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Is the threat to Alaska real?
The continuing conflict involving Iran is already affecting global energy markets, with consequences that extend far beyond the Middle East. Alaska, despite being a major oil-producing state, is not insulated from those disruptions.
1 hour ago2 min read
History can point the way to city museum’s future
Bart Thane is one of the visionary pioneers who believed in Juneau’s future. In contrast, the Assembly’s approach to our budgetary problems is at best cynical.
3 days ago2 min read
Alaska voters can redraw the map on their own
Many Alaskans fondly embrace and proudly recite the defiant expression from the 1970s: “We don’t give a damn how they do it Outside.” Though often it’s because we can’t get it done the same way they do it Outside because of cost or geography or our small population — or because some online merchants still refuse to ship to the 49th state.
5 days ago3 min read
An argument for raising the mill rate cap
Last year we got together and voted to poke a $10 million to $12 million annual hole in the CBJ bucket. That’s $100-plus million over the next 10 years.
6 days ago3 min read
City museum’s future threatened by budget cuts
June 8 may be the beginning of the end of the Juneau-Douglas City Museum.
6 days ago4 min read
When the most aggressive-seeming greenery has a softer side
A writer in Anchorage gets to know devil’s club and her other new botanical neighbors.
7 days ago5 min read
There is no room for political discrimination in the Fourth of July parade
The procession at the beginning of Juneau’s downtown July 4 parade in 2025. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Independent) By Emil Mackey I want to thank Bruce Botelho for his May 31, 2026, letter in Voices titled, “July 4 parade limits and free speech rights.” I echo his appreciation for the work of the committee and trying to make a positive climate for all Juneau citizens. However, on its face, I do not see clear pre-established criteria for what will be disallowed. It looks purely
Jun 12 min read
July 4 parade limits and free speech rights
The current controversy triggered by the Juneau Festival Association’s announced policy banning participants seeking to express “political opposition,” carrying “picket signs” or inciting “hateful language” reminds me of the quip that “nothing motivates an American more than being told there are things he can’t say or do.”
May 312 min read
Legislature strips fishing/hunting rights from residents
The state Senate and House have passed HB 93. As written, HB 93 states that if you are an Alaska resident and you are away from Alaska for more than 180 days per year, you are no longer entitled to a resident hunting/fishing license and you must purchase a non-resident license.
May 293 min read
Guidelines for July 4 parade should be inclusive, not divisive
I was part of the large, fun group that sang and danced and played music in last year’s Fourth of July parade.
May 291 min read
A tale of two legacies
The Alaska LNG project “is closer to reality than ever,” Gov. Mike Dunleavy said during his State of the State speech in January. “We have so much wind at our backs,” including “the full support of the White House and President Trump’s Cabinet.”
May 293 min read
Unanswered questions about the gasline
When I read that Gov. Dunleavy was asking for a multibillion-dollar tax break, also known as a massive indirect subsidy, to build the liquified natural gas (LNG) line, and a special session to take this up, I was taken aback.
May 282 min read
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