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Gov names new commissioner of Department of Administration

Cabinet changes.

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Jamiann Hasselquist, vice president of Alaska Native Sisterhood Camp 2, speaks to an invited crowd at the Juneau Montessori School about Orange Shirt Day, a day of remembrance for the victims of residential school systems for Indigenous people in Canada and the United States on Sept. 28, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Local groups recognize and remember victims of residential schools

Sept. 30 is an annual day of remembrance for the victims of that system.

Jamiann Hasselquist, vice president of Alaska Native Sisterhood Camp 2, speaks to an invited crowd at the Juneau Montessori School about Orange Shirt Day, a day of remembrance for the victims of residential school systems for Indigenous people in Canada and the United States on Sept. 28, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
A bear feasts on the salmon run at Katmai National Park and Preserve on July 13, 2021. (Courtesy of Lian Law, National Parks Service)

Bears show off full bellies at Katmai for Fat Bear Week

KENAI — The bears of Katmai National Park and Preserve are preparing to show the world their beefy bodies starting today for this year’s Fat… Continue reading

A bear feasts on the salmon run at Katmai National Park and Preserve on July 13, 2021. (Courtesy of Lian Law, National Parks Service)
Alaskans with GCI Communications email accounts reported having trouble signing up for a free credit monitor service being offered by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, their Juneau offices seen here in this Jan. 13, 2021, file photo, in the wake of a data breach. GCI said Tuesday the issue should be resolved soon. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)

GCI working to fix issues registering for credit monitoring offered by state

Some email accounts had trouble signing up for free post-data breach service.

Alaskans with GCI Communications email accounts reported having trouble signing up for a free credit monitor service being offered by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, their Juneau offices seen here in this Jan. 13, 2021, file photo, in the wake of a data breach. GCI said Tuesday the issue should be resolved soon. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)
Lawmakers will return to the Alaska State Capitol, seen here on Sept. 24, for a fourth special session. Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s office confirmed the start date of the next session will be changed from a Friday to a Monday. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Next special session to begin Monday, not Friday

Fourth special session.

Lawmakers will return to the Alaska State Capitol, seen here on Sept. 24, for a fourth special session. Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s office confirmed the start date of the next session will be changed from a Friday to a Monday. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
The doors of the Alaska State Capitol were open Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, though the Alaska State Legislature was not in session. They will be soon, however, as Gov. Mike Dunleavy has called a fourth special session of the year. Lawmakers receive a per diem for days in session, and with so many special sessions those costs can add up. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Per diem for special sessions? It’s up to lawmakers

They have options.

The doors of the Alaska State Capitol were open Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, though the Alaska State Legislature was not in session. They will be soon, however, as Gov. Mike Dunleavy has called a fourth special session of the year. Lawmakers receive a per diem for days in session, and with so many special sessions those costs can add up. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
State health officials announced record numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths Friday, but said the high numbers were the result of a data reporting backlog and needed context. Despite the anamolies in the reporting, health officials emphasized COVID-19 was stressing the states health care systems and urgerd Alaskans to get vaccines, like these laid out during a mass-inoculation clinic in Juneau on Mar. 13, 2021. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire file)

Health department: Data backlog drives high numbers for cases, deaths

Zink: ‘Get vaccinated.’

State health officials announced record numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths Friday, but said the high numbers were the result of a data reporting backlog and needed context. Despite the anamolies in the reporting, health officials emphasized COVID-19 was stressing the states health care systems and urgerd Alaskans to get vaccines, like these laid out during a mass-inoculation clinic in Juneau on Mar. 13, 2021. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire file)
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, introduced legislation to permanently exempt large ships from the Passenger Vessel Services Act, which threatened Alaska's cruise ship season this year. The PVSA puts regulations on large cruise ship vessels, like this one entering the Gastineau Channel on Aug. 22, which are critical to the local tourism industry. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Murkowski enters bill to exempt Alaska from Passenger Vessel Services Act

Legislation would let ships travel to Alaska without stopping in Canada.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, introduced legislation to permanently exempt large ships from the Passenger Vessel Services Act, which threatened Alaska's cruise ship season this year. The PVSA puts regulations on large cruise ship vessels, like this one entering the Gastineau Channel on Aug. 22, which are critical to the local tourism industry. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking public comment until Oct. 18, to generate ideas for investment opportunities for the Biden administration’s Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy which hopes to build upon partnerships with regional entities. The USDA Forest Service has previously worked with regional organizations to promote regional development, such as this May, 2021 stream restoration project near Craig, done in partnership with the Southeast Alaska Watershed Coalition and many others. (Courtesy photo / Ian Johnson via U.S. Forest Service)

US Forest Service seeks public comment for regional investment ideas

Door’s wide open.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking public comment until Oct. 18, to generate ideas for investment opportunities for the Biden administration’s Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy which hopes to build upon partnerships with regional entities. The USDA Forest Service has previously worked with regional organizations to promote regional development, such as this May, 2021 stream restoration project near Craig, done in partnership with the Southeast Alaska Watershed Coalition and many others. (Courtesy photo / Ian Johnson via U.S. Forest Service)
Gov. Dunleavy called for Alaskans to be careful and avoid putting more demand on the perilously strained healthcare system as he announced measures to ease some of that demand during a press conference on Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

State officials: Health care reinforcements are coming

State contracts short-term health care workers to buttress fatigued hospitals

Gov. Dunleavy called for Alaskans to be careful and avoid putting more demand on the perilously strained healthcare system as he announced measures to ease some of that demand during a press conference on Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
A proposal from the Alaska Redistricting Board would substantially change Juneau's legislative districts. One of the latest proposals, seen here, would put parts of Auke Bay and the Mendenhall Valley in the same district as downtown Juneau and Douglas Island. The Northern Lynn Canal communities of Haines, Skagway and Kluckwan would be placed in the same district as the Mendenhall Valley. (Courtesy image / Alaska Redistricting Board)

Hitting the road: Redistricting maps to be shown in local hearings

Redistricting roadshow.

A proposal from the Alaska Redistricting Board would substantially change Juneau's legislative districts. One of the latest proposals, seen here, would put parts of Auke Bay and the Mendenhall Valley in the same district as downtown Juneau and Douglas Island. The Northern Lynn Canal communities of Haines, Skagway and Kluckwan would be placed in the same district as the Mendenhall Valley. (Courtesy image / Alaska Redistricting Board)
Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Adam Crum address the House Finance Committee on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020. Crum on Thursday discussed a cyber attack that had compromised Alaskans' information. Crum said because of an ongoing criminal investigation the entity responsible for the attack and the exact information compromised could not be revealed. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

State offers free credit monitoring following data breach

Beginning Sept. 27.

Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Adam Crum address the House Finance Committee on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020. Crum on Thursday discussed a cyber attack that had compromised Alaskans' information. Crum said because of an ongoing criminal investigation the entity responsible for the attack and the exact information compromised could not be revealed. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
Alaskans pick up and turn in Permanent Fund Dividend applications at the Department of Revenue office in the State Office Building in March 2011. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Dividend payments expected in 30 days

The bill passed, when do you get a check or deposit?

Alaskans pick up and turn in Permanent Fund Dividend applications at the Department of Revenue office in the State Office Building in March 2011. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
In this December 2020 photo, a syringe containing a dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine sits in a container during a vaccine clinic at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska. Overwhelmed by a surge in COVID-19 patients, Providence Alaska Medical Center, Alaska’s largest hospital, on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021, implemented crisis standards of care, prioritizing resources and treatments to those patients who have the potential to benefit the most.(Loren Holmes / Anchorage Daily News via AP, Pool) In this December 2020 photo, a syringe containing a dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine sits in a container during a vaccine clinic at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska. Overwhelmed by a surge in COVID-19 patients, Providence Alaska Medical Center, Alaska’s largest hospital, on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021, implemented crisis standards of care, prioritizing resources and treatments to those patients who have the potential to benefit the most.(Loren Holmes / Anchorage Daily News via AP, Pool)

State records most daily COVID cases amid health care strain

1,068 new cases of COVID-19, with case counts 13% higher than last week. Juneau reports 61.

In this December 2020 photo, a syringe containing a dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine sits in a container during a vaccine clinic at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska. Overwhelmed by a surge in COVID-19 patients, Providence Alaska Medical Center, Alaska’s largest hospital, on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021, implemented crisis standards of care, prioritizing resources and treatments to those patients who have the potential to benefit the most.(Loren Holmes / Anchorage Daily News via AP, Pool) In this December 2020 photo, a syringe containing a dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine sits in a container during a vaccine clinic at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska. Overwhelmed by a surge in COVID-19 patients, Providence Alaska Medical Center, Alaska’s largest hospital, on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021, implemented crisis standards of care, prioritizing resources and treatments to those patients who have the potential to benefit the most.(Loren Holmes / Anchorage Daily News via AP, Pool)
This photo shows Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaking at a July 2021 news conference.In a statement on Tuesday, Dunleavy said he would not veto the $1,100 Permanent Fund dividend passed by the Legislature. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Dunleavy says he won’t veto ‘partial’ PFD, calls fourth special session

Legislature is set to meet in Juneau on Oct. 1.

This photo shows Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaking at a July 2021 news conference.In a statement on Tuesday, Dunleavy said he would not veto the $1,100 Permanent Fund dividend passed by the Legislature. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
Senators converse during an At Ease in a floor session of the Alaska State Senate on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021. Senators passed a budget bill with a Permanent Fund Dividend of $1,100, but there’s disagreement over the fund sources that may lead to legal action. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Senate passes budget bill, $1,100 PFD hours before deadline

Next stop: The governor’s desk.

Senators converse during an At Ease in a floor session of the Alaska State Senate on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021. Senators passed a budget bill with a Permanent Fund Dividend of $1,100, but there’s disagreement over the fund sources that may lead to legal action. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
Lawmakers are set to meet in the Alaska State Capitol today, the last day of the state Legislature’s third special session. Multiple debates, including the size of this year’s Permanent Fund dividend. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Special session nears end with unresolved debates

The special session is set to expire tonight.

Lawmakers are set to meet in the Alaska State Capitol today, the last day of the state Legislature’s third special session. Multiple debates, including the size of this year’s Permanent Fund dividend. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
State Rep. Sara Hannan, D-Juneau, participate's in an October 2020 march and rally in Juneau. Hannan on Monday apologized for comments made during a state House of Representatives floor session in which she suggested Nazi medical experiments led to gained knowledge. ((Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Hannan apologizes for Nazi experiment comments

State rep calls her remarks “incorrect, insensitive and hurtful.”

State Rep. Sara Hannan, D-Juneau, participate's in an October 2020 march and rally in Juneau. Hannan on Monday apologized for comments made during a state House of Representatives floor session in which she suggested Nazi medical experiments led to gained knowledge. ((Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
Senate Majority Leader Shelley Hughes, R-Palmer, right, speaks with Senate President Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, and Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka, during a floor debate in the Alaska Senate over vaccine mandates on Friday, Sept. 10, 2021. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Vaccine mandate debate roils Alaska

Mandate minefield.

Senate Majority Leader Shelley Hughes, R-Palmer, right, speaks with Senate President Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, and Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka, during a floor debate in the Alaska Senate over vaccine mandates on Friday, Sept. 10, 2021. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
Sen. Lora Reinbold, R-Eagle River, holds a press in front of the doors to the Senate chambers on Thursday, March 4, 2021. Reinbold requested an excusal from the state Senate until mid-January, citing the challenges of traveling to Juneau from Anchorage after she was suspended from flying on Alaska Airlines earlier this year. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

State senator suspended by airline seeks Senate excusal

She requested the excusal from Saturday through Jan. 15.

Sen. Lora Reinbold, R-Eagle River, holds a press in front of the doors to the Senate chambers on Thursday, March 4, 2021. Reinbold requested an excusal from the state Senate until mid-January, citing the challenges of traveling to Juneau from Anchorage after she was suspended from flying on Alaska Airlines earlier this year. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)