Alaska News Nightly: March 4, 2009

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.Download Audio (MP3, 30 min)Rural Alaska seeks long term solutions to economic challengesAnnie Feidt, APRN - AnchorageGroceries and fuel dollars are pouring into rural Alaska from as far away as New York and New Zealand.  Village residents say the aid will make a big difference this winter. And they want the new awareness of the crisis to spur a state- and even worldwide discussion on long term economic solutions for the region. Alaskans weigh in on state operating budgetRosemarie Alexander, KTOO - JuneauAlaskans asked lawmakers to remember children in the state as they debate a nearly $10 billion spending bill for next year. The House Finance Committee just wrapped up two days of public testimony on the operating budget. President Obama halts Bush changes to the Endangered Species ActLibby Casey, APRN - Washington, DCPresident Obama has temporarily halted a Bush Administration change to the Endangered Species Act.  The president issued a memo yesterday saying federal agencies working on projects that may affect an endangered species will again have to consult with federal scientists before moving forward. Alaska Natives weigh in on offshore drilling with the Obama AdministrationLibby Casey, APRN - Washington, DCA group of Alaskans carried a message of “no offshore drilling” to Washington, DC this week.  About 20 Inupiat, Yupik, and Gwich’in people traveled from Alaska and Canada’s northwest to tell Congress and the Obama administration they don’t want drilling in their back yards.  The group found more doorsopen to them this week than they have in recent years.Board of Game discusses predator controlLori Townsend, APRN - AnchorageThe Alaska Board of Game meetings continued today in Anchorage. The morning session dealt with proposals for Southcentral Alaska. Board members grappled with how to control what appears to be a growing brown and black bear population in the Anchorage/Eagle River area.Sexual abuse claims against Jesuits have broad repercussionsDoug Nadvornik, Northwest News Network - SpokaneAbuse claims from Alaskans who say they were victimized by Jesuit priests might affect the future of colleges in Washington State. Attorneys have begun the long process of adding up the assets and debts of the Oregon Province of the Society of Jesus. The Portland-based Jesuit order declared bankruptcy last month in the face of hundreds of suits stemming from the abuse claims, including many from Alaska.Environmental groups sue to block logging near KetchikanEd Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska - JuneauSix environmental organizations are suing to block logging in an area east of Ketchikan. They say it would waste money and damage wildlife habitat.  The timber industry says the Orion North timber sale would help keep struggling Southeast mills in business.