The oil industry warns against tax increase; returning veterans struggle to find jobs. Plus, the Alaska Municipal League winds up its annual meeting in Fairbanks. Those stories and more on tonight’s Alaska News Nightly, broadcast statewide on APRN stations.
Individual news stories are posted in the Alaska News category and you can subscribe to APRN’s news feeds via e-mail, podcast and RSS.
Oil Industry warns against increasing oil taxes
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
The companies producing oil on Alaska’s North Slope today repeated warnings to the legislature that the new oil taxes proposed by the governor – and increased by legislative committees during the special session – put future investment in Alaska at risk.
Finding jobs for returning veterans
Joel Southern, APRN – Washington, DC
As National Guard and Reserve units return from Iraq and Afghanistan, some in Congress are worried veterans could face a hard time returning to their jobs or finding new ones. Lisa Murkowski and other members of the US Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee focused on that topic at a hearing today.
Congress overturns presidential veto on the Water Resources Development Act
Joel Southern, APRN – Washington, DC
Congress has passed a bill which lays the groundwork for funding some two dozen water resource projects across Alaska. The Water Resources Development Act passed after overriding a presidential veto in the Senate this morning. Projects authorized by the bill are spread across the state from Wrangell to Barrow.
Chemical study released
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
A national study released today measured the amount of three chemicals in average Americans. The chemicals are all commonly found in everyday products. The study is the first of its kind.
No Retrial for Pete Kott
David Shurtleff, APRN – Anchorage
A Federal Court judge has denied former legislator Pete Kott’s request for a retrial.
Security agencies struggle to find new hires
John Ryan, KTOO – Juneau
In Alaska and beyond, law-enforcement and military organizations are competing for a limited pool of potential officers.
Intelligence analyst speaks at UAA
Steve Heimel, APRN – Anchorage
The timely issue of Middle East strategy is the subject of a speech at the University of Alaska Anchorage this evening by retired intelligence analyst William Mills. Until recently, he was in charge of long-range analysis at the National Intelligence Council — which gives its reports directly to the White House.
Sealaska expands dividend program
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
About a thousand Alaska Natives with roots in Southeast will get their first Sealaska dividends soon. The Juneau-based regional Native corporation will make its next payout in early December. It’s the first dividend since shareholders voted to add descendants to the corporate rolls — and the largest paid out in years.
Alaska Municipal League meeting draws to a close
Ben Markus, KUAC – Fairbanks.
The Alaska Municipal League’s yearly gathering of local governments from all throughout the state was held in Fairbanks yesterday.
