Sen. Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, introduces Senate Bill 22 to the Senate Resources Committee at the Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. The bill would allow organizations to obtain permits and enhance the habitat of shellfish in hopes of improving the seafood industry. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Shellfish rehabilitation bill carries economic potential

Experts see a bright future in mariculture.

Sen. Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, introduces Senate Bill 22 to the Senate Resources Committee at the Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. The bill would allow organizations to obtain permits and enhance the habitat of shellfish in hopes of improving the seafood industry. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
At town hall, Juneau residents worry about budget cuts

At town hall, Juneau residents worry about budget cuts

Locals crowded into a local library to voice their concerns.

At town hall, Juneau residents worry about budget cuts
Should Alaska privatize prisons? Dems upset over budget director’s ties to industry
Should Alaska privatize prisons? Dems upset over budget director’s ties to industry
Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s Office of Management and Budget Director Donna Arduin presents the governor’s supplemental budget to the Senate Finance Committee at the Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s Office of Management and Budget Director Donna Arduin presents the governor’s supplemental budget to the Senate Finance Committee at the Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Donna Arduin, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, speaks to House members during an informational meeting at the Capitol on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Donna Arduin, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, speaks to House members during an informational meeting at the Capitol on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Capitol Live: Private contractor to take over administration at psych institute
Capitol Live: Private contractor to take over administration at psych institute
Amanda Price, commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, right, watches as Kathryn Monfreda, bureau chief of the Department of Public Safety’s Division of Statewide Services, presents the Uniform Crime Reporting Annual Report to House members during an informational meeting at the Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Amanda Price, commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, right, watches as Kathryn Monfreda, bureau chief of the Department of Public Safety’s Division of Statewide Services, presents the Uniform Crime Reporting Annual Report to House members during an informational meeting at the Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Young marijuana plants grow indoors under lights at the Fireweed Factory in Juneau on Tuesday, March 14, 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Young marijuana plants grow indoors under lights at the Fireweed Factory in Juneau on Tuesday, March 14, 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Senate Judiciary Committee member Sen. Mike Shower, R-Wasilla, left, asks a question of Attorney General Kevin Clarkson about Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s four crime bills as Sen. Shelley Hughes, R-Wasilla, listens at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Senators open to public comment on crime bills

The bills aim to ‘reset the stage’ for addressing crime rates.

Senate Judiciary Committee member Sen. Mike Shower, R-Wasilla, left, asks a question of Attorney General Kevin Clarkson about Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s four crime bills as Sen. Shelley Hughes, R-Wasilla, listens at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Economy to take a hit, no matter the budget outcome
Economy to take a hit, no matter the budget outcome
Ferry system braces for budget cuts

Ferry system braces for budget cuts

Dwindling budget could mean loss of services.

Ferry system braces for budget cuts
Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Sen. Shelley Hughes, R-Wasilla, listens to Attorney General Kevin Clarkson speak about Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s four crime bills at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Sen. Shelley Hughes, R-Wasilla, listens to Attorney General Kevin Clarkson speak about Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s four crime bills at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Capitol Live: Senators examine new crime bill, will take public comment
Video
Capitol Live: Senators examine new crime bill, will take public comment
Video
Dunleavy’s candidate screening process under scrutiny

Dunleavy’s candidate screening process under scrutiny

Some nominees have been “found wanting.”

Dunleavy’s candidate screening process under scrutiny
Capitol Live: Reps react to ‘atrocious’ sexual assault statistics

Capitol Live: Reps react to ‘atrocious’ sexual assault statistics

Alaska’s rates of assault are much higher than the national average.

Capitol Live: Reps react to ‘atrocious’ sexual assault statistics
US Senator questions Facebook over policies surrounding ivory sales

US Senator questions Facebook over policies surrounding ivory sales

He worked with Alaska Native artists to resolve an issue with Etsy last year.

US Senator questions Facebook over policies surrounding ivory sales
Capitol Live: Without organization, House committees gather as ‘informational meetings’ anyway
Capitol Live: Without organization, House committees gather as ‘informational meetings’ anyway
Donna Arduin, right, director of the Office of Budget and Management, speaks with Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka, at a Senate Finance Committee at the Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019. Sen. Stedman is Co-Chair of the Committee. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Donna Arduin, right, director of the Office of Budget and Management, speaks with Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka, at a Senate Finance Committee at the Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019. Sen. Stedman is Co-Chair of the Committee. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Here’s when Alaska’s U.S. senators will be at the Capitol

Here’s when Alaska’s U.S. senators will be at the Capitol

Tentative dates set for Murkowski, Sullivan speeches in Juneau.

Here’s when Alaska’s U.S. senators will be at the Capitol
Southeast Alaska mayor pleads guilty to soliciting prostitution

Southeast Alaska mayor pleads guilty to soliciting prostitution

Klawock mayor pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge.

Southeast Alaska mayor pleads guilty to soliciting prostitution