Alaska News Nightly: January 28, 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.

Download Audio

 

Bipartisan Group Working On Immigration Overhaul

Peter Granitz, APRN – Washington DC

A bipartisan group of senators is laying out the framework for an overhaul of the nation’s immigration status. Alaska’s senators are welcoming the movement.

Missile-Defense System Contractor Boeing Hails Successful Test Of New ‘Kill Vehicle’

Tim Ellis, KUAC – Fairbanks

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency successfully tested an anti-missile warhead over the weekend. The test marked the first time in over two years that missiles like the ones at Fort Greely have been launched. It sets the stage for missile-defense contractor Boeing to conduct a full-scale test later this year.

In New Campaign, McDonald’s Plugs Alaskan Pollock

Lauren Rosenthal, KUCB – Unalaska

McDonald’s has built its brand around serving lots of cheap food, fast. But now, the company is trying to change its image, so customers will associate the massive franchise with sustainability. McDonald’s is using Alaskan pollock to make its case.

Alaska Plant Tapped As Health Supplement

Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks

A plant tapped as a health supplement offers an economic opportunity in Alaska.  Rhodiola prospers in high latitudes and has long been recognized by Alaska Natives for its medicinal qualities. Some Alaska farmers are positioning to sell into a lucrative world market.

New Reality Show To Feature Russian Old Believers

Aaron Selbig, KBBI – Homer

The latest installment of Alaska reality TV will feature the small, isolated communities of Russian Old Believers that call the Kenai Peninsula home. National Geographic Channel is interested in profiling families who live in the Old Believer villages and are specifically looking for “big personalities.”

A Final Check-Up

Emily Schwing, KUAC – Fairbanks

More than 300 sled dogs have been cleared to run in this year’s Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race.  KUAC’s Emily Schwing stopped by the vet check in Fairbanks on Saturday to find out what it takes to become a race-worthy sled dog.

‘Team Beringia’ Competing In K-300 Race

Sophie Evan, KYUK – Bethel

The K-300 Sled Dog Race brought new international teams to Bethel this year. Team Beringia is made up of two teams—one from Russia and one from Norway. They are part of an educational program that is linking students in classrooms across the Bering Sea.

Before they left Bethel last week, they stopped into the elementary Immersion School and talked about their dogs, their countries and answered questions from the students. The Russian translator was Elizabeth Shea.

Cold Halts Minn. Man’s Denali Solo Climb

The Associated Press

Extreme cold has thwarted Minnesota climber Lonnie Dupre’s third attempt to become the first person to summit Denali solo December or January.

The 51-year-old told his support crew early Sunday that it was 35 below zero in a snow cave he had built at the 17,000 foot level of the mountain.

His crew says Dupre is making his way down the mountain and will proceed as the weather permits.

Previous articlePetersburg Officials Review Tsunami Evacuation
Next articleCold Halts Minn. Man’s Denali Solo Climb