COMPASS
Geography, resources and ecosystems link Alaska inextricably to its neighbor, Russia. Russia requires a special relationship, with specialized institutions and specialists to manage them. With oil nearing $150 a barrel, Russia is enjoying boom times. The Putin/Medvedev social contract gives Russians stability, freedom to buy things they want and travel abroad, in exchange for Kremlin control over profits.
COMPASS
Palin owes explanation in firing of Walt Monegan
It was with great dismay that Public Safety Employees Association members learned about the unexplained firing of Commissioner Walt Monegan.
COMPASS
Public must have a say in parks planning
Last winter, major changes to Town Square were slated to go forward as part of a street improvement project, without recommendations from the city's Parks and Recreation Commission. Only after the commission intervened did a public process and public hearing specific to Town Square take place, resulting in significant changes to the final plan.
COMPASS
Justices allow wealthy candidates to outspend their rivals
The Exxon verdict understandably overshadowed the U.S. Supreme Court's other end-of-term rulings among Alaskans, but one -- Federal Election Commission v. Davis -- deserves our attention, for it may influence our elections for decades to come.
COMPASS
Inebriates, transients a problem municipality has failed to control
I am concerned about escalating transient and inebriate traffic in the Campbell Creek Park area. My home on East 48th Avenue backs to the Campbell Creek trail system. When we purchased our home, we felt that the trail system was a positive feature, allowing us easy access to biking, walking and skiing.
COMPASS
Campbell Creek fire shows need to deal with homelessness
The recent 10-acre fire in the Midtown region of the Campbell Creek greenbelt should serve as a wake-up call to Anchorage and our entire state that we all must do more to address the growing homelessness in our community.
COMPASS
Independent gas line will best serve Alaska's interests
The current gas pipeline debate is nothing less than a battle for this state's sovereignty.
COMPASS
Shelter for backyard pets shouldn't be limited to dogs
In 1998, I began keeping a small flock of hens in a tidy henhouse in my Anchorage backyard. I had checked Title 17 -- the Animal Control code -- to be sure that chickens are legal, and they are. However, my henhouse was illegal.
COMPASS
Eisenhower was reluctant supporter of Alaska statehood
When President Eisenhower signed the Alaska statehood bill on this day in 1958, he did so privately in the White House without inviting any of the Alaskans who had worked so tirelessly on the cause for more than a decade.
COMPASS
Senate needs to halt cutbacks in Medicare payments
On Thursday, June 26, 2008, the U.S. Senate had the opportunity to avert a July 1, 2008, 10.6 percent cut in payments to physicians who care for Medicare beneficiaries.
COMPASS
Statehood book was written by independent journalists
This summer we kicked off many events all over Alaska celebrating a major milestone in our history -- the 50th anniversary of statehood. As chair of the Alaska Statehood Celebration Commission, I'm grateful for the many volunteers and partner organizations who have dedicated countless hours, both to the commission itself and to the many fun-filled family events commemorating our state's history.
COMPASS
Wear a life vest, and make sure others are, when boating
Twenty years ago today, in the Tanana River near Nenana, Jim Coghill drowned.
COMPASS
Alaska now has funds to revisit big, bold ideas of the past
Paul Jenkins, editor of The Voice of the Times, recently wrote about the need for Alaska to find new vision and direction. He discussed the necessity for good, big ideas that would set goals for our state during the next 50 years.
COMPASS
Collaboration is key to completing Alaska's gas pipeline
The State of Alaska is at a critical threshold in deciding the future course of the Alaska gas line. With two proposals on the table, this multi-generational dream ticket for economic prosperity is on the cusp of becoming real.
COMPASS
On this date in 1958, Senate vote secured Alaska's future
Fifty years ago, hope and excitement were running high in the United States Senate as lawmakers approached the final hours of a marathon debate on Alaska statehood.
COMPASS
Alaska can lead the nation in home energy efficiency
Record high prices for home heating fuel and utilities are putting a squeeze on family budgets. No other state's residents feel the pain more than Alaskans do. Our high oil prices along with extreme weather, isolated and remote communities, and a lack of infrastructure present a tough challenge.
COMPASS
Slams to Obama's faith recall racial slurs
I must have missed the memo appointing conservative columnist Cal Thomas as God's Hall Monitor for Heaven, so imagine my surprise when he declared in his June 12 effort that Sen. Barack Obama doesn't qualify as a Christian.
COMPASS
Legislature produced an open, responsible state budget
As the co-chairmen of the House Finance Committee, we are proud of the investments the Legislature has made for the 2009 fiscal year. Operating and capital budgets are more than just numbers; they are expressions of policy and priorities. The Legislature's final budgets show our commitment to saving the surplus, minimizing growth to the operating budget, supporting our communities and investing in infrastructure.
COMPASS
Medred favors the wrong side of halibut fishing dispute
Craig Medred's column "Allocation of halibut calls for revolution" (June 7) contained misleading information.
Stream runs through municipality's development ethics
We have lived in Eagle River since 1973 and have watched the building of each new home in our neighborhood. One particular project built last summer leaves us saddened and concerned. Because this development was allowed contrary to municipal regulations, our faith in the local government has been shaken. We hope that relating our experience will encourage the municipality to correct its practices.
GOV. SARAH PALIN
Gas pipeline deal is worth $500 million state investment
Since the Legislature approved the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act last year, some people have questioned whether the state's potential $500 million capital match is necessary. Even some of those who voted for it have asked, "is AGIA worth $500 million?"
OPINION: VIDEO
Joe Contraire, frustrated by the greenie stranglehold on Alaska, proposes we take matters into our own hands.
OPINION: READER-SUBMITTED
Send photos of what's appealing - and not so appealing - in your neighborhood and in the city.
OPINION
If the Daily News wasn't able to run your Letter to the Editor in print, feel free to post it online.
PARTICIPATE
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OPINION: ANIMATION
Watch in horror as we bring you video of the Exxon wrist-slapping, carried out by Chief Justice Roberts.
OPINION: SLIDE SHOW
A Ruby Investments representative and a project manager describe the vision for the new Midtown tower.
OPINION: VIDEO
Where did the millions of dollars spent on the Knik Arm crossing thus far go? Head to the depths of the Cook Inlet to find out.
Limiting access to natural resources is hurting consumers
Longtime stewards of the Izembek Refuge deserve a road
Business owner finds that saving energy makes money
Permanent Fund's first guide kept future Alaskans in mind
Palin is right to demand that DOT plan highway in open
Doctor's confidence disappears when wife is the patient
Better education has to start long before kindergarten
Don't be a party to teenage drinking at graduation time
Union is to blame for prison dispute
Polar bear wasn't only strange beast seen in Fort Yukon
Regardless of income, doors to health care should be open
Hoist a glass to Prohibition's end 75 years ago in Alaska
Juneau's plight sounds familiar to Bush
Denali KidCare bill deserves passage in special session
Media image of injured skier is wrong
Cartoonist makes art of the First Amendment
Board is aligning utility with the future
The stakes are high for ailing co-op
Court must hold Exxon liable for corporate recklessness
Income taxes demonstrate what's wrong with America
Evidence preservation should be priority