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About the Juneau Independent
Who we are
The Juneau Independent is a news source that has been publishing since June 2025. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit online newspaper which, according to its articles of incorporation, is "specifically organized to advance education, promote civic engagement, and foster public enlightenment by providing independent, nonpartisan, and high-quality news reporting to the public. It is dedicated to supporting and advancing investigative, public service, and community journalism, ensuring that all citizens have access to reliable, accurate, and timely information necessary for informed participation in a democratic society."
The company’s bylaws were adopted July 8, 2025, by the following board members:
• Bruce Botelho, president: Former mayor of Juneau and Alaska attorney general under independent Gov. Wally Hickel and Democratic Gov. Tony Knowles.
• Jim Clark, vice president: Former chief of staff to Republican Gov. Frank Murkowski
• Lori Thomson, secretary: Former managing editor of the Juneau Empire.
• Meilani Schijvens, treasurer: Owner of Rain Coast Data, a research and consulting firm specializing in economic analysis.
• Rosemarie Alexander-Isett: University of Alaska Southeast communications professor.
• Tena Williams: Publisher of the Ketchikan Daily News.
• Amy Bushatz: Founder and editor of Mat-Su Sentinel.
Our News Team:
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Mark Sabbatini: Editor
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Jasz Garrett: Managing Editor
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Klas Stolpe: Sports Editor
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Ellie Ruel: Reporter
2025 Awards:
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Second place: Best Public Safety Reporting for “Former JPD officer Brandon LeBlanc says his actions were justified as state opts not to file criminal charges” (Oct. 14, 2025, print large) - Alaska Press Club
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Second place: Best Legal Affairs Reporting for “Four local lives turned ‘upside down’ by one person’s choice to drive under the influence” (Nov. 14, 2025, all media) - Alaska Press Club
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Second place: Best Science Reporting for “As Suicide Basin expands, knowledge about its outbursts does the same” (Aug. 31, 2025, print large) - Alaska Press Club
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Second place: Best Humor for “How the rest of the world covered the 2025 GLOF” (Aug. 14, 2025, all media) - Alaska Press Club
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Second place: Best Long Feature for “With limited time ashore, cruise ship crew seek comfort and essentials in Juneau” (Aug. 19, 2025, print all) - Alaska Press Club
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2025 Vocational Service Award - In recognition of outstanding vocational excellence and a steadfast commitment to the Rotary ideal of Service Above Self. March 1, 2026. - Rotary Club of Juneau