Alaska News Nightly: December 7, 2007

Former lawmaker Pete Kott was sentenced today to six years in federal prison for bribery, conspiracy and extortion.  Plus,  Yukon River fishermen in Alaska and Canada are pleading with the pollock fleet to stop catching so much salmon.  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.Ex-lawmaker Kott gets six years for corruptionDavid Shurtleff, APRN - AnchorageFormer lawmaker Pete Kott was sentenced this morning to 6 years in federal prison for his role in Alaska's ongoing corruption scandal.Palin wants huge boost in school fundingDave Donaldson, APRN - JuneauGovernor Sarah Palin today presented a $3 billion budget to pay for the state’s education needs for the next three years.Salmon controversy goes internationalCharles Homans, KIAL - UnalaskaIn recent months, salmon fishermen in western Alaska have complained that levels of chinook salmon caught by Bering Sea pollock fishermen have hurt their ability to make a living and keep their freezers full of fish.Obama setting up shop in AnchorageAnnie Feidt, APRN - AnchoragePresidential candidates typically ignore Alaska during primary season, but that could be changing.Federal cuts prompting change for TongassMatt Lichtenstein, KFSK - PetersburgForest Service managers and employee representatives are negotiating a reorganization plan for the Tongass National Forest in Southeast.Falconers may get limited accessDan Bross, KUAC - FairbanksThe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering allowing the capture of more Northern Peregrines.Vandalism spree closes school in CraigDeanna Garrison, KRBD - KetchikanThe Craig Middle School was closed today after 2 men vandalized the school and set at least two separate fires overnight. Students start own relocation effortLori Townsend, APRN - AnchorageStudents in the erosion-threatened community of Shishmaref say they won't wait for the federal government to help relocate their community.The Nutcracker coming to KodiakCasey Kelly, KMXT - KodiakKodiak dancers are getting ready to perform Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker ballet. It's an event that happens just once every 3 years in the community.