Opinion

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Opinion: Why welcoming Ukrainians and allowing them to work helps Alaska

I’m calling on the United States to offer humanitarian visas for Ukrainians fleeing the war.

  • Apr 5, 2022
  • Dasha Pearson
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Opinion: Bill attempts to legislate against fears that haven’t played out

Let these students play!

  • Apr 4, 2022
  • By Aidan Key
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Opinion: Political poetry

“History doesn’t repeat itself but it often rhymes.”

  • Apr 3, 2022
  • By Win Gruening
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Opinion: As Alaska Native women, we stand in support of Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination mirrors many of the experiences of minorities in the U.S.

  • Apr 1, 2022
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A map from the Alaska Redistricting Board shows proposed House Districts in Anchorage, two of which were the subject of a lawsuit against the board for their being paired together in a single senate seat.The Alaska Supreme Court Ruled Friday the board acted unconstitutionally in one of its Senate district pairings. (Screenshot / Alaska Redistricting Board)

Opinion: Gerrymandering – the cooked books of redistricting

Proposal prioritized party’s electoral goals over democratic principle.

  • Apr 1, 2022
  • By Rich Moniak
A map from the Alaska Redistricting Board shows proposed House Districts in Anchorage, two of which were the subject of a lawsuit against the board for their being paired together in a single senate seat.The Alaska Supreme Court Ruled Friday the board acted unconstitutionally in one of its Senate district pairings. (Screenshot / Alaska Redistricting Board)
Faith Myers stands at the doors of API. (Courtesy Photo)

Opinion: New goals and oversight are needed to protect disabled psychiatric patients

Reduce unnecessary trauma that people face during treatment inside locked psychiatric facilities.

  • Mar 31, 2022
  • By Faith J. Myers
Faith Myers stands at the doors of API. (Courtesy Photo)
(Dana Zigmund / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Sustainability strategy could help keep tourism working for our communities

By Dan Kirkwood and Kirby Day The Forest Service has recently announced their “Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy,” with the goal of shifting focus to help… Continue reading

  • Mar 29, 2022
  • By Dan Kirkwood and Kirby Day
(Dana Zigmund / Juneau Empire File)
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Opinion: Bill unfairly targets breweries

This bill does a disservice to our communities…

  • Mar 28, 2022
  • By Sherry Stead
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Opinion: Permanent daylight saving time is the wrong answer

Last week, by unanimous consent, the U.S. Senate passed the “Sunshine Protection Act.”

  • Mar 26, 2022
  • By Rich Moniak
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Alexander B. Dolitsky

Opinion: Red-brick house, Kiev, Ukraine

I cannot predict what will be the final outcome of this war.

  • Mar 24, 2022
  • By Alexander B. Dolitsky
Alexander B. Dolitsky
(Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Let’s not pave paradise to put up parking lots and boat docks at the glacier

By Laurie Craig The quiet of the pandemic has given Juneau residents the chance to reclaim our love of Mendenhall Glacier. Many families have strolled… Continue reading

  • Mar 24, 2022
  • By Laurie Craig
(Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
This image available under the Creative Commons license shows the outline of the state of Alaska filled with the pattern of the state flag. The state on Thursday reported a modest population growth between April 2020 and July 2021. It's the first time since 2016 the state has reported a population increase. (

Opinion: Agriculture is growing in Alaska

Don’t wait till Ag Day to take notice.

  • Mar 23, 2022
  • By Pete Pinney
This image available under the Creative Commons license shows the outline of the state of Alaska filled with the pattern of the state flag. The state on Thursday reported a modest population growth between April 2020 and July 2021. It's the first time since 2016 the state has reported a population increase. (

Johnny Ellis — a legacy of mentorship, friendship and statesmanship

By the Sham Jam Steering Committee There has been plenty of ink spilled, social media posts written, and stories shared about the late Johnny Ellis… Continue reading

  • Mar 23, 2022
  • By the Sham Jam Steering Committee
This image available under the Creative Commons license shows the outline of the state of Alaska filled with the pattern of the state flag. The state on Thursday reported a modest population growth between April 2020 and July 2021. It's the first time since 2016 the state has reported a population increase. (

Opinion: Rethinking the Village Public Safety Officer program

We must better understand what is needed and reimagine a more flexible program.

  • Mar 22, 2022
  • By Joel Hard
This image available under the Creative Commons license shows the outline of the state of Alaska filled with the pattern of the state flag. The state on Thursday reported a modest population growth between April 2020 and July 2021. It's the first time since 2016 the state has reported a population increase. (
(Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: The good, the bad, and the ugly in Alaska’s renewable energy bill

Things get messy when we get to the bill’s definition of renewable energy.

  • Mar 22, 2022
  • By Dyani Chapman
(Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
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Opinion: Ukraine offers teachable moment for the American electorate

This is a chance for America to stand up for some of what we claim to represent in the world.

  • Mar 19, 2022
  • By Jamison Paul
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Opinion: Building a friendlier world starts at home

We’re bound together by the history that gave birth to the freedoms that allow us to be different.

  • Mar 18, 2022
  • By Rich Moniak
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Opinion: Thinking outside the box on Juneau’s economy

Innovation, not stagnation, is the key.

  • Mar 17, 2022
  • By Win Gruening
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This December 2021 photo shows the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Glacier area proposal seems to benefit tourists more than locals

By Ken Post There’s a lot to chew on in the Forest Service’s draft environmental impact statement that allows even more commercial visitors at the… Continue reading

  • Mar 17, 2022
  • By Ken Post
This December 2021 photo shows the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Price of oil and an election year could prompt reckless spending

Let’s hope a majority of legislators keep their hands down when the bidding opens.

  • Mar 16, 2022
  • By Larry Persily
(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)