If you think Alaska lawmakers’ job is tough right now, consider, for a moment, the plight of the lobbyist. They’re paid for access to and intelligence on what’s happening in the Capitol — but for now, they’re banned from the building.
Juneau
Drilling at Mendenhall Glacier part of improvement plan
Contractors are drilling at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area to collect soil samples to find out what the soil and groundwater conditions are like.
On first day of Alaska legislative session, Senate organizes while House deadlocks
The Senate Republicans formed a majority caucus during the last hour before the first floor session, leaving the party in control of the chamber for the ninth straight year. Just like two years ago, the House is evenly split and without a leader.
Juneau City Hall workers isolating at home after two city employees test positive for COVID-19
Deputy City Manager Mila Cosgrove says about a dozen City and Borough of Juneau employees are working from home
Several state buildings close due to fears of violence before inauguration
Last week, the FBI warned about the potential for violence before the inauguration of Joe Biden, though police departments in Anchorage and Juneau have said they are not aware of any specific threats.
Proposal would allow Alaska lawmakers to vote remotely this session
The new system would allow lawmakers to vote from the regional legislative information offices, or from their homes if they are quarantined or isolated.
Despite warnings of violence, no one showed up to protest at Alaska’s Capitol, armed or otherwise
It was a quiet day outside of the Capitol, where it rained through most of the afternoon. It also was quiet inside the Capitol, where lawmakers were meeting in small groups as they attempted to form majority caucuses in both chambers.
Worth the wait: More than 1,000 people in Juneau vaccinated against COVID-19 during weekend clinic
By the end of the weekend, City Emergency Manager Robert Barr said about 10% of Juneau’s eligible population would be vaccinated.
Free legal help line in Alaska expects lots of pandemic related questions this year
Because of COVID-19, this year’s free legal clinic for Alaskans will be done differently and it will likely tackle issues related to the pandemic.
Douglas students return to school, but some families are opting out
About 1,200 — or one-third — of students have returned to face-to-face classes this week.