Site Logo
In this file photo from Sept. 14, 2017, a large still is a centerpiece in the tasting room at the Amalga Distillery at Franklin and Second Streets in downtown Juneau. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion

Opinion: Proposed restrictions on tasting rooms make no sense

Alaska’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Board seems rather annoyed by the success of brewery and distillery tasting rooms in…

Opinion: Let’s tackle this climate emergency

Opinion

Opinion: Let’s tackle this climate emergency

Our planet is changing fast.

Opinion: Emergency preparedness is harder than it sounds; that’s why we practice

Opinion

Opinion: Emergency preparedness is harder than it sounds; that’s why we practice

You can never be really ready.

In this July 21, 2015 photo, the ferry Columbia approaches the Auke Bay terminal in Juneau. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion

Opinion: Government by and for some of the people

The irony that Dunleavy’s ferry cuts expose.

Opinion: The future of the Arctic has immense potential

Opinion

Opinion: The future of the Arctic has immense potential

The opportunity for Arctic residents is immense.

Opinion: Young Fishermen’s Development Act needs support

Opinion

Opinion: Young Fishermen’s Development Act needs support

Young people in Alaska face mounting challenges to entering commercial fisheries.

The Juneau Arts & Culture Center on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion

Opinion: New JACC would benefit entire community

It’s a community investment worth making.

The Juneau Arts & Culture Center on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion

Opinion: Vote ‘no’ on Propositions 1-3

I recommend a “no” vote.

The Alaska Marine Highway System ferries LeConte, left, and Fairweather at the Auke Bay Terminal on Monday, March 5, 2018. (Juneau Empire file)

Opinion

Opinion: Ferry system being decimated piece by piece

The idea of “dynamic pricing” is only the latest assault.

Centennial Hall. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)

Opinion

Opinion: Centennial Hall needs to shine

After 35 years, it needs major renovations.

The late Sen. Chris Birch, R-Anchorage, offers an amendment for a $900 dividend during debate in the Senate in June 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion

Opinion: The flaw in how Alaska fills legislative vacancies

Dunleavy is putting his PFD agenda ahead of the voters’ concerns.

The Juneau Arts & Culture Center on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion

Opinion: An Immodest Proposal: Why I’m voting ‘no’ on Proposition 3

Perhaps we’re not that creative after all.

Opinion: More state budget cuts are coming next year — will Alaskans be ready?

Opinion

Opinion: More state budget cuts are coming next year — will Alaskans be ready?

Probably not.

In this October 2015 file photo, maple leaves fall on Seward Street as a pedestrian ducks rain in front of City Hall. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion

Opinion: City’s budget is unsustainable

“What were they thinking?”

Opinion: Divesting from fossil fuels is the right move for Alaska salmon and the bottom-line

Opinion

Opinion: Divesting from fossil fuels is the right move for Alaska salmon and the bottom-line

Salmon are Alaska’s original Permanent Fund.

Opinion: Cruise ship routes don’t make sense

Opinion

Opinion: Cruise ship routes don’t make sense

So I’m confused.

Opinion: We need a true home for the arts

Opinion

Opinion: We need a true home for the arts

It’s time for a New Juneau Arts & Culture Center.

Opinion: Politics is not war

Opinion

Opinion: Politics is not war

To Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-VT, David Koch’s wealth and influence were emblematic of everything wrong with America. But…

The Glory Hole homeless shelter pictured in July 2017 is a downtown Juneau homeless shelter and soup kitchen. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion

Opinion: It’s time for a Homeless Bill of Rights

We have a moral imperative to protect the civil and human rights of every American.

A downed spruce tree sits near the East Glacier Trail at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area in this June 2014 photo. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion

Opinion: It’s time to get it right with Tongass, timber, carbon and climate change

A perfect storm is brewing in Southeast Alaska and all weather vanes are pointing to the Tongass National…