Alaska News Nightly: March 11, 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)Former Willow Lawmaker Admits Guilt in Bribery ChargeLori Townsend, APRN - AnchorageFormer Alaska Republican representative Beverly Masek of Willow has agreed to plead guilty to one count of bribery conspiracy regarding a program that received federal funds.Congressional Delegation Votes Yes on OmnibusLibby Casey, APRN - Washington D.C.All three members of Alaska's Congressional delegation voted for the omnibus appropriations bill President Obama signed into law today (Wednedays). The Senate cast its vote on the 410 billion dollar spending bill yesterday. It was carried over from the last Congress because it failed to pass last year, and will fund the federal government until the end of September.Martin Buser Grabs The Lead out of Takotna Annie Feidt and David Shurtleff, APRN - AnchorageThe lead mushers on the Iditarod sled dog race are taking their mandatory 24 hour layovers in Takotna. Nenana musher Aaron Burmeister was the first to arrive at the checkpoint at 2:44 this morning. Hugh Neff followed about 20 minutes later with Yukon Quest winner Sebastian Schnuelle close behind.Rookies Race for Fun and Love of Their DogsAnnie Feidt, APRN - AnchorageA group of mostly rookies are bringing up the rear in the Iditarod this year. Most have day jobs and are making their way to Nome purely for the great adventure and for the love of their dogs.Interior Departments Shifts Focus to Renewable EnergyLibby Casey, APRN - Washington D.C.The Interior Department has a new focus and commitment to renewable energy projects. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar signed today (Wednesday) his first Secretarial Order establishing the production, development, and delivery of renewable energy as a top priority.Canadians Hope For Resolution of Arctic Border DisputesPatricia Bell, CBC - WhitehorseLegal experts are urging Canada to work with the new U.S. administration to resolve long-standing arctic issues between the two countries. The U.S. and Canada dispute the boundary in an area between the Yukon and Alaska...and they disagree over the status of an ice-free Northwest Passage.Documentary Focuses On 140 Year Old ShipwreckCasey Kelly, KBBI - HomerA documentary about a 140-year-old Cook Inlet shipwreck, played to a packed house at the Homer Theater last weekend.Stimulus Money Funds Forestry Projects Libby Casey, APRN - Washington D.C.Joe Viechnicki, KFSK - Petersburg|Alaska's national forests are getting two-point-four million dollars from the Economic Stimulus package signed into law last month. It will go toward projects in the Tongass and Chugach National Forests ranging from building repairs to trail maintenance.Ketchikan Survey Seeks to Boast TourismEd Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska - JuneauA survey of Ketchikan visitors suggests some new directions that could help boost the city's tourism industry. The research also points to potential for other towns that attract out-of-state anglers.Researchers Look For Links Between Fisheries and Fish SizeAdam Kane, KDLG - DillinghamScientists are currently exploring a possible link between commercial fishing practices and smaller fish size.