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This photo shows an Alaska ballot, return envelope and by-mail voting instructions. Step No. 4, having a signature witnessed, is being debated with opponents saying requiring a witness creates an unnecessary hurdle for voters who do not live with someone 18 or older. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Court waives signature requirement for absentee ballots

By BECKY BOHRER Associated Press The Alaska Supreme Court on Monday affirmed a lower court ruling eliminating witness requirements for absentee ballots for the general… Continue reading

This photo shows an Alaska ballot, return envelope and by-mail voting instructions. Step No. 4, having a signature witnessed, is being debated with opponents saying requiring a witness creates an unnecessary hurdle for voters who do not live with someone 18 or older. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Teasers

Senate debate focuses on mine, money, fisheries

Associated Press ANCHORAGE — U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan and challenger Al Gross met in a debate focused on fisheries policy that ended up focusing on… Continue reading

Teasers
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)

State reports nearly 500 new cases over the weekend

Almost half were in Anchorage.

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)
Independent candidate for Senate Dr. Al Gross at a campaign event at Marine Park in downtown Juneau on Sept. 19, 2020. A letter from state GOP lawmakers raised allegations against one of Gross' staffers, setting off denials and accusations of hypocrisy between political parties. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Denials and accusations follow from state Republicans’ letter

‘Couldn’t be more baseless,’ says campaign spokeswoman.

Independent candidate for Senate Dr. Al Gross at a campaign event at Marine Park in downtown Juneau on Sept. 19, 2020. A letter from state GOP lawmakers raised allegations against one of Gross' staffers, setting off denials and accusations of hypocrisy between political parties. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
This photo shows the Alaska State Capitol. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Alaska may have illegally directed $5M consulting contract

Former Alaska state employees said they believe a government consulting contract was illegal.

This photo shows the Alaska State Capitol. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium staff in Wrangell pose with an imaging machine used for mammograms. In honor of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, SEARHC is offering free screenings to women in Sitka and Wrangell. (Courtesy photo / SEARHC)

Health care workers remind women breast cancer screening is important

Better technology, less uncertainty.

Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium staff in Wrangell pose with an imaging machine used for mammograms. In honor of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, SEARHC is offering free screenings to women in Sitka and Wrangell. (Courtesy photo / SEARHC)
This photo shows the Juneau Pioneer Home on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020. Weekly staff testing and vigilance about infection control have kept cases out of the home according to JPH Administrator Gina Del Rosario. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Pioneer Home administrator: No cases in Juneau

Update comes in light of coronavirus cases in Fairbanks home.

This photo shows the Juneau Pioneer Home on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020. Weekly staff testing and vigilance about infection control have kept cases out of the home according to JPH Administrator Gina Del Rosario. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, leaves a Senate Republican policy meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington. Sullivan said Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020, he plans to vote for President Donald Trump, telling a radio program Trump and his administration “have been fully committed to helping our state.” Four years ago, after a 2005 video surfaced in which Trump made lewd comments about women, Sullivan cited the “reprehensible revelations” about Trump in withdrawing his support of Trump’s candidacy. (AP Photo / Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

Sullivan says he plans to vote for Trump

Senator said the choice to support Trump this go-round is, to him, “very clear.”

Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, leaves a Senate Republican policy meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington. Sullivan said Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020, he plans to vote for President Donald Trump, telling a radio program Trump and his administration “have been fully committed to helping our state.” Four years ago, after a 2005 video surfaced in which Trump made lewd comments about women, Sullivan cited the “reprehensible revelations” about Trump in withdrawing his support of Trump’s candidacy. (AP Photo / Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)
A sign in the window of a business on South Franklin Street in downtown Juneau on April 14, 2020. State officials say additional employments payments will be sent out soon. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Increased unemployment payments expected this month

Alaska has had to wait 6 to 8 weeks.

A sign in the window of a business on South Franklin Street in downtown Juneau on April 14, 2020. State officials say additional employments payments will be sent out soon. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
tease

Judge finds issue with ballot witness requirements

Expect more developments by Tuesday.

tease
Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson speaks at the Juneau Chamber of Commerce luncheon at Elizabeth Peratovich Hall on Thursday, March 12, 2020. Peterson was elected to his third term as President during the 85th Tribal Assembly held virtually this year. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Peterson reelected in condensed Tribal Assembly

It’s a third term.

Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson speaks at the Juneau Chamber of Commerce luncheon at Elizabeth Peratovich Hall on Thursday, March 12, 2020. Peterson was elected to his third term as President during the 85th Tribal Assembly held virtually this year. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
Judy Cavanaugh stands with others at a rally against the Pebble Mine in front of Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s Juneau office on Tuesday, June 25, 2019. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

State reps ask governor to not help Pebble

Prominent legislators call for Dunleavy to stop assisting proposed mine.

Judy Cavanaugh stands with others at a rally against the Pebble Mine in front of Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s Juneau office on Tuesday, June 25, 2019. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
The Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation building in Juneau on Thursday, October 1, 2020. The corporation’s CEO Angela Rodell spoke to the Juneau Chamber of Commerce Thursday saying the fund had remained strong during the pandemic in large part due to prudent management and past investments in the fund itself. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Permanent fund CEO stresses long-term focus

Maximize returns, minimize risk.

The Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation building in Juneau on Thursday, October 1, 2020. The corporation’s CEO Angela Rodell spoke to the Juneau Chamber of Commerce Thursday saying the fund had remained strong during the pandemic in large part due to prudent management and past investments in the fund itself. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
Alaska U.S. House candidate Alyse Galvin, left, and her daughter Bridget wave signs on the corner of a busy street in Anchorage in November 2018. Galvin, an Independent candidate, is challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Don Young. Young, the longest-ever serving Republican in the House, has not agreed to participate in many debates or forums this fall. “He’s dodging, he’s ducking debates because he’s afraid to talk the issues that Alaskans really care about most,” Galvin said Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, of her 87-year-old opponent who has been in office since 1973. (AP Photo / Becky Bohrer)

Galvin says Young is ducking debates

Galvin’s campaign says Young has declined to attend four events in the weeks leading to Election Day.

Alaska U.S. House candidate Alyse Galvin, left, and her daughter Bridget wave signs on the corner of a busy street in Anchorage in November 2018. Galvin, an Independent candidate, is challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Don Young. Young, the longest-ever serving Republican in the House, has not agreed to participate in many debates or forums this fall. “He’s dodging, he’s ducking debates because he’s afraid to talk the issues that Alaskans really care about most,” Galvin said Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, of her 87-year-old opponent who has been in office since 1973. (AP Photo / Becky Bohrer)
Incumbent has deep pockets in Juneau House race

Incumbent has deep pockets in Juneau House race

Not quite a King’s ransom.

Incumbent has deep pockets in Juneau House race
Rule recommendation met with both praise and distrust

Rule recommendation met with both praise and distrust

Tongass may see ‘complete exemption.’

Rule recommendation met with both praise and distrust
Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file Crew members on the Tazlina standby as the vessel docks at the Auke Bay Ferry Terminal on May 16.

AMHS is down but not out, panelists say

Are regional systems the answer?

Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file Crew members on the Tazlina standby as the vessel docks at the Auke Bay Ferry Terminal on May 16.
A sign posted by Travel Juneau notes the pamphlet-filled visitor’s center kiosk is closed because of the pandemic. The center, located near the downtown library, opened in May 2019 during Infrastructure Week. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Industry pros say don’t expect a normal tourism season next year —or 2022

Visitor industry is ready to reopen, but recovery could take years.

A sign posted by Travel Juneau notes the pamphlet-filled visitor’s center kiosk is closed because of the pandemic. The center, located near the downtown library, opened in May 2019 during Infrastructure Week. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Sullivan: I look forward to seeing who the President nominates

Sullivan: I look forward to seeing who the President nominates

Senator says president has authority to nominate, Senate will take on confirmation responsibilities.

Sullivan: I look forward to seeing who the President nominates
3 local cases, 50 statewide reported

3 local cases, 50 statewide reported

City and Borough of Juneau reported on Tuesday three new COVID-19 cases. All the newly reported cases are under investigation, the city said in a… Continue reading

3 local cases, 50 statewide reported