Patrick Dougherty

If Sen. Lisa Murkowski had abstained from the vote on witnesses or just called in sick, it would have shown slightly more courage.

Alaskans understand that salmon, perhaps more than any other thing, defines our unique way of life. Salmon shape our culture.

Our website, adn.com, gets a makeover this week -- one we believe readers will find visually pleasing and easier to use. The changes, though, are more than cosmetic. In addition to a cleaner look, pages will load faster and it will be easier for readers to find what they're looking for.

The first anniversary of the current recession is this month. That's according to recent pronouncements by economists, who always seem to be at their best when predicting the past.