Alaska News Nightly: December 6, 2007

The state is suing the consulting firm it says is responsible for the multi-billion dollar retirement system shortfall. Plus, the University of Alaska is offering its first Bachelors Degree in the Yupik language. Those stories and more on tonight's Alaska News Nightly, broadcast statewide on APRN stations.Individual news stories are posted in the Alaska News category and you can subscribe to APRN's news feeds via e-mail, podcast and RSS.State files lawsuit against Mercer for shortfallDave Donaldson, APRN - JuneauThe state today filed suit against the consulting firm that was monitoring and advising the state employees’ and teachers’ retirement systems when the current $8.4 billion funding shortfall developed.Decision could drop pollock catch limitCharles Homans, KIAL - UnalaskaFederal regulators are poised to approve a large drop in the catch limit for Bering Sea pollock, Alaska’s largest fishery.Kenai plant closure leaves 150 joblessDavid Shurtleff, APRN - AnchorageOne of the largest employers on the Kenai Peninsula closed its doors for good today. The Agrium fertilizer plant in Nikiski is laying off its 150 workers.Conoco chief visiting DC for pipeline planDave Donaldson, APRN - JuneauThe President of ConocoPhillips Alaska, Jim Bowles, is in the nation's capitol today rounding up support for the gas pipeline proposal that was given to the Palin administration last week. Alaska seabird moves closer to endangered listingJoel Southern, APRN - Washington, DCKittlitz’s murrelets have been waiting a long time to be considered for an Endangered Species Act listing. Today, the U-S Fish and Wildlife Service formally moved them up a few notches on the candidate list. Majoring in Yupik; UA offering degreeKenny Steele, KYUK - BethelThe University of Alaska Board of Regents agreed today to offer a new bachelors degree in the Yupik language.Senator working to change tax structureRosemarie Alexander, KTOO - JuneauAlaska employers will pay lower unemployment insurance taxes next year, but that doesn't mean people who lose their jobs will see a change in benefits. Fairbanks draws up energy planBen Markus, KUAC - FairbanksThe Fairbanks Borough released its blueprint to deal with skyrocketing energy costs. Group hopes to use snow gunDan Bross, KUAC - FairbanksAn evolving plan is aimed at improving snow conditions for cross country skiers in Fairbanks.