EVEN -- Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race: Route change skips Happy River Steps. Mushers, dogs catch a break. Race loses a little of its edge.

UP -- "Big Miracle": Alaska will foot the bill for $9.6 million in production costs. We should all see it; we're investors.

EVEN -- School choice bill: House committee approves state money for private education, but there's the thorny issue of what's constitutional.

DOWN -- ABT tax breaks: Lawmaker targets temple-owned homes. This is what happens when you don't render unto.

UP -- Jim Browder: School Board goes for Gator to raise test scores as new super. He's got a tough act to follow.

UP -- Gas line prospects: Well, at least in theory. Shale gas estimates take a hit, so maybe those North Slope reserves look more attractive. Maybe.

UP -- Don Young: Alaska's forever congressman rakes in treasure from tribes in the Lower 48. Who's the Dems' sacrificial lamb?

UP -- Paul Tandy: West's blind wrestler asks no quarter, gives none, drives hard and inspires his teammates. That's ability.

DOWN -- Southcentral drivers: Another big snowfall gives us terror or tedium on wheels. Makes that subzero pavement look nice, doesn't it?

UP -- Southcentral skiers, snowplowers: Plenty to work with, plenty to play with, if you can get out of your driveway.