🌱 How a new Back Loop berm could protect Mendenhall Valley this summer
Juneau, Alaska Patch AM: a 4 min readCoffee in hand, Juneau? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How a new Back Loop berm could protect Mendenhall Valley this summer
- Juneau police seek witnesses after fatal North Douglas Highway crash
- Where Juneau teens can go now if they suddenly feel unsafe
Also on today's calendar: Drag Brunch - Pride Edition! and 5 more events.
Today's riddle: What do sweet potatoes wear to bed? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Friday: A morning shower in the area, with a high of 61 and low of 44 degrees.
- Saturday: A couple of morning showers, temps: high: 58, low: 48.
- Sunday: Cloudy with a few showers, with a high of 62 and low of 48 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Federal, local collaboration expedites earthen berm construction ahead of 2026 GLOF (usda.gov) — A new 1,100-foot earthen berm along Back Loop Road is being rushed into place to help protect Juneau’s Mendenhall Valley from this summer’s expected glacial lake outburst flooding. Federal, tribal, and CBJ partners say construction on Forest Service land starts immediately, aiming to shield neighborhoods, Back Loop Road, and Mendenhall River Community School before August’s high-risk period. 
2. Woman dies from injuries sustained in Juneau car crash Thursday, police say (alaskasnewssource.com) — An 89-year-old passenger has died and another woman was hospitalized after their SUV left North Douglas Highway near the 4300 block, went into a ditch, and hit a tree Wednesday afternoon in Juneau. Both were taken to Bartlett Regional Hospital, and Juneau police are still investigating, asking anyone who saw the crash or has information to contact JPD.
3. Juneau launches Safe Place program for youth in crisis (ktoo.org) — Youth in Juneau ages 10–17 now have more safe places to turn when they feel unsafe, thanks to a new citywide Safe Place program linking local businesses and agencies to crisis services. Trained staff at fire stations, the police station, pools, cinemas, nonprofits, and more can quickly connect youth to the Shéiyi Xaat Hít shelter. A launch party at Zach Gordon Youth Center on Friday invites teens to meet providers and learn how to get help.
4. Juneau Community Foundation strengthens health, social services with $2.9M in grants (juneauempire.com) — More than $2.9 million in new grants is flowing to 21 Juneau nonprofits to bolster housing, food, safety, and health services for residents in crisis. Funded by the Juneau Community Foundation and CBJ, the awards heavily target homelessness prevention and support programs. Local groups providing shelter, legal help, and navigation services say the money strengthens a tightly connected safety net across the city.
📸 Around Juneau
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🗓
Upcoming Events in
Juneau
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
-
US Coast Guard Auxiliary Boat American Class →
Juneau Yacht Club, 1301 Harbor Way, Juneau
12:00 pm
Saturday June 13
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
-
All Libraries open at 12:00pm
Douglas Public Library Douglas Meeting Room and Douglas Open Seating Area and Downtown
8:00 am -
Drag Brunch - Pride Edition! →
TK Maguire's, 375 Whittier St, Juneau
12:00 pm -
Alaska Democrats Meeting
Juneau Public Libraries Downtown Large Meeting Room
12:00 pm -
Free Movies: The Lorax at Floyd Dryden 1pm & 3:30pm
Juneau Public Libraries Meeting NOT at Library
12:30 pm -
Book Ahead - A
Mendenhall Valley Public Library Valley Studyroom A
1:30 pm -
Postcard Writing
Mendenhall Valley Public Library Valley Conference Room
4:00 pm -
All Libraries Close at 5:00pm
Douglas Public Library Douglas Meeting Room and Douglas Open Seating Area and Downtown
5:00 pm
Saturday June 13
📣 Juneau Shout Outs!
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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Merck posted a job opening for Associate Director, Chemical Technical Operations, North America External Manufacturing in Juneau. Apply here.
- Clarins USA posted a job opening for Part-Time Retail Sales - Anchorage, AK in Juneau. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Juneau here.
Ok Juneau! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Yammies! (Thank you Lynda S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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