Opinion

Michael Hirsh, of Olympia, Washington, gets a rare nose-to-nose view of a grizzly bear during his visit to the 27th annual Nisqually Watershed Festival at the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge northeast of Olympia, Washington, on Sept. 24. The taxidermy display — which also included a smaller black bear — were on loan from Cabela's sporting goods for the Nisqually Land Trust's educational display.

Commentary: Yellowstone grizzlies’ new peril

Consider the grizzly bear, while you can. Gone from California since 1924, despite gracing the state flag. Gone from Utah the year before that, when… Continue reading

  • Oct 6, 2016
  • By RICK BASS
Michael Hirsh, of Olympia, Washington, gets a rare nose-to-nose view of a grizzly bear during his visit to the 27th annual Nisqually Watershed Festival at the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge northeast of Olympia, Washington, on Sept. 24. The taxidermy display — which also included a smaller black bear — were on loan from Cabela's sporting goods for the Nisqually Land Trust's educational display.

Editorial: Populism arises from failures of political class

The following editorial first appeared in The Orange County Register:Whatever the outcome of November’s presidential election, one particular note should be apparent to political leaders… Continue reading

  • Oct 6, 2016
In this Feb. 11 file photo, children peer from a partially destroyed home in Aleppo, Syria.

My Turn: It’s time for United Nations to intervene in Syria

If ever there was a conflict in desperate need of intervention by the United Nations, Syria is it.Indeed, the first and foremost purpose of the… Continue reading

  • Oct 6, 2016
  • By RICK STEINER
In this Feb. 11 file photo, children peer from a partially destroyed home in Aleppo, Syria.

Mike Pence has more to lose than an election

If Donald Trump spends even 90 minutes of time preparing for his next debate against Hillary Clinton, let’s hope he spends it watching Mike Pence… Continue reading

  • Oct 4, 2016
  • By PATRICIA MURPHY

Iraq folly: Obama errs in sending in more troops

The following editorial first appeared in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:President Barack Obama’s decision to put 615 more American troops into the Iraq war, announced Wednesday, is… Continue reading

  • Oct 4, 2016

Searching for truth in Trump’s tax return

Rudy Giuliani has tried to make it easy for anyone who might be perplexed about his friend Donald Trump’s income tax maneuvers. All you need… Continue reading

  • Oct 4, 2016
  • By TIMOTHY L. O'BRIEN

My Turn: I will proudly vote for Kate Troll

It was a beautiful day in Juneau and we were on the Malaspina sailing into Auke Bay; I’d been gone for a while and excited… Continue reading

  • Oct 2, 2016
  • By JIM AYERS

Empire Editorial: Endorsements for Assembly, school board

We don’t envy the slate of candidates vying for municipal government seats this year. These individuals will be asked to make some of the most… Continue reading

  • Oct 2, 2016

My Turn: City leaders take measured approach to budget

While Alaska lawmakers wrestled with serious budget issues over the last year, Juneau and many other communities have been relatively untouched by the fiscal calamity… Continue reading

  • Sep 30, 2016
  • By WIN GRUENING

Empire Editorial: Give the Seward statue the context it deserves

The new Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture is a remarkable place. Rising in black and bronze next to the Washington Monument in… Continue reading

  • Sep 30, 2016

My Turn: ‘The Road’ won’t be a Juneau burden

Normally I wouldn’t take time to respond to a My Turn in the Empire, but in this case Rich Moniak’s My Turn on Sept. 25,… Continue reading

  • Sep 29, 2016
  • By BRUCE ABEL

Empire Editorial: Half of something better than all of nothing

Alaska Sen. Bill Wielechowski needn’t worry about what happens if his lawsuit fails. He should instead worry about what happens if he wins.There are 700… Continue reading

  • Sep 29, 2016

Alaska Editorial: Despite veto, governor not to blame for state’s fiscal woes

The following editorial first appeared in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner:The announcement of the amount of this year’s Alaska Permanent Fund dividend amount — $1,022 —… Continue reading

  • Sep 28, 2016
The Alaska State Marine Highway Ferry Fairweather pulls up to the Auke Bay Terminal in June 2015.

Alaska Editorial: A solution for the Marine Highway

The following editorial first appeared in the Ketchikan Daily News:Alaska’s ferry system is sailing in stormy seas these days, buffeted by a growing tempest of… Continue reading

  • Sep 27, 2016
The Alaska State Marine Highway Ferry Fairweather pulls up to the Auke Bay Terminal in June 2015.

My Turn: Obama’s marine monuments are good start, but so far ignore important coastal seas

While kudos are due for President Barack Obama for his recent Marine National Monument designations in the Pacific and off New England, it is significant… Continue reading

  • Sep 26, 2016
  • By RICK STEINER

My Turn: ‘The Road’ isn’t on course with Gov. Walker’s fiscal goals

Cutting the cost of state government is a vital component of Gov. Bill Walker’s sustainable budget proposal. Every little bit helps. That’s why he’s posted… Continue reading

  • Sep 25, 2016
  • By Rich Moniak

My Turn: Smaller dividends are painful but prudent

Alaskans will soon receive our annual dividend checks. This year’s $1,022 check for every qualified resident will help Alaska families with things like winter fuel,… Continue reading

  • Sep 25, 2016
  • By GOV. BILL WALKER

My Turn: What the NEA means for the arts

The National Endowment for the Arts is the national federal agency charged with encouraging artistic activity in the American people, for the intrinsic value of… Continue reading

  • Sep 25, 2016
  • By Ben Brown

Alaska Editorial: A tale of two Alaska buildings

The following editorial first appeared in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner: Thursday was an eventful day for spending on buildings in Alaska. In Anchorage, members of… Continue reading

  • Sep 23, 2016

My Turn: Innovation is key to growing an economy

Have you ever had a problem where the solution is so simple it felt like you already knew it, but just hadn’t thought of it… Continue reading

  • Sep 23, 2016
  • By MIA COSTELLO