Mark Sabbatini

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Republican Nick Begich, left, responds to a question at Thursday’s candidate forum for Alaska’s U.S. House candidates, hosted by Southeast Conference in Ketchikan. Republican Sarah Palin participated in the forum by teleconference. Southeast Conference Executive Director Robert Venables, right, acted as the moderator of the forum. Incumbent Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola was unable to participate in the forum but briefly provided an update to conference attendees remotely later in the day. (Sam Stockbridge / Ketchikan Daily News)

U.S. House candidates positive — to a point

Begich and Palin both clashed and found common ground in Ketchikan.

Republican Nick Begich, left, responds to a question at Thursday’s candidate forum for Alaska’s U.S. House candidates, hosted by Southeast Conference in Ketchikan. Republican Sarah Palin participated in the forum by teleconference. Southeast Conference Executive Director Robert Venables, right, acted as the moderator of the forum. Incumbent Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola was unable to participate in the forum but briefly provided an update to conference attendees remotely later in the day. (Sam Stockbridge / Ketchikan Daily News)
Jennifer Pemberton of KTOO and Clarise Larson of the Juneau Empire, at upper left and right respectively, moderate an online candidate forum Wednesday that featured unopposed Juneau Assembly candidates Carole Triem, Greg Smith and Wade Bryson. Juneau Board of Education candidates Emil Mackey and Deedie Sorensen, also unopposed in their races, participated in the second half of the hour-long event. (Screenshot)

Local candidates face off virtually unopposed

Three Assembly and two school board incumbents discuss priorities for upcoming terms

Jennifer Pemberton of KTOO and Clarise Larson of the Juneau Empire, at upper left and right respectively, moderate an online candidate forum Wednesday that featured unopposed Juneau Assembly candidates Carole Triem, Greg Smith and Wade Bryson. Juneau Board of Education candidates Emil Mackey and Deedie Sorensen, also unopposed in their races, participated in the second half of the hour-long event. (Screenshot)
This combination image shows gubernatorial candidates Les Gara and Bill Walker. Gara, a former Democratic state lawmaker, and Walker, former independent governor of Alaska, took questions during a forum held as part of the annual Southeast Conference meeting. Both candidates noted the absence of incumbent Gov, Mike Dunleavy, who has been a no-show at several recent forums. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Walker, Gara largely agree on Southeast issues — and governor’s absence

Dunleavy again absent at candidate forum as two other contenders talk ferries, fish and finances

This combination image shows gubernatorial candidates Les Gara and Bill Walker. Gara, a former Democratic state lawmaker, and Walker, former independent governor of Alaska, took questions during a forum held as part of the annual Southeast Conference meeting. Both candidates noted the absence of incumbent Gov, Mike Dunleavy, who has been a no-show at several recent forums. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
Students in the Juneau Alaska Music Matters program perform earlier this month. Local youths in the tuition-free music program are scheduled to participate their first-ever Juneau Jazz Classics concert next week, appearing with the multi-genre string trio Simply Three at 7 p.m. Sept. 24 at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. (Juneau Alaska Music Matters)

Less schooling, more students at fall fest

Jazz & Classics fall fest features fewer school visits, but more music including new student concert

Students in the Juneau Alaska Music Matters program perform earlier this month. Local youths in the tuition-free music program are scheduled to participate their first-ever Juneau Jazz Classics concert next week, appearing with the multi-genre string trio Simply Three at 7 p.m. Sept. 24 at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. (Juneau Alaska Music Matters)
The cruise industry and it's impacts on the Southeast Alaska economy are both major topics during this week's Southeast Conference. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

Sunny outlook among regional leaders in Ketchikan

Optimism about post-pandemic recovery and growth of industries expressed at Southeast Conference

The cruise industry and it's impacts on the Southeast Alaska economy are both major topics during this week's Southeast Conference. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
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U.S. Senate hopefuls cast net for Southeast votes

Murkowski, Tshibaka and Chesbro apply their broad themes to specific issues at Southeast Conference

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The MV Tazlina docks in Auke Bay on Monday. The 300-passenger vessel christened in 2018 is generally used as a day boat in the northern portion of the Southeast Alaska panhandle. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)

A flat-out pledge to improve ferries

Eliminating dynamic pricing this winter, subdizing alternatives for disruptions part of new program.

The MV Tazlina docks in Auke Bay on Monday. The 300-passenger vessel christened in 2018 is generally used as a day boat in the northern portion of the Southeast Alaska panhandle. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)
Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty discusses Juneau’s tourism this summer during a meet-and-greet aboard the Serenade of the Seas cruise ship. He said ships in most ports are at 100% “load factor” this summer after dropping to zero at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but in Alaska sailings are about 70% full as the end of the season nears. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Cruise CEO cherishes post-Covid comeback

New Royal Caribbean leader hosts meet-and-greet with Juneau tourism leaders as end of season nears

Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty discusses Juneau’s tourism this summer during a meet-and-greet aboard the Serenade of the Seas cruise ship. He said ships in most ports are at 100% “load factor” this summer after dropping to zero at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but in Alaska sailings are about 70% full as the end of the season nears. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Amanda Triplett, at right on overhead screen, discusses the University of Alaska’s “Did You Know” program while faculty members in the background hold up signs protesting a labor contract stalemate during the Board of Regent’s meeting Friday in Juneau. The program highlights cooperative efforts the university is participating in with communities such as workplace experience and dual enrollments with other educational institutions. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Title IX more than mere sport for UA leaders

Chancellors praise campus anti-discrimination programs, but board member calls changes “insidious”

Amanda Triplett, at right on overhead screen, discusses the University of Alaska’s “Did You Know” program while faculty members in the background hold up signs protesting a labor contract stalemate during the Board of Regent’s meeting Friday in Juneau. The program highlights cooperative efforts the university is participating in with communities such as workplace experience and dual enrollments with other educational institutions. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Sean Parnell, a former Alaska governor and current chancellor at the University of Alaska Anchorage, discusses partnerships with local schools and other community groups during the University of Alaska’s Board of Regents meeting Thursday at the University of Alaska Southeast. In the background employees with the faculty’s union hold up signs protesting a stalemate in contract negotiations that has lasted more than a year. The two-day meeting continuing Friday is the board’s first in Juneau since 2018. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

‘Excitement’ and challenges factor into UA board meeting

Board members hear about revitalized students, demoralized staff at first Juneau meeting since 2018

Sean Parnell, a former Alaska governor and current chancellor at the University of Alaska Anchorage, discusses partnerships with local schools and other community groups during the University of Alaska’s Board of Regents meeting Thursday at the University of Alaska Southeast. In the background employees with the faculty’s union hold up signs protesting a stalemate in contract negotiations that has lasted more than a year. The two-day meeting continuing Friday is the board’s first in Juneau since 2018. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
In this October 2018 photo, author John Straley prepares to sign a book for author Heather Lende after the Alaska Literary Festival at the Father Andrew P. Kashevaroff Building in Juneau. They were both speakers at the event. Straley is a former Alaska State Writer Laureate, while Lende is the current State Writer Laureate. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
Capital City Weekly

Starting a new chapter: Author talks forthcoming book, impending move

“I don’t think I’ll ever find a group of communities that interest me as much as Alaska.”

In this October 2018 photo, author John Straley prepares to sign a book for author Heather Lende after the Alaska Literary Festival at the Father Andrew P. Kashevaroff Building in Juneau. They were both speakers at the event. Straley is a former Alaska State Writer Laureate, while Lende is the current State Writer Laureate. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
U.S. Forest Service staff discuss in August a wildlife opening cut to improve lighting for a surface plant development in the Maybeso Experimental Area on Prince of Wales Island as part of a regeneration project following large-scale industrial harvesting occurring since the 1950s. U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Tuesday announced $12.4 million in grants for natural resource sustainability and development projects in Southeast Alaska communities. (Jessica Davila / U.S. Forest Service)

$12.4M awarded for Southeast natural resource sustainability projects

Funds are final portion of $25M in federal funds via new process working with local programs.

U.S. Forest Service staff discuss in August a wildlife opening cut to improve lighting for a surface plant development in the Maybeso Experimental Area on Prince of Wales Island as part of a regeneration project following large-scale industrial harvesting occurring since the 1950s. U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Tuesday announced $12.4 million in grants for natural resource sustainability and development projects in Southeast Alaska communities. (Jessica Davila / U.S. Forest Service)
A campaign sign promoting Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s reelection campaign stands in Juneau. Two nonprofits on Tuesday filed a complaint with Alaska Public Offices Commission against Dunleavy and others connected to his campaign. The complaint alleges a series of “egregious campaign finance violations.” (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire Photo)

Complaint: Dunleavy illegally using state employees for campaign

Nonprofits with ties to governor’s political opposition allege coordination of donors, staff misuse.

A campaign sign promoting Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s reelection campaign stands in Juneau. Two nonprofits on Tuesday filed a complaint with Alaska Public Offices Commission against Dunleavy and others connected to his campaign. The complaint alleges a series of “egregious campaign finance violations.” (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire Photo)
U.S. Representative-elect Mary Peltola talks about abortion rights in her first television ad after winning Alaska’s special election to fill the remainder of the late Don Young’s seat. She will again compete against the two Republicans she defeated, Sarah Palin and Nick Begich III, along with Libertarian Chris Bye in the November general election. (Screenshot from AdImpact video)

Peltola to be sworn in Sept. 13

Special U.S. House race certified; Palin, Begich repeat demands the other drop out of Nov. election

U.S. Representative-elect Mary Peltola talks about abortion rights in her first television ad after winning Alaska’s special election to fill the remainder of the late Don Young’s seat. She will again compete against the two Republicans she defeated, Sarah Palin and Nick Begich III, along with Libertarian Chris Bye in the November general election. (Screenshot from AdImpact video)
Trash, debris and abandoned belongings are strewn among occupied tents at the Mill Campground on the mountainside across from the cargo ship terminal in downtown Juneau on Monday. The campsite has been at or beyond full capacity through the summer, as have other facilities for the homeless, due to various problems including skyrocketing housing costs and lack of vacancies even for people able to pay at least some rent. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

A saturated summer for homeless campsite

Mill Campground at or past capacity this year, but occupants and staff say communal spirit persists

Trash, debris and abandoned belongings are strewn among occupied tents at the Mill Campground on the mountainside across from the cargo ship terminal in downtown Juneau on Monday. The campsite has been at or beyond full capacity through the summer, as have other facilities for the homeless, due to various problems including skyrocketing housing costs and lack of vacancies even for people able to pay at least some rent. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Fishers set out equipment a short distance from shore in the Tongass National Forest. The federal government on Friday announced it is awarding a $49 million grant to Alaska Mariculture Cluster, which is seeking to develop a $100 million a year sustainable seafood program in Southeast Alaska and other parts of the state. (Courtesy Photo / U.S. Forest Service)

Sustainable seafood project wins $49M grant

Alaska Mariculture Cluster hopes Build Back Better funds creates $100M annual industry, 1,500 jobs

Fishers set out equipment a short distance from shore in the Tongass National Forest. The federal government on Friday announced it is awarding a $49 million grant to Alaska Mariculture Cluster, which is seeking to develop a $100 million a year sustainable seafood program in Southeast Alaska and other parts of the state. (Courtesy Photo / U.S. Forest Service)
Mary Peltola celebrates her win in the special election for Alaska’s lone U.S. House seat at her campaign office in Anchorage as results are announced Wednesday night. She will be the first Democrat to serve in that seat in 50 years if the results are certified, which is expected to occur Friday. (Marc Lester / Anchorage Daily News)

Peltola steps into spotlight of national political stage

Special election victor gets call from Biden, readies for encore that may decide control of Congress

Mary Peltola celebrates her win in the special election for Alaska’s lone U.S. House seat at her campaign office in Anchorage as results are announced Wednesday night. She will be the first Democrat to serve in that seat in 50 years if the results are certified, which is expected to occur Friday. (Marc Lester / Anchorage Daily News)
Democratic U.S. House Candidate Mary Peltola hugs a supporter during a campaign event in Juneau. After ranked choice voting tabulation, Peltola won the special election to fill Alaska’s lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Peltola is the first Alaska Native to be elected to U.S. Congress. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Peltola makes history

Democrat set to become first Alaska Native elected to Congress in ranked choice win.

Democratic U.S. House Candidate Mary Peltola hugs a supporter during a campaign event in Juneau. After ranked choice voting tabulation, Peltola won the special election to fill Alaska’s lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Peltola is the first Alaska Native to be elected to U.S. Congress. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
A paranormal filing cabinet plays a key role in the surrealistic office caper “All Sorts,” which is scheduled to screen at the Gold Town Theater at 7 p.m. Sept. 8. (Vibrant Penguin publicity photo)
Capital City Weekly

‘All Sorts’ a film for those feeling out of sorts

Microbudget movie about a surreal commune of cubical drones screens at Gold Town Theater on Sept. 8

A paranormal filing cabinet plays a key role in the surrealistic office caper “All Sorts,” which is scheduled to screen at the Gold Town Theater at 7 p.m. Sept. 8. (Vibrant Penguin publicity photo)
Postcards promoting a new podcast about the Star of Bengal hang on a Juneau refrigerator. (Ben Hohenstatt / Capital City Weekly)
Capital City Weekly

Tale of historic Wrangell shipwreck surfaces in podcast

1908 sinking of Star of Bengal, which killed 111, is narrated by locals in 5-part series.

Postcards promoting a new podcast about the Star of Bengal hang on a Juneau refrigerator. (Ben Hohenstatt / Capital City Weekly)