Alaska News Nightly: December 21, 2007

The state has released the first phase of a study that looks at election security across Alaska. Plus, it may be the darkest day of the year, but that isn't stopping a Fairbanks organization from debuting its new solar energy system. 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.Alaska elections security study releasedDavid Shurtleff, APRN - AnchorageThe findings come just one day after a Superior Court Judge ruled that the state may have incorrectly counted votes in the 2004 general election.Court strikes down trawling restrictionsCharles Homans, KIAL - UnalaskaA Seattle-based fishing company involved in a battle with the federal government over restrictions on bottom trawling won a small victory in federal court earlier this week.Sealaska to build casino in CaliforniaJohn Ryan, KTOO - JuneauThe regional native corporation for Southeast Alaska plans to build a casino in partnership with the Cloverdale Rancheria tribe of Pomo Indians.Fairbanks researcher looks to solar energyDan Bross, KUAC - FairbanksThere isn’t much sun in Fairbanks this time of year, but researchers say solar panels are still a viable energy source for Alaska.Plan will reduce ferry runs to Lower 48Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska - JuneauA new Alaska Marine Highway operating plan will change Lynn Canal and Gulf ferry service next summer. Petersburg coach makes Alaska Hall of FameMatt Lichtenstein, KFSK - PetersburgPetersburg's long-time wrestling coach was inducted into the Alaska Wrestling Hall of Fame this month. Heavy snowfall hits Southeast AlaskaMelissa Marconi-Wentzel, KCAW - SitkaHeavy snows hit northern Southeast Alaska, fulfilling a weather forecast that earlier this month prompted the Department of Fish and Game to close down the winter doe hunt. Commentary: A poem for Winter SolsticeArthur Mannix, KTNA - TalkeetnaWinter officially gets its start tonight at 9:08 p.m. That's when the north pole points farthest away from the sun, giving most of the northern hemisphere the longest night of the year.