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Col. Mary Louise Milligan Rasmuson was the 5th commander of the Women’s Army Corps and oversaw the integration of the service. On Nov. 9, 2020, Operation Mary Louise, named in her honor, was stood up to enhance visibility and access to services for women veterans in Alaska. (Courtesy Photo / Rasmuson Foundation)

Group seeks to improve support for women veterans in Alaska

Alaska has nearly 10,000 women veterans. Less than a third of them use services they’ve earned

Col. Mary Louise Milligan Rasmuson was the 5th commander of the Women’s Army Corps and oversaw the integration of the service. On Nov. 9, 2020, Operation Mary Louise, named in her honor, was stood up to enhance visibility and access to services for women veterans in Alaska. (Courtesy Photo / Rasmuson Foundation)
Nearly every voting booth was occupied at a polling place in Nugget Mall on the evening of Nov. 3, 2020. While over 190,000 votes cast on Election Day have been tallied, state officials will begin counting more than 155,000 absentee and other types of ballots this week. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

State elections officials prepare for absentee ballot count

There’s still a lot of counting ahead.

Nearly every voting booth was occupied at a polling place in Nugget Mall on the evening of Nov. 3, 2020. While over 190,000 votes cast on Election Day have been tallied, state officials will begin counting more than 155,000 absentee and other types of ballots this week. (Ben Hohenstatt / 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

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)
The Alaska State Capitol on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020. The state’s emergency declaration for COVID-19 ends Nov. 15, and lawmakers have asked Gov. Mike Dunleavy to call a special session to extend it. Dunleavy issued a second emergency declaration Friday but some lawmakers have said that violates state law. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Gov issues 2nd emergency declaration, but lawmakers cry foul

No mask mandate.

The Alaska State Capitol on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020. The state’s emergency declaration for COVID-19 ends Nov. 15, and lawmakers have asked Gov. Mike Dunleavy to call a special session to extend it. Dunleavy issued a second emergency declaration Friday but some lawmakers have said that violates state law. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks during a virtual town hall meeting on Sept. 15. (Courtesy Photo / Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)

Governor urges Alaskans to change behavior amid rising case counts

He cited virus’ impacts on the military and emergency responders.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks during a virtual town hall meeting on Sept. 15. (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

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)
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State says FEMA-boosted jobless aid starts soon

Announcement was made on Wednesday.

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Election official Steve Lewis directs voter Patrick Endozo, who attempts to feed his completed ballot into a scanning machine at a polling place inside Nugget Mall on Election Day. Election officials said shortly before 5 p.m. that about 150 more people had voted at the polling place than voted there in the state's August primary. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Election Night trends continue, but no winners yet

It’s not over til it’s over.

Election official Steve Lewis directs voter Patrick Endozo, who attempts to feed his completed ballot into a scanning machine at a polling place inside Nugget Mall on Election Day. Election officials said shortly before 5 p.m. that about 150 more people had voted at the polling place than voted there in the state's August primary. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
The Alaska State Capitol on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020. Lawmakers may have to hold a special session to extend the disaster declaration over COVID-19, but who makes the call for the special session is still up in the air. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Leg leaders: Governor’s support needed to call special session

Who is gonna call…a special session

The Alaska State Capitol on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020. Lawmakers may have to hold a special session to extend the disaster declaration over COVID-19, but who makes the call for the special session is still up in the air. (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

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

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)
Alaska U.S. Senate candidate Al Gross speaks to supporters at an event at a downtown park in Juneau, Alaska, on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, as his wife, Monica Gross, at right, looks on. The event, held on a rainy, windy morning, is among those Gross is holding in the lead-up to the Nov. 3, 2020, general election, in which Gross, an independent running with Democratic backing, is facing Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan. (AP Photo / Becky Bohrer)

Senate campaigns make last push for votes in Alaska

Race has been heated in recent weeks.

Alaska U.S. Senate candidate Al Gross speaks to supporters at an event at a downtown park in Juneau, Alaska, on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, as his wife, Monica Gross, at right, looks on. The event, held on a rainy, windy morning, is among those Gross is holding in the lead-up to the Nov. 3, 2020, general election, in which Gross, an independent running with Democratic backing, is facing Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan. (AP Photo / Becky Bohrer)
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

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)
The U.S. Flag and Alaska state flag fly on the roof of the Alaska State Capitol on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Alaska to require masks and COVID-19 screens at Capitol

The council also voted on Thursday to keep the Capitol closed to the public until at least January.

The U.S. Flag and Alaska state flag fly on the roof of the Alaska State Capitol on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Peter Sidmore fills out paperwork prior to voting early and in-person in the 2020 general election on Thursday, Oct. 22. Election officials said the fourth day of early voting was slower than the three days when hundreds of voters showed up to vote in person. Thursday morning, fewer than a dozen people had voted as of 8:45 a.m. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Set expectations for a very different Election Day

Results may vary.

Peter Sidmore fills out paperwork prior to voting early and in-person in the 2020 general election on Thursday, Oct. 22. Election officials said the fourth day of early voting was slower than the three days when hundreds of voters showed up to vote in person. Thursday morning, fewer than a dozen people had voted as of 8:45 a.m. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Rep. Jennifer Johnston, R-Anchorage, gets her temperature taken as she enters the Alaska State Capitol on Monday, May 18, 2020. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Lawmakers, governor express interest in extending disaster declaration

It’s set to expire on Nov. 15.

Rep. Jennifer Johnston, R-Anchorage, gets her temperature taken as she enters the Alaska State Capitol on Monday, May 18, 2020. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
A sign seen near Twin Lakes on Sept. 17 encourages residents to wear cloth face coverings while in public. State public health officials reiterated that advice during a news briefing Thursday.(Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

State counts new deaths, sheds light on old ones

77 people have died so far, according to data.

A sign seen near Twin Lakes on Sept. 17 encourages residents to wear cloth face coverings while in public. State public health officials reiterated that advice during a news briefing Thursday.(Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
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State cites tech woes for delay in increased jobless aid

Payments had been expected this week.

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A Tongass National Forest sign stands near the Auke Village Recreation Area. On Wednesday, the United States Department of Agriculture announced its decision to exempt the nation’s largest national forest from the Roadless Rule. Proponents say the rule change will make it easier for responsible resource development while critics say it removes essential protections on critical environments. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

USDA exempts Tongass National Forest from Roadless Rule

Reactions are pouring in.

A Tongass National Forest sign stands near the Auke Village Recreation Area. On Wednesday, the United States Department of Agriculture announced its decision to exempt the nation’s largest national forest from the Roadless Rule. Proponents say the rule change will make it easier for responsible resource development while critics say it removes essential protections on critical environments. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
Al Gross, right, an independent in Alaska’s U.S. Senate race, holds a document during a debate with Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan on Friday, in Anchorage. Sullivan participated remotely, as the Senate prepares to vote on President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee in Washington. (Jeff Chen / Alaska Public Media)

Sullivan, Gross trade barbs in broadcast debate

The race has drawn national attention as the parties vie for control of the Senate.

Al Gross, right, an independent in Alaska’s U.S. Senate race, holds a document during a debate with Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan on Friday, in Anchorage. Sullivan participated remotely, as the Senate prepares to vote on President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee in Washington. (Jeff Chen / Alaska Public Media)