Opinion

Heavy metals run out of the Tulsequah Chief mine opening and down to holding ponds next to the Tulsequah River Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008. Leakage from those ponds can be seen entering the river that flows into the Taku River down stream. Eight U.S. senators sent a letter Thursday to British Columbia, Canada’s premier asking for more transboundary water oversight. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: We need to make sure mine cleanup plan happens

I was raised on the Taku River. In the ’40s and ’50s, from May through October, my brothers and I did everything together on the… Continue reading

  • Nov 21, 2019
  • By John Morris Sr.
Heavy metals run out of the Tulsequah Chief mine opening and down to holding ponds next to the Tulsequah River Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008. Leakage from those ponds can be seen entering the river that flows into the Taku River down stream. Eight U.S. senators sent a letter Thursday to British Columbia, Canada’s premier asking for more transboundary water oversight. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
The Tongass National Forest sign seen en route to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Roadless areas of the Tongass are good for wildlife and people, and they ought to be protected

How much of the Tongass will a dying industry mow down on its way out?

  • Nov 21, 2019
  • By Austin Williams
The Tongass National Forest sign seen en route to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
The Tongass National Forest sign stands near the Auke Village Recreation Area. (Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: I hope inclusion of the Tongass under the Roadless Rule is maintained

I retired at the end of March after 28 years as a research social scientist with the USDA Forest Service. Over the course of my… Continue reading

  • Nov 18, 2019
  • By Linda Kruger
The Tongass National Forest sign stands near the Auke Village Recreation Area. (Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: The incompetence of unacknowledged conflicts of interest

Opinion: The incompetence of unacknowledged conflicts of interest

The application to recall Gov. Mike Dunleavy alleged “Neglect of Duties, Incompetence, and/or Lack of Fitness” in four specific actions. In his advice to the… Continue reading

  • Nov 17, 2019
Opinion: The incompetence of unacknowledged conflicts of interest
Opinion: CBJ Assembly ponders choices

Opinion: CBJ Assembly ponders choices

It’s not clear where they are headed.

  • Nov 15, 2019
Opinion: CBJ Assembly ponders choices
President Donald Trump listens to Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., speak during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House where Trump spoke about his judicial appointments, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo | Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Opinion: Respecting our Constitution

Was this impeachment constitutionally valid?

  • Nov 11, 2019
  • By Rich Moniak
President Donald Trump listens to Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., speak during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House where Trump spoke about his judicial appointments, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo | Manuel Balce Ceneta)
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, speaks during an interview at the Juneau Empire on Monday, Feb. 18, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Investing in fisheries pays off

Alaskans know just how essential fisheries are to life in the 49th state.

  • Nov 7, 2019
  • By Lisa Murkowski
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, speaks during an interview at the Juneau Empire on Monday, Feb. 18, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
School buses sit idle at the First Student lot on Mendenhall Loop Road in this May 2014 photo. (Michael Penn \ Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Barking up the right tree for school safety

In 1999, high school student Rachel Scott wrote about her theory that one person could create a chain reaction of compassion. She stood up for… Continue reading

  • Nov 5, 2019
School buses sit idle at the First Student lot on Mendenhall Loop Road in this May 2014 photo. (Michael Penn \ Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: Roadless Rule realities

Opinion: Roadless Rule realities

Neither side will think they’re winning.

  • Nov 3, 2019
  • By Rich Moniak
Opinion: Roadless Rule realities
Opinion: Is capping cruise ship visitors a good idea?

Opinion: Is capping cruise ship visitors a good idea?

Probably not.

  • Nov 1, 2019
  • By Win Gruening
Opinion: Is capping cruise ship visitors a good idea?

Opinion: Investing in Alaska’s infrastructure will benefit all Alaskans

The world needs copper and Alaska needs infrastructure to deliver it.

  • Oct 31, 2019
  • By Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse
Opinion: BLM needs to analyze social impacts of Ambler Road Proposal

Opinion: BLM needs to analyze social impacts of Ambler Road Proposal

Seven questions for BLM.

  • Oct 30, 2019
  • By Rachael Gaedeke
Opinion: BLM needs to analyze social impacts of Ambler Road Proposal
Opinion: CBJ Assembly walks a tightrope during budget review

Opinion: CBJ Assembly walks a tightrope during budget review

Tough decesions ahead on budget.

  • Oct 29, 2019
  • By Win Gruening
Opinion: CBJ Assembly walks a tightrope during budget review
Cruise ship visitors gather for their tours on the Seawalk on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Tourism is going unchecked in Juneau

The tipping point is at hand.

  • Oct 29, 2019
  • By Jim Ayers
Cruise ship visitors gather for their tours on the Seawalk on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
(Courtesy photo | Jeff Lund)

Opinion: Roadless Rule needed to protect salmon, trout

The rule was set up in a sensible way for Southeast.

  • Oct 29, 2019
  • By Mark Kaelke
(Courtesy photo | Jeff Lund)
In this Feb. 16 photo, Deidre Levi rests her head for a moment in her grandmother’s house before a basketball game in the Native Village of St. Michael. Levi says she spoke up about being sexually assaulted because she wanted to be a role model for girls in Alaska. (AP Photo | Wong Maye-E)

Opinion: The social costs of not believing women

What is the social cost of accepting this behavior?

  • Oct 29, 2019
  • By Robin Smith
In this Feb. 16 photo, Deidre Levi rests her head for a moment in her grandmother’s house before a basketball game in the Native Village of St. Michael. Levi says she spoke up about being sexually assaulted because she wanted to be a role model for girls in Alaska. (AP Photo | Wong Maye-E)
Opinion: Overtourism in Juneau

Opinion: Overtourism in Juneau

Is more better?

  • Oct 27, 2019
  • By Ray Preston
Opinion: Overtourism in Juneau
Opinion: The closet Republicans in Congress

Opinion: The closet Republicans in Congress

It’s time for Republicans in Congress to acknowledge Trump is unfit for the office he holds.

  • Oct 27, 2019
  • By Rich Moniak
Opinion: The closet Republicans in Congress
Opinion: Ocean acidification requires less talk, more action

Opinion: Ocean acidification requires less talk, more action

It’s time to commit.

  • Oct 22, 2019
  • By Danielle Meeker
Opinion: Ocean acidification requires less talk, more action
Opinion: Applying restorative justice to political warfare

Opinion: Applying restorative justice to political warfare

Forgiveness is part of the equation.

  • Oct 20, 2019
Opinion: Applying restorative justice to political warfare