Opinion

Countdown to Election 2018: It’s complicated

Editor’s Note: The Empire will be publishing a weekly column from the nonpartisan League of Women Voters leading up to this year’s elections, in the… Continue reading

Metro Creative Connection stock image

Crime rates can’t be linked to SB 91

On July 31, the Juneau Empire posted an opinion piece by Dan Carothers criticizing Alaska’s justice reforms. First off, I want to thank Mr. Carothers… Continue reading

Metro Creative Connection stock image
The Alaska State Capitol. (Juneau Empire File)

The Democratic primary is still a party affair

This month’s Democratic Party primary was supposed to lay out a welcome mat for “independent thinkers.” That’s how Casey Steinau, the state chairperson, described the… Continue reading

The Alaska State Capitol. (Juneau Empire File)
Former Alaska U.S. Senator Mark Begich greets and speaks to Juneau residents interested in his campaign for governor at the IBEW Local 1547 Union office on Thursday, June 29, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Building a better future for Alaska

It has been an exciting two months out on the campaign trail. Everywhere I go, I hear from Alaskans who have big dreams for a… Continue reading

  • Aug 13, 2018
  • By Mark Begich
Former Alaska U.S. Senator Mark Begich greets and speaks to Juneau residents interested in his campaign for governor at the IBEW Local 1547 Union office on Thursday, June 29, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Let’s give our children the best start possible

Whenever there has been a crisis in Juneau, the community has generously stepped in to help, especially when it involves children. The current lack of… Continue reading

Thank you, Mayor Koelsch

For most of us who have never held an elected position, it’s difficult to appreciate the extraordinary demands made on public servants and their families.… Continue reading

  • Aug 10, 2018
  • By WIN GRUENING

Opinion: Fighting for a healthier, safer Alaska

Addiction is a disease that has plagued our state for decades and ranked us at the top for too many undesirable statistics including domestic violence,… Continue reading

Opinion: If his usual supporters stay true, Begich can win in November

Opinion: If his usual supporters stay true, Begich can win in November

Lots of my Juneau friends are experiencing major heartburn over the governor’s race. They are primarily Democrats or open-minded moderates. I respect them, but I… Continue reading

  • Aug 9, 2018
  • By Bruce Scandling
Opinion: If his usual supporters stay true, Begich can win in November
A spawning chum salmon looks to return to the waters of Salmon Creek on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Celebrate Wild Salmon Day in Juneau

One of the best ways to appreciate our wild salmon is to eat them.

A spawning chum salmon looks to return to the waters of Salmon Creek on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Smoking cruise ship in Juneau

Sunday morning dawned clear and windless. A perfect day in Juneau. Enter the Radiance of the Sea, a cruise ship with a passenger capacity of… Continue reading

  • Aug 8, 2018
  • By Joseph W. Geldhof
In this July 19, 2018 file photo, President Donald Trump speaks before signing an Executive Order that establishes a National Council for the American Worker during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington. Trump said he’s willing to hit all imported goods from China with tariffs, sending U.S. markets sliding before the opening bell, Friday, July 20. In a taped interview with the business channel CNBC, Trump said “I’m willing to go to 500,” referring roughly to the $505.5 in goods imported last year from China. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

Economic opinions are never real news

When President Trump speaks about the economy, and members of Congress respond, it’s newsworthy. But even when accurately quoted, their words usually constitute opinion, spin… Continue reading

  • Aug 7, 2018
  • By Rich Moniak
In this July 19, 2018 file photo, President Donald Trump speaks before signing an Executive Order that establishes a National Council for the American Worker during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington. Trump said he’s willing to hit all imported goods from China with tariffs, sending U.S. markets sliding before the opening bell, Friday, July 20. In a taped interview with the business channel CNBC, Trump said “I’m willing to go to 500,” referring roughly to the $505.5 in goods imported last year from China. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
Seth Church

Ballot Measure One puts the goals of outside interests above local concerns

Our state is blessed with a vast trove of natural resources — from fish to gold, timber to oil — that gives all of us… Continue reading

  • Aug 7, 2018
  • By Seth Church
  • salmon
Seth Church

Vote ‘yes’ on salmon habitat ballot initiative

I have been thinking long and hard about the salmon habitat ballot initiative that will be on Alaska’s November ballot. I served as Director of… Continue reading

Metro Creative Connection stock image

Misrepresentations about Alaska’s SB 91

“Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” That old adage has been quoted by everyone from war generals to philosophy… Continue reading

Metro Creative Connection stock image
Chum salmon swim beneath the surface of Salmon Creek on Monday afternoon, Aug. 3, 2015. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)

A salmon story I will continue to tell (and fight for)

This July, I spent a week volunteering on the Stikine River, conducting water quality and aquatic habitat surveys with a team of dedicated scientists. It… Continue reading

  • Aug 6, 2018
  • By Jill Weitz
  • salmon
Chum salmon swim beneath the surface of Salmon Creek on Monday afternoon, Aug. 3, 2015. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)

Keep Juneau unique and sustainable

Rich Moniak’s column in Sunday’s paper, called “The problem with resurrecting the great road debate,” was spot on. The Road debate sage is on simmer… Continue reading

  • Aug 3, 2018
  • By KERRY L. LINDLEY
  • Opinion

Health care: Alaska challenges require Alaska solutions

Health care in the United States is amazing. Earlier this year, doctors in Cleveland planted electrodes in the brain and arm of a paralyzed man… Continue reading

  • Aug 3, 2018
  • By Jeff Roe
A spawning chum salmon looks to return to the waters of Salmon Creek on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Pebble Mine’s application should not advance

Since the threat of Pebble mine would risk my basic life necessities — food through subsistence harvesting with my family, and the way I get… Continue reading

A spawning chum salmon looks to return to the waters of Salmon Creek on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Gov. Bill Walker, February 2018 (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Actions and words split the candidates for governor

With the current political climate, I expected the divisive rhetoric of this election season. I did not expect the battle lines to be drawn so… Continue reading

Gov. Bill Walker, February 2018 (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Medical exam room. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

It is time to say no to politicians in exam rooms

Allow physicians to continue to have honest conversations with their patients.

  • Aug 1, 2018
  • By Kirsten Jorgensen
Medical exam room. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)