Alaska News Nightly: October 7, 2008

The jury in Ted Stevens trial hears more taped phone calls. Also, Exxon Valdez Oil Spill plaintiffs finally receive federal tax relief.   And Alaska seems to be weathering the nationwide financial crisis - so far.   Those stories and more tonight on 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.Download audio (MP3, 30 min)Jurors hear tapes of Ted Stevens' scheming friendsLibby Casey, APRN - Washington, DCFriends of Senator Ted Stevens schemed to manipulate a home repair bill so Stevens wouldn’t have to pay for it.  That’s what jurors heard in a recording played in court today during Senator Stevens’ trial.Congressional debates kick off at UAADave Donaldson, APRN - AnchorageThe four major candidates for Congressional seats discussed a wide range of issues last night at the University of Alaska Anchorage.EVOS plaintiffs finally receive tax reliefCasey Kelly, KMXT - KodiakIt took a near-complete meltdown of the nation’s financial system, but Congress has finally passed tax relief legislation for plaintiffs in the Exxon Valdez oil spill case.Alaska weathering US financial crisis - so farLen Anderson, KSKA - AnchorageAccording to experts at three local financial institutions, the national economic storm is not wreaking the same havoc in Alaska. At the same time, they warned the Chamber of Commerce audience against complacency.Gasline rupture at Prudhoe BayDan Bross, KUAC - FairbanksA natural gas line rupture at Prudhoe Bay has knocked 2 production pads off line.  BP Alaska spokesman Steve Rinehart says the 7" diameter gas line that provides oil production lift failed violently last week.Kensington mine and environmentalist engage in finger pointingJohn Ryan, KTOO - JuneauAfter the Kensington Mine laid off half of its 82-person workforce last week, there’s been plenty of finger-pointing. Mine owner Coeur-Alaska and its supporters blame federal regulators. Environmental critics say the company has only itself to blame.Grand Camp Convention underway in KetchikanEd Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska - JuneauThe Alaska Native Brotherhood and Sisterhood began their Grand Camp  Convention today in Ketchikan. They're honoring one of their longtime activists, Walter Soboleff.