Opinion

Empire Editorial: Welcome to polarized Alaska

This week, the Empire published the results of a survey that indicated vast support among Alaskans for an amendment to the state constitution calling for… Continue reading

  • Jul 15, 2016

My Turn: Veto of tax credit payments damages Alaska

At first glance, Gov. Bill Walker’s veto of payments for tax credits to the oil industry may appear to be a bold move to save… Continue reading

  • Jul 14, 2016
  • By BENJAMIN JOHNSON

Alaska Editorial: Fish and fishermen all headed to Kenai

The following editorial first appeared in the Peninsula Clarion: Brace yourselves — they’re coming.For folks watching the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s sonar estimates… Continue reading

  • Jul 13, 2016

My Turn: What are they thinking?

I am writing to express my appreciation of and support for the anti-discrimination ordinance before the Juneau Assembly. I am also writing to express my… Continue reading

  • Jul 13, 2016
  • By Michelle Bonnet Hale
The Tongass National Forest is seen on Mount Jumbo in August 2013.

Alaska Editorial: Time and Tongass

The following editorial first appeared in the Ketchikan Daily News: Tick tock.The U.S. Forest Service has released an amended Tongass Land Management Plan, along with… Continue reading

  • Jul 12, 2016
The Tongass National Forest is seen on Mount Jumbo in August 2013.

My Turn: Senate Bill 91 and sex trafficking

Today, I will sign the criminal justice reform bill into law — but a portion of Senate Bill 91 needs to be fixed.The massive criminal… Continue reading

  • Jul 11, 2016
  • By GOV. BILL WALKER

My Turn: Arctic Iñupiat will speak for themselves

In recent years, the eyes of the world have been focused on the Arctic. With global warming becoming a major political issue and environmental groups… Continue reading

  • Jul 11, 2016
  • By SAYERS TUZROYLUK, SR.

Empire Editorial: Will Big Oil pass gas to Alaska?

If you’re going to pursue a new business opportunity, you want a partner who can balance a checkbook.That’s why we have second thoughts about the… Continue reading

  • Jul 10, 2016

My Turn: Sex and celestial mechanics

In a famous passage from his 1964 Lectures on Physics, Richard Feynman wrote: “What men are poets who can speak of Jupiter if he were… Continue reading

  • Jul 10, 2016
  • By JIM HALE

My Turn: The right way to lead

Gov. Bill Walker was right to reduce this year’s Permanent Fund Dividend to $1,000. It’s part of his broader plan to deal with the state’s… Continue reading

  • Jul 10, 2016
  • By Rich Moniak

My Turn: Special session should include oil tax reform

Today oil companies are getting a sweetheart deal, at the same time Gov. Bill Walker has used his veto pen to cut public education funds,… Continue reading

  • Jul 8, 2016
  • By REP. LES GARA

My Turn: A glorious 4th of July

This last week we experienced the kind of beautiful weather that only Alaska with its majestic scenic beauty can provide. Along with all the hoopla… Continue reading

  • Jul 8, 2016
  • By WIN GRUENING

Empire Editorial: Clinton guilty of hubris, negligence – if not more

Calling her “Crooked Hillary” is sounding more and more accurate as of late, but “Teflon Clinton” rings even truer. Nothing ever seems to stick to… Continue reading

  • Jul 8, 2016

My Turn: Tongass logging transition doesn’t do enough for old growth or timber jobs

The U.S. Forest Service recently announced its long-awaited “Record of Decision” on the Tongass logging transition, and not much has changed from the draft. While… Continue reading

  • Jul 7, 2016
  • By DOMINICK DELLASALA, CATHERINE MATER and JIM FURNISH

Alaska Editorial: Legislature should act on revenue measures in special session

The following editorial first appeared in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner: During his campaign and throughout his term as governor so far, Gov. Bill Walker has… Continue reading

  • Jul 7, 2016

My Turn: Thinking twice about going it alone on gasline

Alaska is in a scary place financially. The challenges in front of us put difficult decisions on the table. With Permanent Fund dividends at stake,… Continue reading

  • Jul 7, 2016
  • By SEN. CATHY GIESSEL

My Turn: Dear Lord, lead us not into confusion or mistaken priorities

Instead of the Lord’s Prayer phrase, “lead us not into temptation,” author Huston Smith suggests it should read, “lead us not into confusion or mistaken… Continue reading

  • Jul 6, 2016
  • By MIKE CLEMENS

My Turn: Wishing for prosperity does not make it so

In the recent article: “New AGDC president grilled by resource committees,” Gov. Bill Walker’s pitch man was not very convincing.First, Alaska LNG Project Manager Steve… Continue reading

  • Jul 6, 2016
  • By JOE MEHRKENS

My Turn: Renowned Juneau-based Alaska Native artist wins prestigious fellowship

As summer continues to unfold, there is more exciting news about Alaskan art, in particular an Alaskan artist who is being honored with the nation’s… Continue reading

  • Jul 4, 2016
  • By Ben Brown

Empire Editorial: Don’t be a Fourth of July jerk

With Fourth of July a day away, we’ve got a favor to ask: Don’t be a jerk. Of course, we’re not talking to you, our… Continue reading

  • Jul 3, 2016