Opinion

Empire Editorial: Our veto forecast came true: Legislature must now act

It’s in the Legislature’s hands now.Last week, the Empire warned you that Gov. Bill Walker was likely to veto some or all of this year’s… Continue reading

  • Jun 30, 2016

My Turn: On the PFD restructuring

When Gov. Bill Walker announced his plan to cut the Permanent Fund Dividend and restructure the permanent fund for government spending, I sought advice from… Continue reading

  • Jun 28, 2016
  • By JUANITA CASSELLIUS

Alaska Editorial: PFD divide a part of politics

The following editorial first appeared in the Ketchikan Daily News:It’s an election year.The state House — where all of the seats will be on the… Continue reading

  • Jun 28, 2016

Alaska Editorial: Survivor benefits bill dies through inaction

This editorial first appeared in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner:The law enforcement and firefighter survivor benefits bill, House Bill 4002, had a tortured life for a… Continue reading

  • Jun 28, 2016

My Turn: Why it’s still scary to be gay

Another senseless slaughter in the name of religion took place in Orlando two weeks ago. I mourn the victims who were simply out for an… Continue reading

  • Jun 27, 2016
  • By RICHARD COMPSON SATER

My Turn: Makers and takers

“Trickle-down” theories of wealth have always struck me as bogus. Now I have no doubt. I have a reading list (below), and my thinking is… Continue reading

  • Jun 27, 2016
  • By JERRY SMETZER

My Turn: The rule according to fundamentalist revisionism

As we’ve come to expect after every mass shooting, the U.S. Senate failed to consider any meaningful gun control measures. This display of impotence by… Continue reading

  • Jun 26, 2016
  • By Rich Moniak

Empire Editorial: Optional programs shouldn’t be forced

Private business and government can make for odd bedfellows, and even more so when government oversteps its role.But if they’re not careful, city leaders may… Continue reading

  • Jun 24, 2016

My Turn: City response to cruise industry complaint is myopic

After the City and Borough of Juneau was served with a lawsuit by the cruise industry in April, it seemed both sides would reach an… Continue reading

  • Jun 24, 2016
  • By WIN GRUENING

My Turn: On the Denali wolves

I would like to comment on the Letter to the Editor on Tuesday from Joel Bennett asking for the state to protect wolves crossing the… Continue reading

  • Jun 24, 2016
  • By RON SOMERVILLE

Empire Editorial: What if PFDs aren’t ‘permanent’?

Sometime in the next 10 days, you should expect Gov. Bill Walker to veto all or part of the funding for your Alaska Permanent Fund… Continue reading

  • Jun 23, 2016

Alaska Editorial: Keep smoking rates headed in the right direction

The following editorial first appeared in the Peninsula Clarion: Some good news last week from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services: smoking rates… Continue reading

  • Jun 22, 2016

Alaska Editorial: Unmanned police aircraft should be used judiciously

The following editorial first appeared in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner:Among the symbols of advancing technology, heightened focus on security and fears of eroding privacy rights,… Continue reading

  • Jun 21, 2016

My Turn: Providing a lifeline for refugees

You’ve seen them; you know them. They’re soldiers, doctors, restauranteurs, vendors, teachers, custodians, and, yes, taxi drivers. They’re our neighbors, friends, family and colleagues. They’re… Continue reading

  • Jun 20, 2016
  • By ROBERT CAREY

My Turn: The game is rigged

After watching Republican leaders endorse Donald Trump for president, New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman called on “thoughtful conservatives” to start a “New Republican Party… Continue reading

  • Jun 19, 2016
  • By Rich Moniak

Empire Editorial: Alaskans’ passion for the PFD is a hug of death

You can hug something to death, you know.Alaskans are about to learn that lesson.On Friday, the House Finance Committee voted 5-6 against moving Senate Bill… Continue reading

  • Jun 19, 2016

My Turn: LGBT protections

Living in a great place like Juneau, we often think of injustice as happening somewhere else. Many people are surprised to learn that in Alaska… Continue reading

  • Jun 17, 2016
  • By JESSE KIEHL

My Turn: Preparation is key during fire season to minimize loss

With the region’s mild winter, wildfire season is starting early this year. As of Monday, there are more than one million acres nationwide that have… Continue reading

  • Jun 17, 2016
  • By ANNA O'DONNELL

My Turn: Focus on men’s health and safety in June

In June, we celebrate Father’s Day, Men’s Health Month and National Safety Month. These separate observances have a common theme — we can use them… Continue reading

  • Jun 16, 2016
  • By SUSAN JOHNSON

Empire Editorial: Downgrade comes as no surprise

If anything surprises us about Fitch Ratings’ downgrade of Alaska’s credit rating, it’s that the decision took this long.Fitch was the last of the three… Continue reading

  • Jun 16, 2016