Alaska News Nightly: June 17, 2013

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

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Reid Promises Senate Will Pass Background Check Bill

Peter Granitz, APRN – Washington DC

It’s been more than six months since the mass shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut reignited the national debate on gun ownership.

And with the anniversary came word that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will again try and pass a bill requiring universal background checks for gun sales.

The vote will be laced with politics, and Reid will not be able to bank on the support of Senator Mark Begich.

Historic Cutter Storis On The Auction Block

Jay Barrett, KMXT – Kodiak

The historic Coast Guard Cutter Storis, which spent most of its post-World War II career sailing Alaska waters, is on the auction block.

State Emergency Management Team To Leave Galena This Week

Jeremy Scott, KIYU – Galena

Governor Sean Parnell has requested a federal disaster declaration for Galena and other communities damaged by spring flooding. And most of the State of Alaska Emergency Management Team that’s been in Galena to assist with flood relief is scheduled to leave this week. The team has been in the city since shortly after the May 27 incident to assist in coordinating rebuilding efforts.

Heat Wave Sets Records Across State

Josh Edge, APRN – Anchorage

New record-high temperatures are being recorded in many places around the state Monday, with Talkeetna topping the charts at 94 degrees. It’s their second-straight day of record-high heat.

Hot, Dry Weather Amping Up Wildfire Conditions

Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks

Quick action by fire fighters is credited with keeping a wildfire away from homes and cabins near Harding Lake south of Fairbanks. The fire is one of few getting attention as hot dry weather amps up wildfire season in the Interior.

Adak Fish Processing Equipment Up For Auction

Stephanie Joyce, KUCB – Unalaska

It’s been a rocky 12 years since Adak was incorporated as a city. The community has survived power crises, crushing debt, and twice, the closure of its biggest business – the fish processing plant. But now, Adak is facing a new, larger setback. Tuesday, the processing plant’s equipment is being auctioned off, and if it leaves the island, Adak will be left without its economic engine.

Arctic Officials Receive Comments On Policy From Alaskans

Steve Heimel, APRN – Anchorage

The Obama administration’s top officials dealing with Arctic issues were in Anchorage Friday looking for comments from Alaskans about their new Arctic Policy. They got plenty of them, from a standing room-only crowd.

State, Federal Governments Investigate Deepwater Port Possibilities

Deanna Haecker, KNOM – Nome & Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage

The state and U.S. government are partnering together to investigate building a deep port at Nome or Port Clarence. They’re in the early stages of the study. Officials from the Alaska Department of Transportation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineer visited Nome, Brevig Mission and Teller last week to collect public input about marine infrastructure and to hear about local concerns over natural resource impacts.

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