Alaska News Nightly: January 17, 2013

Individual news stories are posted on the APRN news page. You can subscribe to APRN’s newsfeeds via emailpodcast and RSS. Follow us on Facebook at alaskapublic.org and on Twitter @aprn.

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Alaska Delegation Responds To President’s Gun Law Directives

Peter Granitz, APRN – Washington DC

President Barack Obama laid out clear directives to Congress yesterday. He wants the legislative branch to ban the sale of high capacity magazines and armor piercing bullets, require background checks for all gun sales, and crack down on straw purchases of guns – sales when a legally cleared person buys a gun for someone who is legally barred from purchasing one.

Joining us to talk about how the Alaska Congressional delegation feels about this is APRN’s Peter Granitz. He joins us from the Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Gov. Parnell Outlines Priorities In State Of The State Address

Alexandra Gutierrez, APRN – Juneau

Governor Sean Parnell hit many familiar themes during last night’s State of the State address in Juneau. He advocated for a comprehensive crime bill that would levy harsher penalties on sexual predators, and he set a goal of improving Alaska’s high school graduation rate from 70 percent to 90 percent. But the bulk of his speech focused on increasing energy production.

In-State Gas Line Plan Tweaked

Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks

The state run company pursuing a smaller volume in-state bullet line to bring North Slope gas to Fairbanks, Anchorage and other communities, has overhauled the project. The new plan puts the gas line on a diet.

Agreement Could Mean Reintroduction Of Wood Bison To Alaska

Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage

Thursday, Federal wildlife officials announced an agreement that could lead to the re-introduction of Wood Bison into Alaska. Larry Bell,

a Fish and Wildlife Service assistant regional director for external affairs, says  a special rule has been drafted  that would designate re-introduced Wood Bison as a “non-essential, experimental population”,  which means land the animals occupy would not be designated as critical habitat.

Investigators Struggle To Connect The Dots In Keyes Killing Spree

Jessica Robinson, Northwest News Network

Last month, a suspected serial killer from Washington state killed himself in a jail cell in Anchorage. Israel Keyes’ suicide abruptly halted progress into uncovering one of the widest-ranging serial killing sprees in the U.S. Now, the FBI is trying to piece together exactly what he did. As Jessica Robinson of the Northwest News Network reports, investigators are struggling to connect seemingly random dots that they hope will lead them to other victims.

Fast-Ferry Case Headed To Trial In April

Matt Miller, KTOO – Juneau

The State’s fast-ferry lawsuit is underway again. There have been delays and bumps along the way in the complicated two-year old case, including the principal builder of the vessels being dropped from the lawsuit. But, now, the case now appears headed for trial in April.

Alaska Brewing Company Recycles Grain To Make ‘Green’ Beer

Casey Kelly, KTOO – Juneau

Most people only drink green beer on St. Patrick’s Day. But next time you tip a bottle of Amber, Pale or IPA from Juneau’s Alaskan Brewing Company that’s exactly what you’ll be drinking: Green beer, as in good for the environment.

Alaskan has cut its oil consumption by nearly 70 percent after installing a new grain-fired steam boiler, which burns spent barley used in the brewing process.

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