This is the complete story list and audio recording from today’s Alaska News Nightly, as broadcast on APRN stations statewide.
Palin publishes natural gas pipeline project invitation
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
The state has invited anyone interested in developing a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope to Canadian and Lower 48 markets to send in their plans. The Palin Administration last night put its Request for Applications online — outlining the gasline project and requirements and opening the door for leaseholders and pipeline construction companies to get to work.
Bobrick takes the stand, describes web site front for Anderson payments
Lisa Demer, Anchorage Daily News and Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
The Tom Anderson legislative corruption trial kept moving today as former lobbyist Bill Bobrick took the stand and answered questions about alleged payments to Tom Anderson that were passed through a web site / electronic newsletter front.
Canadian arctic ponds disappearing
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
A new study shows arctic ponds that have existed for thousands of years in Northern Canada are drying up. Biologist John Smol, from Queens University in Ontario, has been sampling water in the Canadian high arctic for nearly 25 years. You can see the abstract for Smol’s latest article here.
Offshore oil and gas lease plans and operators attract environmental lawsuits
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
A lawsuit filed in the Washington D.C. Court of Appeals yesterday seeks to stop the Minerals Management Service from moving forward with the next national five year offshore oil and gas lease plan. The plan went into effect on Sunday.
Sheldon Jackson College closure draws reactions from more than 200 affected
Melissa Marconi-Wentzel, KCAW – Sitka
Late last week, faculty and staff at Sitka’s Sheldon Jackson College were informed they had lost their jobs because the school was shutting down its academic program for one year. College President David Dobler laid off 100 people that day during a mandatory meeting that was closed to the public. One hundred students enrolled for next fall are also facing an uncertain future.
Eklutna tribe seeks gaming rights
Dixie Hutchinson, KNBA – Anchorage
Tribal leaders near Anchorage are seeking a federal gaming permit to enhance economic opportunities. Eklutna officials want to operate bingo and pull tabs on an individual native allotment. If approved, it would be the first instance of land held by the federal government for an individual rather than a tribe under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
