Mollie Barnes

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.

Bill would help immersion school teachers

Professor says it will help preserve Alaska Native languages.

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.
Alaska hospitals have critical need for blood

Alaska hospitals have critical need for blood

Donate at the Blood Bank of Alaska center.

Alaska hospitals have critical need for blood
Sen. John Coghill, R-North Pole, listens to a question during a press conference in this Empire file photo. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire)

Senate votes to roll back conflict of interest restrictions

Five Democrats voted no on the rollback.

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

New data shows Alaska suicide rate increase

Someone in Alaska dies by suicide every 44 hours.

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)
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)

Senate approves fast-tracked disaster relief funds

Dry weather predictions prompt additional fire suppression funds.

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)
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)

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.

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

Governor unveils spending plan for the next decade

He compares his plan to three other options.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
‘We’re not giving up our ferries’: Hundreds rally at the Capitol

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

Alaska Native women lead group in “Canoe Song.”

‘We’re not giving up our ferries’: Hundreds rally at the Capitol
In this May 2008 photo, the ferry Malaspina heads up Lynn Canal toward Haines and Skagway, Alaska, from Juneau. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
In this May 2008 photo, the ferry Malaspina heads up Lynn Canal toward Haines and Skagway, Alaska, from Juneau. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
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)

New state revenue forecast slightly more positive for 2020

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

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

Students protest proposed budget cuts to university

“We don’t have to accept these cuts.”

Students from the University of Alaska system pose for a photo after a rally on Monday, March 18, 2019. (Mollie Barnes | Juneau Empire)
This graph shows the fare box recovery rate for the Alaska Marine Highway System. (Courtesy)

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.

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

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.’

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

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

Congress accepting comments on environmental impacts on ANWR through Wednesday.

On day 56, the Alaska Legislature passes first resolution of session
The Alaska State Marine Highway Ferry Fairweather pulls up to the Auke Bay Terminal in this 2014 file photo.
The Alaska State Marine Highway Ferry Fairweather pulls up to the Auke Bay Terminal in this 2014 file photo.