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 for support. They have an in with… Continue reading

  • Apr 4, 2018
  • By Luke Wachob
Alaskans weigh in on economic issues

Alaskans weigh in on economic issues

Since 1953 the Alaska Chamber has been the voice of Alaska business large and small across Alaska with a mission to promote Alaska as a… Continue reading

  • Apr 3, 2018
  • By CURTIS THAYER
Alaskans weigh in on economic issues

When cease and desist is frivolous

Correction: An earlier version of this opinion piece misspelled Hecla on multiple references. This piece has now been updated to reflect that change. Lawyers like… Continue reading

  • Apr 1, 2018
  • By Rich Moniak

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 Culture Center. Like many events at the… Continue reading

  • Apr 1, 2018
  • By Benjamin Brown
Bill Corbus, pictured at left, in November 2013. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

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 confirmed the Prudhoe Bay oil field. The… Continue reading

  • Mar 30, 2018
  • By BILL CORBUS
Bill Corbus, pictured at left, in November 2013. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Gasline creates jobs for Alaska

On Tuesday, March 13, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) determined they now have the information necessary to complete their analysis and publish a schedule… Continue reading

  • Mar 30, 2018
  • By Keith Meyer

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 40,544 miles of coastline represents 40 percent… Continue reading

  • Mar 30, 2018
  • By Ben Speciale
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)

Calling foul on this school budget

On Tuesday night, March 27, the Board of Education voted to approve a budget that will create, according to district administration, some classes of 40… Continue reading

  • Mar 29, 2018
  • By AMY LLOYD
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)

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 the Alaska Permanent Fund. Other large investment… Continue reading

  • Mar 29, 2018
  • By Gretchen Keiser

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 proximity to Russia. In the 1950s, intercontinental… Continue reading

  • Mar 25, 2018
  • By Stephen Merrill

Cultural sharing

I have followed the Wearable Art “cultural appropriation” controversy with interest. One striking thing is the gulf between public opinion expressed in the Empire and… Continue reading

  • Mar 27, 2018
  • By KURT SMITH
Doug Griffin is the executive director of the Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference.

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 is worldwide. We should celebrate being an… Continue reading

  • Mar 27, 2018
  • By TIM DILLION
Doug Griffin is the executive director of the Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference.
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)

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 natural resources and relative youth compared to… Continue reading

  • Mar 26, 2018
  • By Sen. Lisa Murkowski
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)
123rf.com Stock Photo

By the People, for the People

We have a system of government characterized by the principles of “By the People, For the People.” These were revolutionary ideas in the 1700s. Citizens,… Continue reading

  • Mar 26, 2018
  • By TERRI ROBBINS
123rf.com Stock Photo

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 the corporate tax rate. You’d never know… Continue reading

  • Mar 25, 2018
  • By Rich Moniak
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)

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 potential consequences. The initiative, sponsored by the… Continue reading

  • Mar 22, 2018
  • By WIN GRUENING
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)

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 the time, Proof of Lincoln’s wisdom was… Continue reading

  • Mar 20, 2018
  • By JOSEPH W. GELDHOF
Gov. Bill Walker and Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott

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 development in the same conversation. But there… Continue reading

  • Mar 20, 2018
  • By LT. GOV. BYRON MALLOTT
Gov. Bill Walker and Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott

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 about how a 60 year old law… Continue reading

  • Mar 19, 2018
  • By TONY KNOWLES

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 good for the soul. I use that… Continue reading

  • Mar 18, 2018
  • By ROBERT ARCHIBALD