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When lawmakers return to the Alaska State Capitol, seen here on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020, they’ll have to decide what to do about Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s proposals for kickstarting the economy. But some of the proposals are so far too vague for municipalities to know where they stand. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

City leaders want stability, but can lawmakers deliver?

Reaction mixed to governor’s proposed budget, amendments.

When lawmakers return to the Alaska State Capitol, seen here on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020, they’ll have to decide what to do about Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s proposals for kickstarting the economy. But some of the proposals are so far too vague for municipalities to know where they stand. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
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Alaskans encouraged to ‘Bring Back the Light’

Any kind of light will do.

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This photo shows the Juneau Pioneer Home on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Pioneer Homes begin vaccinating residents and staff

Juneau expected to vaccinate last week of December.

This photo shows the Juneau Pioneer Home on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
A vial of the Pfizer vaccine used at The Reservoir nursing facility, is shown, Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, in West Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo / Stephen Dunn,Pool)

Fairbanks health system reports vaccine reaction in employee

The woman had been observed after receiving their shots, in accordance with vaccine protocols.

A vial of the Pfizer vaccine used at The Reservoir nursing facility, is shown, Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, in West Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo / Stephen Dunn,Pool)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy at an Anchorage news conference on Sept. 15, 2020. (Courtesy photo / Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)

Governor says he considers board appointments valid

By BECKY BOHRER Associated Press Gov. Mike Dunleavy said he views as valid his appointment of a revenue commissioner and picks for boards and commissions… Continue reading

Gov. Mike Dunleavy at an Anchorage news conference on Sept. 15, 2020. (Courtesy photo / Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s chief of staff Ben Stevens, seen here speaking during the Southeast Conference Mid-Session Summit on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall, spoke to the Greater Juneau Chamber of Commerce Thursday. Gov. Mike Dunleavy was proposing bonds for infrastructure projects across the state, Stevens said. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Proposed bonds would fund ‘shovel-ready’ projects, says governor’s chief of staff

Shovel-ready in Southeast?

Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s chief of staff Ben Stevens, seen here speaking during the Southeast Conference Mid-Session Summit on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall, spoke to the Greater Juneau Chamber of Commerce Thursday. Gov. Mike Dunleavy was proposing bonds for infrastructure projects across the state, Stevens said. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
This photo shows signage outside Google headquarters in Mountain View, Calif. A group of 35 states as well as the District of Columbia and the territories of Guam and Puerto Rico filed an anti-trust lawsuit against Google on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020, alleging that the search giant has an illegal monopoly over the online search market that hurts consumers and advertisers. The lawsuit, announced by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, was filed in federal court in Washington, D.C. by states represented by bipartisan attorneys general. (AP Photo / Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Alaska joins anti-trust lawsuit against Google

States allege the search giant has an illegal monopoly over the online search market.

This photo shows signage outside Google headquarters in Mountain View, Calif. A group of 35 states as well as the District of Columbia and the territories of Guam and Puerto Rico filed an anti-trust lawsuit against Google on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020, alleging that the search giant has an illegal monopoly over the online search market that hurts consumers and advertisers. The lawsuit, announced by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, was filed in federal court in Washington, D.C. by states represented by bipartisan attorneys general. (AP Photo / Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire This photo shows vials of COVID-19 vaccine on Monday. BRH immediately began vaccinating its personnel upon receipt of the vaccine.

Adverse reaction to new vaccine reported

Health officials say it’s the first such reaction.

Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire This photo shows vials of COVID-19 vaccine on Monday. BRH immediately began vaccinating its personnel upon receipt of the vaccine.
This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)

COVID at a glance for Wednesday, Dec. 16

The most recent state and local numbers.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)
This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)

COVID at a glance for Tuesday, Dec. 14

The most recent state and local numbers.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy, seen here in this April 7, photo, will hold a news conference Tuesday evening. (Courtesy photo / Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)

Watch: Gov. Dunleavy discuss vaccine, Southeast disaster

Watch the video live

Gov. Mike Dunleavy, seen here in this April 7, photo, will hold a news conference Tuesday evening. (Courtesy photo / Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)
Lawmakers will return to the Alaska State Capitol, seen here on Nov. 4, 2020, in January but the Legislature remains deeply divided, and new leadership has yet to emerge in either the House or Senate. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Lawmakers cautious of governor’s budget

Reactions mixed to big proposals.

Lawmakers will return to the Alaska State Capitol, seen here on Nov. 4, 2020, in January but the Legislature remains deeply divided, and new leadership has yet to emerge in either the House or Senate. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)

COVID at a glance for Monday, Dec. 14

The most recent state and local numbers.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)
Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File The U.S. Flag and Alaska state flag fly on the roof of the Alaska State Capitol on Oct. 17. With just over a month before legislative session is set to begin, some lawmakers are waiting to lock down digs. One factor: uncertainty about how — and for how long — lawmakers plan to meet.

Virus causes session housing headaches for state lawmakers

Uncertainty shaped short-term housing plans.

Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File The U.S. Flag and Alaska state flag fly on the roof of the Alaska State Capitol on Oct. 17. With just over a month before legislative session is set to begin, some lawmakers are waiting to lock down digs. One factor: uncertainty about how — and for how long — lawmakers plan to meet.
Peter Segall / Juneau Empire Bartlett Regional Hospital is not concerned about its ability to medevac critically injured patients in spite of rising case numbers in the hospitals that would typically receive them in Anchorage and Seattle.

Officials: Out-of-town case spikes don’t impede medevacs

Patients requiring advanced care will still be able receive it elsewhere.

Peter Segall / Juneau Empire Bartlett Regional Hospital is not concerned about its ability to medevac critically injured patients in spite of rising case numbers in the hospitals that would typically receive them in Anchorage and Seattle.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy and his administration released a proposed budget Friday, Dec. 11. (Courtesy Photo / Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)

Dunleavy proposes budget for ‘unprecedented’ times

“A Path Forward for Fiscal Year 2022.”

Gov. Mike Dunleavy and his administration released a proposed budget Friday, Dec. 11. (Courtesy Photo / Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)
This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)

COVID at a glance for Friday, Dec. 11

The most recent state and local numbers.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)
A pharmacist labels syringes in a clean room where doses of COVID-19 vaccines will be handled, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020, at Mount Sinai Queens hospital in New York. The hospital expects to receive doses once a vaccine gets the emergency green light by U.S. regulators. (AP Photo / Mark Lennihan)

Advisory panel endorses widespread use of new COVID-19 vaccine

Backing comes same day new disaster declaration is announced

A pharmacist labels syringes in a clean room where doses of COVID-19 vaccines will be handled, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020, at Mount Sinai Queens hospital in New York. The hospital expects to receive doses once a vaccine gets the emergency green light by U.S. regulators. (AP Photo / Mark Lennihan)
This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)

COVID at a glance for Thursday, Dec. 10

The most recent state and local numbers.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks to local leaders at the Alaska Municipal League’s legislative conference in this February 2020 photo. Dunleavy issued a statement regarding a lawsuit out of Texas seeking to overturn the results of the presidential election. (Peter Segall/ Juneau Empire File)

Dunleavy: Alaska will not join Texas-led election suit

Governor said his office did not have enough time to review the facts of the case

Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks to local leaders at the Alaska Municipal League’s legislative conference in this February 2020 photo. Dunleavy issued a statement regarding a lawsuit out of Texas seeking to overturn the results of the presidential election. (Peter Segall/ Juneau Empire File)