Sitka, Petersburg seek to get closer to marijuana

Two Southeast communities want more access to marijuana — if the state will allow.Sitka and Petersburg have each requested the state relax its 500-foot buffer… Continue reading

S&P report delves into Alaska’s negative credit outlook

Standard and Poor’s Rating Services took a look at what makes some oil states’ futures look bleaker than others. The hardest-hit states forecasted oil prices… Continue reading

Cooper Landing murder trial delayed again

KENAI — The trial of a man accused of murder for the 2013 death of Genghis Muskox has been pushed back to April.Paul Vermillion, 32,… Continue reading

Wasilla bans pot businesses

WASILLA — Southcentral Alaska’s cannabis business just got more concentrated in Anchorage. A big chunk of the Valley, long a byword for marijuana cultivation, is… Continue reading

In this photo taken Wednesday, a woman cross-country skis in Kincaid Park in Anchorage. Alaska ranked second behind Hawaii in the State of the American Well-Being report from Gallup and Healthways, which was released Thursday.

Wellness survey tells us what we already know: Alaska rocks

ANCHORAGE — If you want to improve your sense of well-being, leave the Lower 48.A new report ranking all 50 states based on residents’ sense… Continue reading

In this photo taken Wednesday, a woman cross-country skis in Kincaid Park in Anchorage. Alaska ranked second behind Hawaii in the State of the American Well-Being report from Gallup and Healthways, which was released Thursday.

Bethel City Council approves moratorium on pot operations

BETHEL— Bethel officials have approved a measure that puts a six-month hold on new marijuana operations in the city.The moratorium approved Tuesday will keep the… Continue reading

Arizona governor wants to split 9th Circuit Court of Appeals

PHOENIX — Arizona's Republican governor launched a renewed effort Thursday to break up the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, citing reasons outside longstanding GOP… Continue reading

Around Town

GED orientation class, 9 a.m., The Learning Connection, 210 Ferry Way. GED orientation is designed to improve the success rate of those taking the tests.… Continue reading

Alaska, Oregon suspend activity by Moda

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Alaska insurance regulators have suspended Moda Health Plan from accepting new or renewal policies in the state, citing concerns with the… Continue reading

Juneau delegation invites public input Sunday

On Sunday, Juneau’s delegation to the Alaska Legislature will hear Juneau residents’ opinions on the state’s budget situation and other issues affecting Alaska.Rep. Sam Kito… Continue reading

Special election announced to recall North Slope mayor

ANCHORAGE — North Slope officials have called for a special election to recall Mayor Charlotte Brower after residents successfully gathered enough signatures on a petition.The… Continue reading

Police calls for Friday, Jan. 29, 2016

This report contains public information available to the Empire from law enforcement agencies. This report includes arrest and citation information, not conviction information. Anyone listed… Continue reading

Candlelight vigil for those battling, lost to heroin

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence will sponsor a candlelight vigil to remember those lost and continuing to struggle with addiction.From 7-7:30 p.m.… Continue reading

Shelly Wright holds her coat during a blast of wind and rain downtown on Thursday. The National Weather Service forecast for Friday calls for numerous rain showers, highs around 39. Southeast wind 10 mph.

Photo: Battling wind and rain

Shelly Wright holds her coat during a blast of wind and rain downtown on Thursday. The National Weather Service forecast for Friday calls for numerous… Continue reading

Shelly Wright holds her coat during a blast of wind and rain downtown on Thursday. The National Weather Service forecast for Friday calls for numerous rain showers, highs around 39. Southeast wind 10 mph.

Klondike Highway reopens two days after avalanches

Travelers can once again move between Skagway and Whitehorse after crews from the Yukon Department of Highways and the Alaska Department of Transportation cleared a… Continue reading

Investigators seize heroin at Fairbanks home, storage unit

FAIRBANKS — Fairbanks drug investigators acting on a Crime Stoppers tip have seized an estimated $52,680 in heroin.Alaska State Troopers say the drugs were confiscated… Continue reading

A man walks his dog along the waterfront at sunset Wednesday in Hoboken, New Jersey, where the Lower Manhattan skyline serves as a backdrop.

Spate of random slashings across NYC sows fear

NEW YORK — Tony-award winning playwright David Henry Hwang was carrying groceries down a Brooklyn street when he felt like he got hit in the… Continue reading

A man walks his dog along the waterfront at sunset Wednesday in Hoboken, New Jersey, where the Lower Manhattan skyline serves as a backdrop.

Drug traffickers seek safe haven amid legal marijuana

DENVER — Seeking a safe haven in Colorado’s legal marijuana marketplace, illegal drug traffickers are growing weed among the state’s sanctioned pot warehouses and farms,… Continue reading

Refugees prepare themselves at a transit center for refugees near northern Macedonian village of Tabanovce on Thursday before heading towards the border with Serbia.

Mass expulsions ahead for Europe

STOCKHOLM — Dazzled by an unprecedented wave of migration, Sweden on Thursday put into words an uncomfortable reality for Europe: If the continent isn’t going… Continue reading

Refugees prepare themselves at a transit center for refugees near northern Macedonian village of Tabanovce on Thursday before heading towards the border with Serbia.

Djokovic, Williams win Australian Open semifinals

MELBOURNE, Australia — Novak Djokovic called it the best he has ever played against old foe Roger Federer. Serena Williams was just being her dominant… Continue reading

  • Jan 29, 2016
  • By DENNIS PASSA