How2use News2use
Newsrooms across the country get a tsunami of press releases every day on topics ranging from the best time to retire to the top 10 reasons not to give puppies as Christmas gifts. Most never make it into the newspaper. Now, instead of being relegated to the recycling bin, the Anchorage Daily News will post the most useful of the lot here. Only the five most recently posted releases show up in each category. Click the category name to view everything posted there. If you have News2Use to share with our audience, e-mail a press release, preferably as an Adobe PDF, to newsroom@adn.com. Type News2Use in the subject line.
Money-in-politics database is searchable, free
The nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics has put 200 million data records from the group's archive directly into the hands of citizens, activists, journalists and anyone who wants to follow the money in U.S. politics.
Consumer Reports says low-cost brokers score high
Discount brokers did a better job shepherding clients through the stock market upheaval of the past year than traditional investment banks, according to a Consumer Reports survey.
Surprising substances are poisonous to pets
The wrath of grapes was, unfortunately, all too familiar for many dogs and cats in 2008. See what else makes the Top 10 list of things that make pets sick.
Go online to file for unemployment
Those phoning the Unemployment Insurance claim centers are encountering long wait times and are encouraged to use the online filing system instead.
Alaska Aviation System Plan survey released
Fill out the survey and make sure the aviation issues you think are most important are heard by the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.
Safety engineers offer advice about preparing for a pandemic
Members of the American Society of Safety Engineers believe companies worldwide should begin flu pandemic planning now. To assist in this effort, ASSE offers several suggestions in "Avian Flu: Infection Control Guidelines."
PFD
National Ombudsman helps small businesses with federal enforcement actions
It is the primary mission of the Office of the National Ombudsman to assist small businesses when they experience excessive or unfair federal regulatory enforcement actions, such as repetitive audits or investigations, excessive fines, penalties, threats, retaliation or other unfair enforcement action by a federal agency.
PFD
Social Security lightens the paperwork filing load for small businesses
Small business owners should know that Social Security can lighten the paperwork filing burden with free, fast and secure online business services.
PFD
Help organization that gets books to rural Alaskan children
First Book Rural Alaska can use monetary donations as well as your gift of time.
Are identity theft prevention services worth the cost?
Consumer Federation of America studied the websites of 16 for-profit identity theft services and found these services may not always offer the protection that consumers are led to believe they will get.
Beware acai berry diet come-ons
Companies use fake blogs, fake endorsements, fishy science and hard-to-cancel credit card transactions to bilk consumers
Con artists text consumers posing as banks, credit cards
BBB recommends not trusting text messages that discuss finances.
DEC warns those with milk allergies about GoLean Shakes
The Department of Environmental Conservation is warning the public who may be allergic to milk that Kashi GOLEAN Powder Chocolate Energy Shake Mix may contain milk products even though milk does not appear in the list of ingredients. The product is being removed from retailers’ shelves; however, DEC advises consumers to check for this product in their homes.
Some products identified to be high in lead are largely gone from big retailers, according to a Consumer Reports investigation, but consumers can’t let down their guard yet.
Traveling statehood exhibits available to schools
As Alaska celebrates 50 years of statehood, the Alaska State Museum reminds schools across the “Great Land” that it has available two traveling exhibitions focused on statehood.
Bankers association launches student loan Web site
In addition to helpful information explaining the federal and private student loan programs, Student Loan Crossroads also provides information on education lending policies and programs.
Weather Service has jobs for students
The Student Educational Employment Program (SEEP) provides Federal employment opportunities for degree-seeking high school and college students.
UAF newsletter covers climate change, compost and cranes
The new issue of Natural Resource News, the newsletter of UAF's School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences, is now available on the web!
Dimond High to offer engineering program
Over 120 students are enrolled in five new courses at the school focused on engineering disciplines. Four Dimond teachers received national certification to teach the courses, which are part of the National Project Lead the Way Curriculum affiliated with colleges and universities across the country.
Fish & Game issues emergency order
Emergency order says it's catch and release only for rainbow trout in three local creeks
This spring safety checklist is for boat owners
Whether you have a power or sailboat, inboard or outboard, this spring safety checklist from BoatU.S. is an easy way to get ready for the season.
Temporary cell phone service available at Thompson Pass
Wireless customers in the Thompson Pass area will have the convenience and safety of cell phone service through the rest of the winter recreation season.
Boat and plane owners upgrading their emergency beacons to the newer technology may be tempted to toss their old ones in the nearest dumpster. But emergency beacons were not meant to be discarded like common trash.
PFD
State invites comments on recreation plan
This is your chance to give feedback for an update to the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.
Life Alaska encourages organ/tissue donations
Read about Palmer resident Troy Chapman, who was just hours from death when a donor gave him the greatest gift of all — the gift of new lungs, and a second chance at life.
Don't give your kids these unhealthy lunches
Although Oscar Mayer’s Lunchables and similar packaged lunches seem like cheap and convenient options, many pack a hidden health cost.
Explore archive of Alaska's health policies
Alaska Health Policy Review, the comprehensive, nonpartisan source for health policy matters in the State of Alaska, is now available online, free of charge.
Consumer Reports has advice about home repairs
Homeowners might be tempted to put off fixing their home until the economy rebounds. But Consumer Reports warns that some problems, if left unchecked, can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs.
Green Living expert offers simple, inexpensive tips for going green on a budget
Preparedness is key to successful home evacuation
There is no time like the present for sitting down with your family and preparing for the day when you may be forced to evacuate your home, according to the Insurance Information Institute
Test your mushing abilities with this online game
LitSite Alaska, a Web community and story archive promoting literacy and cultural diversity, gets behind Alaska’s great race with an interactive game.
Get help with Medicare prescription drug costs
The Social Security Administration invites Medicare recipients to apply for extra help with prescription drug plan costs.
Programs help with Medicare costs
Many people with limited income and savings qualify for thousands of dollars in savings, and don’t even know it, according to The Senior Citizens League. Check out details about assistance programs that pay Medicare premiums, and other cost sharing like deductibles, coinsurance and co-payments.
Web site updates help veterans after deployment
Afterdeployment.org has grown to provide more information and resources for service members returning from deployment – as well as for their families.
Orlando hotels offer 20% military discount
Seven hotels near Walt Disney World Resort are celebrating America’s active and retired military with a 20 percent room rate discount throughout 2009.
As part of a continuing effort to keep beneficiaries informed, TriCare has added a news podcast to its Web site.
Sesame Workshop initiative supports military families
“Talk, Listen, Connect” provides support and resources for military families with young children who experience the effects of deployments and when a parent returns home changed due to a combat-related injury.
Outreach center to focus on psychological health and brain injuries
A new 24-hour outreach center now provides information and referrals to military service members, veterans, their families and others with questions about psychological health and traumatic brain injury.
7 tips help parents fight childhood obesity
A pediatrician and author offers common-sense tips to help parents prevent their kids from becoming obese.
It's never too early to begin kids' financial education
Junior Achievement teaches students practical skills that position them for success, such as how to create and use a personal budget, how to calculate the cost of credit, and the importance of saving and investing for the future.
Budget-friendly activities to do with baby
Having fun with your baby doesn’t require a trip to the toy store, fancy baby equipment or a special membership to a baby gym.
New dads should make a list before heading to hospital
When your baby’s birth is imminent and you are rushing to get to the hospital, it’s likely you’ll forget something. Instead, make a list and be prepared.
PC Mag shares 10 Twitter tips for beginners
Ready to jump into Twitter, but don't know how to get started? Follow these 10 tips and you'll fit right in.
Young workers are smart to think about retirement
Retirement may be the last thing on your mind if you’re a young worker, but there are some basics you should know about Social Security and saving for your retirement.
Social Security aims to answer your questions
When it comes to learning about Social Security, there is a lot to know — so you may find yourself full of questions. If you have a question, the Social Security Administration invites you to visit their frequently asked questions page at www.socialsecurity.gov.
Social Security pledges 2009 resolutions
The New Year is a time for many people, companies and organizations to make resolutions for the year ahead. In past years, Social Security has suggested resolutions to readers, such as to plan ahead for retirement, check your Social Security Statement and safeguard your Social Security card and number. This year, we turn the tables and pledge to you our own resolutions as an agency.
Social Security provides answers to common questions
Check out the Social Security Administration's answers to some of the common questions they receive.
Social Security offers fast track for seriously ill clients
Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, recently announced the national rollout of the agency’s Compassionate Allowances initiative, a way to expedite the processing of disability claims for applicants whose medical conditions are so severe that their conditions obviously meet Social Security’s standards.
You may be eligible for tax credits
Tax credits can help pay the cost of raising a family, going to college, saving for retirement or getting daycare for dependents. But each year, many taxpayers overlook these credits, even though they often qualify for one or more.
Free tax help is available from the Internal Revenue Service for taxpayers by telephone, in person and via the Internet where information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Former police officer has good advice for travelers who want to stay safe and secure.
Bed bugs putting bite on travelers
Pests are a growing problem in metropolitan areas that host large numbers of international travelers, including New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.
Retired U.S. Park workers rate foreign national parks
Ever wonder where people who work in national parks go when they take a vacation? This survey reveals their top 10 parks worldwide.
New AAA blog offers insider information on popular and little-known destinations, travel challenges and what it’s like to travel for a living.
STORY
A year after opening, the Dena'ina Center has been a bright spot in Anchorage's economy.
VIDEO
Concourses A & B open in the South Terminal with an art show and live music at Anchorage's airport.
BLOG
Breaking news, multimedia, and off-beat stories from the world of Alaska politics.
SECTION
Follow the news and events from the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention.
STORY
A nine-year-old delivered the killing blow to a 32-foot bowhead whale in Barrow.
AUDIO SLIDE SHOW
Habitat for Humanity volunteers help a West African family recent to Anchorage build a house on Taku Drive in Muldoon.
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