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Students in the Juneau School District fared better on standardized science tests during the past year than their peers statewide, but the local proficiency score of about 43% was nearly 6% lower than the local scores last year, according to results released last Friday. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

News

Statewide test scores show Alaska’s students still struggling

About 37% proficient in science statewide; Juneau at 43%, down from 48.6% a year ago.

Michael Beasley drops a ballot into a drop box at the City Hall Assembly Chambers on Election Day Tuesday morning. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

News

Preliminary election results: Tight Assembly races, narrow City Hall rejection

Results released early Wednesday, more votes to be counted in next two weeks.

Michael Regan, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, speaks with students at Barrow High School on Aug. 30, 2023. (Photo provided by Environmental Protection Agency)

News

Report links lack of investment in school guidance programs to Alaska’s lagging workforce

Jobs are available in Alaska, but the workforce to fill them isn’t there. A report from the Association…

The Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé volleyball team faces off against Bartlett High School during bracket play in the 2023 West Spiketacular Tournament in Anchorage on Saturday. JDHS won the play-in match to get to the final four in the Bronze Bracket, but lost its subsequent game in straight sets. (Screenshot from video by JDHS volleyball)

Sports

Juneau’s teams fall short in 2023 West Spiketacular Tournament in Anchorage

TMHS goes 9-3, JDHS 0-12 in pool play; both local teams knocked out early in bracket rounds.

(Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

News

Police investigate second drive-by pellet gun shooting in less than a week

The two reported incidents are not believed to be connected, JPD spokesperson says.

The exhibit “Visceral: Verity, Legacy, Identity – Alaska Native Gut Knowledge and Perseverance” will feature four final days of closing events starting with First Friday and ending on Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the Alaska State Museum. (Alaska State Museum)

News

Here’s what’s happening for First Friday in October

Monthly lineup includes start of multiday events for Alaska Native, Filipino communities.

Resurrection Lutheran Church in April. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

News

Church congregation to vote for third time on hosting winter emergency shelter

Pastor says she will likely leave role if vote is unsuccessful.

A photo of the Palmer Project north of Haines provided to the Empire in 2019 by Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. (Courtesy photo)

News

Palmer Project challenge to administrative ruling denied by DEC

Constantine wanted to know “precisely how” wastewater standards would be assessed.

This is a photo included in the Mga Kuwento: Filipinos of Juneau exhibition set to open at the Juneau-Douglas City Museum on Friday. (Juneau-Douglas City Museum)

News

New podcast, exhibit and upcoming event to highlight the Filipino experience in Juneau

October is Filipino American History Month.

Runners start the combined DI/DII Region V Boys Cross Country Championship race on Saturday at Treadwell Mine Trails. (Klas Stolpe / For the Juneau Empire)

Sports

JDHS, Sitka sweep region XC titles

Cross-country champions cite strong team chemistry.

Juneau senior Eric Tipton (88) levels Anchorage South wide receiver Landon Drumm during Saturday’s game at Adair-Kennedy Field. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Sports

Huskies go South, lose regular season finale 46-0

Juneau, last place at 0-7 in conference, faces top-seed Anchorage West in playoffs.

This image from House Television shows Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., the Speaker Pro Tempore, presiding as the House passes a 45-day funding bill on Saturday at the Capitol in Washington. The House vote was 335-91. The measure now goes to the Senate, which also is meeting Saturday. (House Television via AP)

News

Government shutdown averted with little time to spare as Biden signs funding before midnight

Murkowski, Sullivan both vote for bill; Peltola abstains due to husband’s death, but voices support.

Residents hold signs and wave to cars as they pass by on Glacier Highway near the Mendenhall Wetlands viewing area in Juneau on Saturday morning during an Orange Shirt Day event. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

News

‘We’re speaking our truths’: Orange Shirt Day confronts boarding school history, brings healing

Dozens gathered Saturday morning to remember and raise awareness.

The offices of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. are seen Monday, June 6, 2022, in Juneau. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

News

Alaska Permanent Fund leaders discuss exemption from open-government law

Trustees considering ideas, including amending state Constitution, in hope of boosting fund’s value.

Derek Bos of Colorado smiles for a photo Thursday evening outside of City Hall. Bos is one of two finalists seeking the chief position at the Juneau Police Department. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

News

Chief finalist says building trust in schools and faith-based communities a priority

He addresses past controversial arrests of two school district administrators in Colorado.

(Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

News

Police investigate ‘random’ drive-by pellet gun attack downtown

A person in a white SUV reportedly shot at two women Wednesday night.

Violinist/vocalist Chelsey Green, seen here with her Green Project ensemble in 2022, is scheduled to perform Oct. 4 and 5 during the Juneau Jazz and Classics Fall Music Festival. (Photo courtesy of Chelsey Green)

News

This fall’s Juneau Jazz and Classics offers the world on a string

Cellos and violins will be playing rock, folk, baroque, fusion and traditional at five-day festival.

Retiring Deputy Chief David Campbell, left, and City and Borough of Juneau Manager Rorie Watt, right, smile for a photo Friday afternoon during a ceremony held at the Juneau Police Station. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

News

Juneau’s deputy and interim police chief retires after 28 years

David Campbell honored for his service during a ceremony Friday afternoon.

This is a photo taken at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center in July. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

News

Forest Service, Tlingit and Haida to co-steward Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area

Tribe dedicated to “protection of the historic and cultural resources in the area,” president says.

Snow covers Mount Stroller White, a 5,112-foot peak beside Mendenhall Glacier, with Mount McGinnis seen to the left. (Photo by Laurie Craig)

News

Rooted in Community: Stroller White — a man and a mountain

One of the most frequently spoken names in Juneau is Stroller White. We usually refer to the tall…