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.
Native Groups Sue State Over Voting Practices
Peter Granitz, APRN – Washington DC
Native villages in Western Alaska are suing the state over voting practices. They contend the language interpreter services are inadequate and violate the Voting Rights Act. The case follows a similar suit from 2007 in Bethel.
Former Juneau Police Officer To Serve 9 Years In Prison
Matt Miller, KTOO – Juneau
No was hurt or killed when a former Juneau police officer and SWAT commander barricaded himself inside his house and shot as many as 75 rounds at other officers during Easter weekend last year. The attempted murder charges filed against Troy Wilson were eventually dropped as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors.
Sunken Fishing Tender Still Leaking Fuel
Mike Mason, KDLG – Dillingham
A 78-foot vessel used to move sockeye salmon from the fishing grounds to a processing facility is still leaking fuel into a pristine salmon producing river in Bristol Bay.
DNR Commissioner Sullivan Deployed To Afghanistan
Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage
Alaska Natural Resources commissioner Dan Sullivan is on his way to Afghanistan. Sullivan was recalled to active duty with the US military, according to DNR spokesperson Elizabeth Bluemink. His deployment began on Sunday.
Sullivan will be on leave from his state duties for six weeks. During that time, deputy DNR commissioner Joe Balash will act in Sullivan’s place.
Sullivan has served the state as DNR commissioner for the past three years.  According to his military bio, he currently serves as the executive officer of the 4th Marine Division’s Anti-Terrorism Battalion, described as the largest battalion in the Marine Corps Reserve.
He has previously been recalled to duty, including from December 2004 to April 2006, and in early 2009.
Governor Emphasizes Work On LNG Trucking Plan
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
Governor Sean Parnell is reassuring Fairbanks area residents that the state is working toward trucking North Slope gas to the interior, where residents are currently limited to oil and wood for heat. The legislature approved an over $300 million financing package this spring, and a number of companies have expressed interest in participating.
Bethel Farm Now Accepting Food Stamps
Kyle Clayton, KYUK – Bethel
The Bethel Farmer’s Market is accepting food stamps and offering a program that allows customers to double down their purchases.
Southeast Redistricting Presents Challenges
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
Southeast Alaska’s new redistricting boundaries eliminate the possibility of at least one House election rematch. But they could lead to some other challenges.
Environmental Friendly Long Liner Heading To Bering Sea
Ben Matheson, KDLG – Dillingham
One of the world’s biggest and most environmentally friendly cod long liners has begun its journey to Alaska. The 184-foot Northern Leader has left the shipyard, and after two weeks of work in Seattle, it should be fishing for cod in the Bering Sea in about a month.
Big Wild Ride Coming To Talkeetna Tuesday
Phillip Manning, KTNA – Talkeetna
Endurance road bikers will be riding through a huge chunk of Southcentral and Interior Alaska as part of the 90-hour, 1200 kilometer Big Wild Ride. The race began at 11:59 last night.
