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Half of the students in a clown class perform a hastily constructed song-and-dance routine for the other half of the students acting as the audience at Perseverance Theatre on Tuesday night. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Class clowns: Getting a lesson in constructive comedy from actor in Oscar-winning best picture

Locals learn to “to climb around in your own self” as Ketchikan native Tallie Medel comes to Juneau.

Half of the students in a clown class perform a hastily constructed song-and-dance routine for the other half of the students acting as the audience at Perseverance Theatre on Tuesday night. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
A red king crab is seen in the water at Kodiak in 2005. Surveys this year indicated that stocks in the Bering Sea are strong enough to allow a small Bristol Bay red king crab fishery after two years of closures. (Photo by David Csepp/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

As the once-lucrative Bering Sea crab harvest resumes, Alaska’s fishers face challenges

In the short term, Alaska crab fishers and the communities that depend on them will get a slight reprieve from the disastrous conditions they have… Continue reading

A red king crab is seen in the water at Kodiak in 2005. Surveys this year indicated that stocks in the Bering Sea are strong enough to allow a small Bristol Bay red king crab fishery after two years of closures. (Photo by David Csepp/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
An exercise station at Anchorage’s Westchester Lagoon is seen on Monday. The “Fitness Cluster” offers opportunities for strength and cardiovacular training, and signage gives fitness information and advice. Two-thirds of Alaska adults are overweight or obese, and about a fifth of them engage in no physical activity, according to an annual report released by the state Department of Health. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Alaska syphilis case numbers drop a bit after years of increases, but concerning signs remain

Alaska last year had a slight decrease in its number of reported syphilis cases, marking the first year without an increase since an outbreak was… Continue reading

An exercise station at Anchorage’s Westchester Lagoon is seen on Monday. The “Fitness Cluster” offers opportunities for strength and cardiovacular training, and signage gives fitness information and advice. Two-thirds of Alaska adults are overweight or obese, and about a fifth of them engage in no physical activity, according to an annual report released by the state Department of Health. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
Wayne Stevens, right, president and CEO of United Way of Southeast Alaska, greets a person at the Juneau Chamber of Commerce Luncheon at the Moose Family Lodge on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019. Stevens retired as head of the organization last month, but remains active in its causes. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Wayne Stevens retires as president and CEO of United Way Southeast

Longtime Juneau resident oversaw numerous assistance programs and helped agency through pandemic.

Wayne Stevens, right, president and CEO of United Way of Southeast Alaska, greets a person at the Juneau Chamber of Commerce Luncheon at the Moose Family Lodge on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019. Stevens retired as head of the organization last month, but remains active in its causes. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
Photo by James Brooks / Alaska Beacon Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor speaks at a news conference on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, at the Alaska State Capitol in Juneau.

Alaska attorney general approves free legal defense for top officials accused of ethical lapses

Policy change was unanimously opposed by those members of the public who testified.

Photo by James Brooks / Alaska Beacon Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor speaks at a news conference on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, at the Alaska State Capitol in Juneau.
Rhoda Walker, right, Sharon Early, and Audrey Kohler work on their improvisation as Mike Christenson, left, and Seth Caron prepare to enter during a rehearsal at Christenson’s house on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017. Kohler, now a Seattle resident, is returning as part of a nine-person group to perform an improv comedy show at Crystal Saloon on Friday. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Capital City Weekly

Improv poet and performer returns home for a laugh

Former Juneau comic Audrey Kohler bringing members of Seattle troupe for show at Crystal Saloon.

Rhoda Walker, right, Sharon Early, and Audrey Kohler work on their improvisation as Mike Christenson, left, and Seth Caron prepare to enter during a rehearsal at Christenson’s house on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017. Kohler, now a Seattle resident, is returning as part of a nine-person group to perform an improv comedy show at Crystal Saloon on Friday. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Meredith Jordan/ Juneau Empire The theme for this year’s annual Greater Juneau Chamber of Commerce event was “Under the Sea: A Celebration of Ocean Industries.” The event was held at Centennial Hall, which was festooned with items linked to the sea such as giant jellyfish decorations.

Chamber adds new award to its biggest night

Gala celebration honored trash collector, plus construction firm key to saving homes during flood.

Meredith Jordan/ Juneau Empire The theme for this year’s annual Greater Juneau Chamber of Commerce event was “Under the Sea: A Celebration of Ocean Industries.” The event was held at Centennial Hall, which was festooned with items linked to the sea such as giant jellyfish decorations.
Albert Dick packs belongings into a dry bag at Mill Campground shortly before its official closing for the season at noon Monday. Many people experiencing homelessness who were staying the campsite this summer left before the final day due to problems such as bears ransacking tents. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Homeless out in the wind and rain as Mill Campground closes, but warming shelter to open Friday

Due to cold forecast, city plans to open converted warehouse before Assembly gives official OK.

Albert Dick packs belongings into a dry bag at Mill Campground shortly before its official closing for the season at noon Monday. Many people experiencing homelessness who were staying the campsite this summer left before the final day due to problems such as bears ransacking tents. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Students compete in a game at the Sources of Strength training in Bethel on Oct. 10. (Photo by Katie Basile for the Alaska Beacon)

Suicide-prevention program teaches Alaska students how to identify their own strength

School district pits cultural, personal strengths against adversity

Students compete in a game at the Sources of Strength training in Bethel on Oct. 10. (Photo by Katie Basile for the Alaska Beacon)
Three-point buck eating greens near tank farm south of downtown Juneau on Oct. 7. (Photo by Steve Hamilton)

Wild Shots

To showcase our readers’ work to the widest possible audience, Wild Shots have been moved in front of the Juneau Empire’s paywall. Don’t have a… Continue reading

Three-point buck eating greens near tank farm south of downtown Juneau on Oct. 7. (Photo by Steve Hamilton)
City and Borough of Juneau photo Aurora Harbor is where a Tennessee fugitive wanted for child rape and related charges was staying on a houseboat when he was apprehended by U.S. Marshals last week.

Fugitive renting a houseboat picked up by U.S. Marshals

Adam James Gabarra has been wanted in Tennessee since July.

City and Borough of Juneau photo Aurora Harbor is where a Tennessee fugitive wanted for child rape and related charges was staying on a houseboat when he was apprehended by U.S. Marshals last week.
Thunder Mountain High School’s Kara Strong (16) knocks the ball past Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé’s Evelyn Richards (12) and Remi Starks (2) during the two local teams’ play-in game to reach the championship of the Juneau Invitational Volleyball Extravaganza at JDHS on Saturday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

TMHS finishes second, JDHS third as Chugiak repeats as champs at JIVE tournament

Crimson Bears overcome season-long struggles to make semifinal against high-flying Falcons.

Thunder Mountain High School’s Kara Strong (16) knocks the ball past Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé’s Evelyn Richards (12) and Remi Starks (2) during the two local teams’ play-in game to reach the championship of the Juneau Invitational Volleyball Extravaganza at JDHS on Saturday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The offices of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. are seen Monday, June 6, 2022 in Juneau. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Alaska Permanent Fund leaders may recommend constitutional amendment to fix fiscal problem

Correction: The quote “Inflation is like a thief in the night” was misattributed in the original version of the article. Elmer Rasmuson said it, not… Continue reading

The offices of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. are seen Monday, June 6, 2022 in Juneau. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
A city election work handles envelopes from the Oct. 3 municipal election at the City and Borough of Juneau Ballot Processing Center leading up the scheduled Oct 17 certification of results. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

No changes in election results after relative handful of ballots added Friday

Assembly and school board winners, defeat of City Hall bond seem set ahead of final results Tuesday.

A city election work handles envelopes from the Oct. 3 municipal election at the City and Borough of Juneau Ballot Processing Center leading up the scheduled Oct 17 certification of results. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
An acid spill and a diesel spill of significant size were detected Wednesday at the Mendenhall Wastewater Treatment Plant, according to officials. A spill of a still-unknown toxic substance was also detected the same day at the Auke Bay treatment plant. (Juneau Empire file photo)

Three incidents of toxic substances detected in city’s wastewater system in one day raises concerns

Significant amounts of acid, diesel and a still-unknown substance detected at treatment plants.

An acid spill and a diesel spill of significant size were detected Wednesday at the Mendenhall Wastewater Treatment Plant, according to officials. A spill of a still-unknown toxic substance was also detected the same day at the Auke Bay treatment plant. (Juneau Empire file photo)
Mill Campground, seen here Aug. 15, is scheduled to close on Monday. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

Mill Campground set to close Monday, without winter warming shelter agreement in place

Temperatures expected to stay above freezing, but with frequent rain, during coming week.

Mill Campground, seen here Aug. 15, is scheduled to close on Monday. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
Meredith Jordan/ Juneau Empire A manager at Alaska Glacier Seafood shows a filleted sea cucumber ready for further processing.

Sea cucumber season off to a good start

Divers seeing much better prices than last year to start

Meredith Jordan/ Juneau Empire A manager at Alaska Glacier Seafood shows a filleted sea cucumber ready for further processing.
Chris Anderson mounts a Marine View and Heritage Way sign together in preparation for the South Seward Street name change Nov. 1. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Time of the signs: New Heritage Way signs ready to go ahead of November name swap

CBJ Streets employees make the custom signs Thursday morning.

Chris Anderson mounts a Marine View and Heritage Way sign together in preparation for the South Seward Street name change Nov. 1. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Tallie Medel, who will be teaching a series of clowning classes in Juneau next week, arrives for the world premiere of “Everything Everywhere All at Once” at the Paramount Theatre on Friday, March 11, 2022, in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Jack Plunkett/Invision/AP)
Capital City Weekly

No joke: Clowning classes coming by actor from this year’s Oscar-winning best picture

Ketchikan-born Tallie Medel teaching three days of classes at Perseverance Theatre starting Monday.

Tallie Medel, who will be teaching a series of clowning classes in Juneau next week, arrives for the world premiere of “Everything Everywhere All at Once” at the Paramount Theatre on Friday, March 11, 2022, in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Jack Plunkett/Invision/AP)
This is a photo of the front page of the Juneau Empire on Oct. 14, 1985. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Capital City Weekly

Empire Archives: Juneau’s history for the week of Oct. 15

Three decades of capital city coverage.

This is a photo of the front page of the Juneau Empire on Oct. 14, 1985. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)