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)

Chief justice defends judicial nominating process

The governor said there were qualified applicants “inexplicably” not nominated

  • Mar 25, 2019
  • By BECKY BOHRER Associated Press
Community members show their support for the opening of Freedom House’s men’s residence in Soldotna, Alaska, on March 24, 2019. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)

Freedom House celebrates the opening of men’s residence

Freedom House uses a faith-based recovery program to help transition into a sober lifestyle

Community members show their support for the opening of Freedom House’s men’s residence in Soldotna, Alaska, on March 24, 2019. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)
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)

Groups: EPA has dragged heels on oil dispersant rules

“We depend on feeding our families from the ocean.”

  • Mar 25, 2019
  • By JANET McCONNAUGHEY Associated Press
A technician from Anchorage Solar installs vertical solar panels at the new location for River City Books in Soldotna on Saturday. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)

River City Books goes solar

People were also able to get an up-close look at the solar panels being installed

A technician from Anchorage Solar installs vertical solar panels at the new location for River City Books in Soldotna on Saturday. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)
School briefs for the week of March 25, 2019

School briefs for the week of March 25, 2019

What’s happening this week

School briefs for the week of March 25, 2019
Members of the public wait to share their thoughts on the governor’s budget to the House Finance Committee at the Alaska State Capitol on Friday, March 22, 2019. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire)

House Finance holds 1st community meeting on budget in Juneau

Dozens of people told lawmakers they’re ready to give to the state.

Members of the public wait to share their thoughts on the governor’s budget to the House Finance Committee at the Alaska State Capitol on Friday, March 22, 2019. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire)
Public safety briefs for March 24, 2019
Public safety briefs for March 24, 2019
Court reports for March 24, 2019
Court reports for March 24, 2019
Growers fear agriculture cuts could curb industry growth

Growers fear agriculture cuts could curb industry growth

The governor’s proposed budget would reduce funding to the state Division of Agriculture

Growers fear agriculture cuts could curb industry growth
Peninsula resident Willow Kitchens tests out the Da Vinci Xi surgery robot during the Community Health Fair at Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna, Alaska, on March 23, 2019. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)

CPH Shows off new surgery robot at Community Health Fair

The price tag of the Da Vinci Xi was around $2.1 million

Peninsula resident Willow Kitchens tests out the Da Vinci Xi surgery robot during the Community Health Fair at Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna, Alaska, on March 23, 2019. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)
(File photo)

Kenai council asks to keep fishing tax funds

Kenai sees about $150,000 to $200,000 in commercial fishing tax revenue

(File photo)
The guided-missile destroyer USS Zumwalt, left, is underway in formation with the littoral combat ship USS Independence on the final leg of its three-month journey to its new homeport in San Diego. The USS Zumwalt arrived in Ketchikan Saturday. (Courtesy Photo |U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Ace Rheaume)
The guided-missile destroyer USS Zumwalt, left, is underway in formation with the littoral combat ship USS Independence on the final leg of its three-month journey to its new homeport in San Diego. The USS Zumwalt arrived in Ketchikan Saturday. (Courtesy Photo |U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Ace Rheaume)
Sitka Tribe gears up for legal battle

Sitka Tribe gears up for legal battle

They’ve gotten support in Sitka and Juneau.

Sitka Tribe gears up for legal battle
Court reports for March 22, 2019
Court reports for March 22, 2019
Public safety briefs for March 22, 2019
Public safety briefs for March 22, 2019
Dunleavy keeps open court seat, questions nomination process

Dunleavy keeps open court seat, questions nomination process

The council advanced three names for two open seats on the Palmer Superior Court

  • Mar 21, 2019
  • By BECKY BOHRER Associated Press
Dunleavy keeps open court seat, questions nomination process
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)