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Mollie Barnes

Rep. Dan Ortiz, I-Ketchikan, introduces his bill, House Bill 105, to the House Fisheries Committee on Tuesday, April 2, 2019. The bill relates to claims against protection and indemnity insurance policies of vessel owners. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

News

Are you a fisherman who’s been hurt on the job? This bill could help.

By fishermen, for fishermen.

Native women hold up red dresses to symbolize missing and murdered indigenous women during the Women’s March on Juneau in front of the Alaska State Capitol on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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Murkowski works to address crisis of missing, murdered indigenous women

Not invisible.

Gayla Hoseth, 2nd Chief of Curyung Tribal Council and Director of Natural Resources at Bristol Bay Native Association, left, Norman Van Vactor, CEO of the Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation, center, and former Alaska legislator Rick Halford, present at a press conference against thePebble Mine project on Monday, April 1, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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Scientists: Pebble Mine study doesn’t account for all risks

Group says Army Corps study does not pass as credible science.

Lance Twitchell, Associate Professor of Alaska Native Languages at the University of Alaska Southeast, testifies in front of the House Education Committee in favor of House Bill 24 on Monday, April 1, 2019.

News

Bill would help immersion school teachers

Professor says it will help preserve Alaska Native languages.

Alaska hospitals have critical need for blood

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Alaska hospitals have critical need for blood

Donate at the Blood Bank of Alaska center.

Sen. John Coghill, R-North Pole, listens to a question during a press conference in this Empire file photo. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire)

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Senate votes to roll back conflict of interest restrictions

Five Democrats voted no on the rollback.

James Biela, lead field advocate the Alaska Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, speaks during an informational meeting at the Capitol on Tuesday, March 26, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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New data shows Alaska suicide rate increase

Someone in Alaska dies by suicide every 44 hours.

Dr. Suzanne Allen, from Boise, Idaho, gives an overview of the WWAMI School of Medical Education program to the Senate Finance Committee at the Capitol on Monday, March 25, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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Tuition assistance for medical students on the chopping block

Alaska would be the only state in the country to not provide state assistance for medical education.

Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka, speaks about CSSB 38, a supplemental appropriation bill for earthquake relief, during a Senate floor session at the Capitol on Monday, March 25, 2019. The $130 million bill passed unanimously. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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Senate approves fast-tracked disaster relief funds

Dry weather predictions prompt additional fire suppression funds.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

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Governor unveils spending plan for the next decade

He compares his plan to three other options.

In this May 2008 photo, the ferry Malaspina heads up Lynn Canal toward Haines and Skagway, Alaska, from Juneau. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

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Deadline extended for proposals for governor’s ferry study after only one applies

Budget for the study increased to a quarter million dollars.

‘We’re not giving up our ferries’: Hundreds rally at the Capitol

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‘We’re not giving up our ferries’: Hundreds rally at the Capitol

Alaska Native women lead group in “Canoe Song.”

Students from the University of Alaska system pose for a photo after a rally on Monday, March 18, 2019. (Mollie Barnes | Juneau Empire)

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Students protest proposed budget cuts to university

“We don’t have to accept these cuts.”

Commissioner Designee Bruce Tangeman presents the state’s revenue forecast to the Senate Finance Committee at the Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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New state revenue forecast slightly more positive for 2020

Oil forecast goes from $63 to $69 per barrel.

This graph shows the fare box recovery rate for the Alaska Marine Highway System. (Courtesy)

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Beyond the budget: What are the options to extend ferry service past October?

After hearing hundreds of testimonies, lawmakers say keeping basic service a top priority.

File photo

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Alaska approves regulations for marijuana consumption in retail shops

But don’t expect an influx in smoking cafes.

Rep. Dan Ortiz, I-Ketchikan, right, reacts as Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tompkins, D-Sitka, mentions a bill to move legislative meetings to Anchorage as they speak at the Native Issues Forum with Sen. Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau, left, and Rep. Andi Story, D-Juneau, in the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Wednesday, March 13, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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Kiehl: ‘We’re pulling so hard to keep from going backwards’ on senior housing shortage

‘We’re finding ourselves a little short on time and resources to try and move forward.’

People pack the room to give public testimony on the Alaska Marine Highway System in the House Transportation and Public Facilities committee on March, 12, 2019. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire)

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Frustrations run high as many testify in support of ferry system

Many did not get a chance to speak.

On day 56, the Alaska Legislature passes first resolution of session

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On day 56, the Alaska Legislature passes first resolution of session

Congress accepting comments on environmental impacts on ANWR through Wednesday.

The Alaska State Marine Highway Ferry Fairweather pulls up to the Auke Bay Terminal in this 2014 file photo.

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Legislature to hear public testimony on ferry system and PFD

Here’s how to make your voice heard.