Alaska News Nightly: April 27, 2010

Individual news stories are posted in the Alaska News category and you can subscribe to APRN’s news feeds via email, podcast and RSS.Download Audio (MP3) Senate Votes to Block Financial Regulations BillLibby Casey, APRN – WashingtonFor the second day in a row, the U.S. Senate voted not to take up a financial regulations bill, and Alaska’s Senators have very different reactions.Point Hope Says Gulf Spill Should Halt Shell’s Arctic PlansAnnie Feidt, APRN – AnchorageThe Gulf of Mexico oil spill is highlighting the dangers of offshore oil and gas exploration. The Coast Guard estimates 42,000 gallons of oil are escaping from the sea floor each day and says it has the potential to become one of the worst spills in U.S. history. The Native village of Point Hope says the disaster should put a halt to Shell's exploration plans in the Arctic Ocean this summer.Anchorage Detectives Investigating Possible Murder-Suicide AttemptLori Townsend, APRN – AnchorageAnchorage detectives investigating yesterday's discovery of a woman and baby who were found dead in a south Anchorage apartment along with a severely injured man, have released information stating they believe it was a murder-suicide attempt.Current Capital Plan Includes Millions for Kenai Wind TurbinesBen Stanton, KDLL – KenaiThe capital projects budget that Governor Sean Parnell is reviewing, includes $7 million to construct wind turbines on the Kenai Peninsula. While it remains to be seen whether Parnell will keep those funds in the final budget.Alaskans Seek Answers on Tulsequah Rosemarie Alexander, KTOO – JuneauA Canadian mining company should pledge to clean up the Tulsequah Chief Mine, provide a transportation plan, and prove it’s financially sound before getting mineral rights to the defunct mine at the headwaters of the Taku River. Those are the requirements the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, commercial fishing groups and the Douglas Indian Association would like putting on Chieftain Metals. But the British Columbia government makes the decision.New Sea Ice Report to Chronicle Arctic ConditionsLori Townsend, APRN – AnchorageA new weekly sea ice report is aimed at forecasting changing spring ice conditions for walrus and seal hunters in communities along the northern Bering and southern Chukchi sea.Denali Climbing Season StartsSue Devoe, KTNA – TalkeetnaClimbing season on Denali has begun. Parts and pieces of base camp were flown up to the Kahiltna Glacier on Saturday. The tents and other pieces get assembled this week.