of the House Judiciary Committee presents a question to Rep. Jason Grenn, I-Anchorage, during his introduction of HB 44 in the at the Capitol on Friday. HB 44 would require a legislator to abstain from taking or withholding official action or exerting official influence that could benefit or harm an immediate family member or certain employers. Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, D-Sitka, is seen in the background. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

New lawmaker squarely targets Legislature’s conflicts of interest

Ray Metcalfe sat at a desk next to a wallet full of million-dollar bills and asked Alaska lawmakers to curtail corruption. On Friday, members of… Continue reading

Rep. Matt Claman, D-Anchorage, Chair of the House Judiciary Committee presents a question to Rep. Jason Grenn, I-Anchorage, during his introduction of HB 44 in the at the Capitol on Friday. HB 44 would require a legislator to abstain from taking or withholding official action or exerting official influence that could benefit or harm an immediate family member or certain employers. Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, D-Sitka, is seen in the background. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Oil and gas subsidy debate, which sank budget deal last year, is poised to return

Oil and gas subsidy debate, which sank budget deal last year, is poised to return

An issue that sank plans for a budget fix in 2016 will soon resurface in the Alaska Legislature. A bill addressing North Slope oil and… Continue reading

Oil and gas subsidy debate, which sank budget deal last year, is poised to return
Gov. Bill Walker speaks during his State of the State address before a joint session of the Alaska Legislature at the Capitolon Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017. Senate President Pete Kelly, R-Fairbanks, left, and Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmon, D-Dillingham, watch from the Speakers desk in the background. (Michael Penn/Juneau Empire)

Walker says Alaska is in the ‘gravest fiscal crisis in state history’

Speaking to the Alaska Legislature Wednesday night, Gov. Bill Walker referenced the words of the director of the Legislative Finance Division and called the state’s… Continue reading

Gov. Bill Walker speaks during his State of the State address before a joint session of the Alaska Legislature at the Capitolon Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017. Senate President Pete Kelly, R-Fairbanks, left, and Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmon, D-Dillingham, watch from the Speakers desk in the background. (Michael Penn/Juneau Empire)

Deficit is distant thunder as Legislature convenes

For one day, there were smiles. At times resembling students returning for the first day of a new high school year, the 30th Alaska Legislature… Continue reading

Juneau population drops to 2012 levels

If employment is the pulse of an economy, population is its blood pressure — a sign of its overall condition. Juneau’s blood pressure is dropping,… Continue reading

Walker proposal would freeze pay

Gov. Bill Walker is preparing to propose a bill that would freeze the pay of nonunion employees at the University of Alaska, Alaska Court System,… Continue reading

Beneath the waves or underground, warming Alaska poses multiple threats

When you talk to climatologists about 2016, the phrase “mind-boggling” comes up a lot.“For crying out loud, yesterday it was 36 degrees in Barrow, Alaska,… Continue reading

Dividend, alongside budget, will be a focus for lawmakers

Sen. Bill Wielechowski knows the state needs to balance its budget. The Anchorage Democrat just wants to make sure that Alaskans’ Permanent Fund Dividend isn’t… Continue reading

Alcohol regulations poised for overhaul

Sen. Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, is expected to be the key figure this year as long-awaited reforms to Alaska’s alcohol laws reach the Legislature.Since 2012, members… Continue reading

A fixture is lifted into place above the entrance canopy at the Alaska State Capitol building on Thursday.

New-look Capitol awaits lawmakers

There are two ways to look at the just-completed four years of renovations at the Alaska State Capitol: Inside and out. “I don’t think you’ll… Continue reading

A fixture is lifted into place above the entrance canopy at the Alaska State Capitol building on Thursday.

State drops most jobs since 1980s recession

New statistics reveal the state of Alaska’s job market is in the worst shape since the recession of the late 1980s.In a report released Friday,… Continue reading

JPD: Man shot was unarmed

A 38-year-old Juneau man is in serious but stable condition in a Seattle hospital after being shot by a Juneau Police Department officer Saturday morning.According… Continue reading

Juneau’s first marijuana sale goes without a hitch

Even the mayor was there.On Wednesday night, Rainforest Farms made the first legal sale of marijuana in Juneau and the first in Alaska off the… Continue reading

Black Friday is an unpaid day for many state employees

It’s not the night before Christmas, but not a creature will be stirring in many state offices Friday. Employees can give thanks to budget cuts.The… Continue reading

Report: Ferry system should become state-owned corporation

A new report commissioned by Southeast Conference recommends that the Alaska Marine Highway System become a state-backed corporation semi-independent of government.The report’s draft recommendations were… Continue reading

Marijuana money already reaching state coffers, but industry isn’t yet self-funding

The state of Alaska will begin to collect its first marijuana taxes this month, but records from the Alaska Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office show… Continue reading

State issues first marijuana warning to licensed business

An Anchorage marijuana business that ran afoul of state regulations will be let off with a warning.On Thursday, the Alaska Marijuana Control Board heard from… Continue reading