Site Logo

Opinion

Alaska among three worst states in nation in free speech index

Incumbent politicians have a lot of advantages in campaigns. They have a network of donors to call on…

Alaskans weigh in on economic issues

Opinion

Alaskans weigh in on economic issues

Since 1953 the Alaska Chamber has been the voice of Alaska business large and small across Alaska with…

Opinion

When cease and desist is frivolous

Correction: An earlier version of this opinion piece misspelled Hecla on multiple references. This piece has now been…

Opinion

Haven House event shows group’s success

On a Thursday night in March, several legislators and friends threw a party at the Juneau Arts and…

Bill Corbus, pictured at left, in November 2013. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion

We need to encourage investment in Alaska

On March 12, 1968, Alaska forever changed. That was the day a team of geologists, engineers and drillers…

Opinion

Gasline creates jobs for Alaska

On Tuesday, March 13, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) determined they now have the information necessary to…

Opinion

Modernize recreational fishing – the big picture

Recreational fishing is one of America’s great pastimes and a way of life for many Alaska families. Alaska’s…

Juneau School District Board of Education Director Brian Holst and board member Josh Keaton listen to fellow board member comments during the Fiscal Year 2019 budget discussion at Juneau-Douglas High School Tuesday night. (Gregory Philson | Juneau Empire)

Opinion

Calling foul on this school budget

On Tuesday night, March 27, the Board of Education voted to approve a budget that will create, according…

Opinion

Permanent Fund Dividends could be at risk

We love our Permanent Fund Dividends! But as a shareholder you should know that there’s trouble brewing in…

Opinion

Cultural sharing

I have followed the Wearable Art “cultural appropriation” controversy with interest. One striking thing is the gulf between…

Doug Griffin is the executive director of the Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference.

Opinion

Alaska-China trade is something to value

Future economic development in Alaska relies on outside customers — Alaska’s resources are so vast that their market…

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, arrives for her annual speech to a joint session of the Alaska Legislature at the Capitol on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion

The internet must remain free and open

Alaskans are fond of reminding outsiders that “Alaska is different.” Our vast geography, strategic location, diverse communities, abundant…

123rf.com Stock Photo

Opinion

By the People, for the People

We have a system of government characterized by the principles of “By the People, For the People.” These…

Opinion

Star Wars: So long and farewell

Alaska has always been the First Frontier when it comes to the post-WWII nuclear standoff because of its…

Opinion

The bleeding Sen. McKinnon can fix

Exxon Mobil reported profits of $19.7 billion for 2017. And the year ended with a huge cut in…

In this September 2015 photo, Greg Gallant, right, fights a silver salmon as Ishiah Campos fishes nearby at the DIPAC Macaulay Salmon Hatchery. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion

Salmon initiative should be named Yes for Lockup

The Alaska Division of Elections recently certified a controversial ballot initiative that has many people concerned about its…

Opinion

Protecting the Permanent Fund and the PFD

Lincoln was right. Old Abe famously noted it was impossible to fool all of the people, all of…

Gov. Bill Walker and Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott

Opinion

The time for a conversation on climate and development is now

For too long, there has been an awkwardness in the way Alaskans talk about climate change and resource…

Opinion

A win-win solution to the ‘stand for salmon’ debate

Is the looming battle at the ballot box over the “Stand for Salmon” Initiative inevitable? Motivated by concerns…

Opinion

Safe oil transportation in Prince William Sound: Are we really so far apart?

If you’ve ever owned horses, you probably know that cleaning the barn first thing in the morning is…