Opinion

A king salmon is laid out for inspection by Alaska Department of Fish and Game at the Mike Pusich Douglas Harbor officials at the Golden North Salmon Derby on Aug. 25, 2019. King salmon in the Taku River have been on the decline in recent years. The cause of the decline remains undetermined. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Opinion: A pessimist’s view of Taku River king salmon

How serious is the problem on the Taku, you ask?

  • Jun 23, 2022
  • By Larry Edfelt
A king salmon is laid out for inspection by Alaska Department of Fish and Game at the Mike Pusich Douglas Harbor officials at the Golden North Salmon Derby on Aug. 25, 2019. King salmon in the Taku River have been on the decline in recent years. The cause of the decline remains undetermined. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Constitutional law scholar failed to do his homework

Recent My Turn missed the mark.

  • Jun 21, 2022
  • By Bruce Botelho
(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
Travel Juneau CEO and President Liz Perry, Sealaska Heritage Institute President Rosita Worl, City and Borough of Juneau Mayor Beth Weldon, and Ironman regional director Dave Christen hold a sign for the 2022 Juneau Ironman event as they announce the race’s Alaska debut on the University of Alaska- Southeast campus on Aug. 9, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Answers to your Ironman questions

Here’s a brief Q&A to the event

  • Jun 17, 2022
  • By Liz Perry
Travel Juneau CEO and President Liz Perry, Sealaska Heritage Institute President Rosita Worl, City and Borough of Juneau Mayor Beth Weldon, and Ironman regional director Dave Christen hold a sign for the 2022 Juneau Ironman event as they announce the race’s Alaska debut on the University of Alaska- Southeast campus on Aug. 9, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)
The Juneau School District, it’s headquarters seen here in this Juneau Empire file photo, will receive a portion of Alaska’s more than $358 million in federal relief money for schools. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)

Opinion: Reality matters

Juneau needs creative, resourceful leaders who respond to the changing needs of the community.

  • Jun 15, 2022
  • By Paulette Simpson
The Juneau School District, it’s headquarters seen here in this Juneau Empire file photo, will receive a portion of Alaska’s more than $358 million in federal relief money for schools. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)
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Opinion: You cannot fix stupid

But we can help ourselves by understanding its pathology.

  • Jun 14, 2022
  • By Joe Mehrkens
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This photo shows former Gov. Bill Walker at a recent fundraising event. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Bill Walker did more to improve the health of Alaskans than any politician I know

Please join me in supporting Walker-Drygas!

  • Jun 13, 2022
  • By Dr. Lindy Jones
This photo shows former Gov. Bill Walker at a recent fundraising event. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: The many reasons I’m voting for Les Gara for governor

By Dr. Emily Kane We need a governor who respects the legitimate needs of all people to reach their potential. Les Gara worked hard for… Continue reading

  • Jun 13, 2022
  • By Dr. Emily Kane
This photo shows a ballot and return envelope for the special primary election for Alaska's lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ballots must be postmarked by June 11. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: How the Second Amendment informed my special election primary vote

By Rich Moniak Jeff Lowenfels was at the bottom of my short list in the special primary election to complete Congressman Don Young’s term. Then… Continue reading

  • Jun 11, 2022
  • By Rich Moniak
This photo shows a ballot and return envelope for the special primary election for Alaska's lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ballots must be postmarked by June 11. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
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Opinion: Giving our kids a sporting chance

This project deserves a chance to succeed.

  • Jun 9, 2022
  • By Win Gruening
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Candidate for Alaska’s lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives Tara Sweeney, a Republican, was in Juneau on Monday, May 16, 2022, and sat down with the Empire for an interview. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Tara Sweeney is a terrific voice for all Alaskans

It takes an adept, broadly credible Alaskan to bridge competing interests and get things done…

  • Jun 8, 2022
  • By Tom Barrett
Candidate for Alaska’s lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives Tara Sweeney, a Republican, was in Juneau on Monday, May 16, 2022, and sat down with the Empire for an interview. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Apparent biases at work in creating pro-ConCon statement

People should demand the lt. gov. find an authority to explain the referendum’s democratic function.

  • Jun 7, 2022
  • J.H. Snider
(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
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Opinion: Just say no to a constitutional convention

When the constitution is opened, everything is on the table.

  • Jun 7, 2022
  • By Max Mertz
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This photo shows the top of a ballot in the special primary election to fill the remainder of deceased U.S. Rep. Don Young’s term in the U.S. House of Representatives. In the primary, voters can only vote for one candidate. There will be a ranked choice special election on Aug. 16, which is the same date as the regular primary election. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Please make your voice heard on June 11

I am writing today to ask you one favor — please vote by June 11.

  • Jun 6, 2022
  • By Laurie Sica
This photo shows the top of a ballot in the special primary election to fill the remainder of deceased U.S. Rep. Don Young’s term in the U.S. House of Representatives. In the primary, voters can only vote for one candidate. There will be a ranked choice special election on Aug. 16, which is the same date as the regular primary election. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
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Opinion: Gun violence and do-nothing Republicans

The crisis isn’t new.

  • Jun 3, 2022
  • By Rich Moniak
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Alexander B. Dolitsky

Opinion: Anti-Semitism in Russia

“Today America is not an anti-Semitic or racist country.”

  • Jun 2, 2022
  • By Alexander B. Dolitsky
Alexander B. Dolitsky
This screenshot from the Pick.Click.Give. website shows the program's logo. (Screenshot)

Opinion: This is a good year for Alaskans to Pick.Click.Give

Alaskans have until Aug. 31 to go back online and sign up for Pick.Click.Give.

  • Jun 1, 2022
  • By Larry Persily
This screenshot from the Pick.Click.Give. website shows the program's logo. (Screenshot)
(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Update to state’s consent definition gives me hope

By Katie Botz I once had a dream when I was young that every daughter, sister, mother, aunt and grandmother didn’t have to look behind… Continue reading

  • May 31, 2022
  • By Katie Botz
(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Bill can be a step forward for Alaska’s mental health system

By James B. Gottstein While not perfect, HB172 passed by the Legislature on May 17 has the possibility of dramatically improving the lives of people… Continue reading

  • May 30, 2022
  • By James B. Gottstein
(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
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Opinion: Federal government is to blame for local business challenges

Let’s hope that the federal government changes course quickly.

  • May 30, 2022
  • By Robert Shoemake
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Opinion: The dangerous combination of guns and conspiracies

The hatred that’s crept its way into American politics is new. The violence it’s spawned is newer yet.

  • May 27, 2022
  • By Rich Moniak
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