(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)

Police calls for Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)

Police calls for Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Aug. 16, 1994. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Aug. 16, 1994. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Students crowd into the commons area of Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé to pick up their schedules, and meet familiar and new peers, before classes start on the first day of school Thursday morning. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

More than 1,100 students show up on first day at newly consolidated JDHS

Students say they’re expecting more friends, more competition and less parking.

Students crowd into the commons area of Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé to pick up their schedules, and meet familiar and new peers, before classes start on the first day of school Thursday morning. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
This screenshot from a body camera video was attached to criminal charging documents published Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, by the Alaska Department of Law. It shows an Alaska State trooper kicking a man in May 2024. The trooper and one other have been charged with misdemeanor assault. (Screenshot)

Alaska Department of Law charges two state troopers after bloody arrest in Kenai

Officers pepper-sprayed man, directed a dog to bite him, shocked him with a Taser and kicked him.

This screenshot from a body camera video was attached to criminal charging documents published Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, by the Alaska Department of Law. It shows an Alaska State trooper kicking a man in May 2024. The trooper and one other have been charged with misdemeanor assault. (Screenshot)
School buses arrive at the Dzantik’i Heeni campus on Thursday morning as Montessori Borealis Public Alternative School begins its 33rd annual “Wisdom Day.” (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)

More space for alternative programs celebrated through song at Dzantik’i Heeni on the first day of school

Three schools in new location see increased enrollments, Montessori continues traditional welcome.

School buses arrive at the Dzantik’i Heeni campus on Thursday morning as Montessori Borealis Public Alternative School begins its 33rd annual “Wisdom Day.” (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
A sign at Anchorage’s Service High School, seen on Aug. 13, 2024, explains that tobacco use is prohibited at the property. High school students’ use of electronic cigarettes has declined since 2019, one of the positive trends emerging from the latest Alaska Youth Risk Behavior Survey. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Survey of Alaska youth reveals more mental health problems, but also some positive trends

More anxiety and suicidal thoughts, but less use of harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol.

A sign at Anchorage’s Service High School, seen on Aug. 13, 2024, explains that tobacco use is prohibited at the property. High school students’ use of electronic cigarettes has declined since 2019, one of the positive trends emerging from the latest Alaska Youth Risk Behavior Survey. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
Alaska National Guard members spend time with Tia, a certified National Crisis Response canine visiting Juneau from Anchorage to offer support at the Melvin Park volunteer disaster center on Wednesday. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)

Volunteer center at Melvin Park receives additional support, including a visit from crisis canines

New resources available through Friday, including some with wagging tails.

Alaska National Guard members spend time with Tia, a certified National Crisis Response canine visiting Juneau from Anchorage to offer support at the Melvin Park volunteer disaster center on Wednesday. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Families, students and teachers mingle during a Thunder Mountain Middle School open house on Tuesday evening. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)

Thunder Mountain Middle School creates new learning environment while honoring legacies before its time

Merging the cultures of Floyd Dryden and Dzantik’i Heeni to create a new school.

Families, students and teachers mingle during a Thunder Mountain Middle School open house on Tuesday evening. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Craig Cimmons, scheduled to become the new general manager of Eaglecrest Ski Area on Sept. 30, is interviewed by the Juneau Assembly on Aug 2. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

New Eaglecrest Ski Area general manager has lots of experience with bumpy terrain

Craig Cimmons, a manager at resort hit by massive owner fraud, says recovery made employees stronger

Craig Cimmons, scheduled to become the new general manager of Eaglecrest Ski Area on Sept. 30, is interviewed by the Juneau Assembly on Aug 2. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
A sign notifies people about plans by Gastineau Human Services to build a 51-unit apartment building in a Lemon Creek neighborhood. (Photo from Juneau Planning Commission documents)

51-unit low-income apartment for people recovering from substance abuse gets OK from Planning Commission

Lemon Creek facility would be first phase in expansion of Gastineau Human Services programs.

A sign notifies people about plans by Gastineau Human Services to build a 51-unit apartment building in a Lemon Creek neighborhood. (Photo from Juneau Planning Commission documents)
The Aiviq icebreaker, targeted by the U.S. Coast Guard for purchase and deployment in Alaska, completes a chartered refueling operation at Davis Research Station in Antarctica. (Kirk Yatras/Australian Antarctic Program)

It’s official: Private icebreaker acquired by Coast Guard will be homeported in Juneau

Vessel with up to 190 personnel expected to “reach initial operational capability in two years.”

The Aiviq icebreaker, targeted by the U.S. Coast Guard for purchase and deployment in Alaska, completes a chartered refueling operation at Davis Research Station in Antarctica. (Kirk Yatras/Australian Antarctic Program)
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)

Police calls for Monday, Aug. 12, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
In a photo provided by Adam Pack and NOAA, the humpback whale Old Timer is seen in Frederick Sound in Southeast Alaska, on July 29, 2024. Old Timer, a male first photographed in 1972, was spotted last month near Alaska, enduring in the Pacific Ocean while some other humpbacks have struggled in a changing environment. (Adam Pack/NOAA via The New York Times)

Survival of world’s oldest humpback whale, spotted in Southeast Alaska last month, is a mystery

Male known as “Old Timer” is now at least 53 years old, according to marine mammal researcher.

  • Aug 14, 2024
  • By Emily Anthes, © 2024 The New York Times Company
  • Whales
In a photo provided by Adam Pack and NOAA, the humpback whale Old Timer is seen in Frederick Sound in Southeast Alaska, on July 29, 2024. Old Timer, a male first photographed in 1972, was spotted last month near Alaska, enduring in the Pacific Ocean while some other humpbacks have struggled in a changing environment. (Adam Pack/NOAA via The New York Times)
Republican businessperson Nick Begich III, Republican Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom and Democratic U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola are among 12 candidates competing in the primary for the seat currently held by Peltola. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Peltola still holds fundraising cash advantage in U.S. House race, new figures show

Ahead of Alaska’s Aug. 20 primary election, incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola continues to hold a fundraising advantage against her 11 competitors, new filings… Continue reading

Republican businessperson Nick Begich III, Republican Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom and Democratic U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola are among 12 candidates competing in the primary for the seat currently held by Peltola. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
Bordetella pertussis, the bacteria that causes the disease pertussis, is show in this 2019 medical illustration based on microscopic images. This image, in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publication on antibiotic resistance threats, shows a strain that has developed a resistance to drugs used to treat the disease. Pertussis cases are rising in Alaska and nationwide following a lull during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Image by Dan Higgins/Provided by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Rising cases of ‘whooping cough’ in Alaska prompt warnings and prevention recommendations

A spike in pertussis, a contagious disease commonly known as whooping cough, has swept through Alaska, the state Department of Health reported. Through the end… Continue reading

Bordetella pertussis, the bacteria that causes the disease pertussis, is show in this 2019 medical illustration based on microscopic images. This image, in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publication on antibiotic resistance threats, shows a strain that has developed a resistance to drugs used to treat the disease. Pertussis cases are rising in Alaska and nationwide following a lull during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Image by Dan Higgins/Provided by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Salomé Starbuck, founder of the group Juneau Justice for Steve, calls for local policy and service changes to prevent a reoccurrence of the circumstances that led to Steven Kissack’s death during a memorial show for him Saturday night at the Crystal Saloon. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Songs of sadness, anger and hope at memorial show for Steven Kissack that raises more than $4,600

More than 100 people attend fundraiser seeking to benefit homeless, other disadvantaged residents.

Salomé Starbuck, founder of the group Juneau Justice for Steve, calls for local policy and service changes to prevent a reoccurrence of the circumstances that led to Steven Kissack’s death during a memorial show for him Saturday night at the Crystal Saloon. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Kristen Wells, science teacher at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé, moves boxes into her Project Lead the Way: Intro to Engineering Design classroom on Monday. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)

Back to one high school: Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé combines TMHS and JDHS students

The first day of school for students in grades 1-12 is Thursday; some excited, some stressed.

Kristen Wells, science teacher at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé, moves boxes into her Project Lead the Way: Intro to Engineering Design classroom on Monday. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Brenna Heintz explains work being done at the Melvin Park flood recovery center to U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola on Sunday. Two disaster assistance centers are scheduled to open at other locations in Juneau from Wednesday through Friday of this week. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

Two Disaster Assistance Centers for people affected by record floods open Wednesday through Friday

Updated official survey of 287 flooded homes reports 51 sustained major damage.

Brenna Heintz explains work being done at the Melvin Park flood recovery center to U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola on Sunday. Two disaster assistance centers are scheduled to open at other locations in Juneau from Wednesday through Friday of this week. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Emily Wright, an assistant attorney for the City and Borough of Juneau, is scheduled to become the new municipal attorney later this month. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Juneau’s new municipal attorney already has plenty of experience with the duties of the job

CBJ Assistant Attorney Emily Wright hired to replace departing Robert Palmer later this month.

Emily Wright, an assistant attorney for the City and Borough of Juneau, is scheduled to become the new municipal attorney later this month. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)