Alaska News Nightly: October 14, 2008

The defense in Ted Stevens trial enters the final phase of it case. Plus, A new study confirms the effect of global warming on Alaska's retreating glaciers. And FEMA documents damage from Alaska flooding this summer in the interior and in the northern parts of the state. 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)The defense in Ted Stevens trial enters final phase of it caseLibby Casey, APRN - Washington, DCLawyers for Alaska Senator Ted Stevens are entering the final phase of their case.  They're trying to shoot down the government's claimthat Stevens lied on his senate forms about gifts worth more than $250,000, mostly from oilfield services company Veco. The jury could begin deliberating on Monday.Not all shipwrecks hold hidden treasureLori Townsend, APRN - AnchorageHidden beneath Alaska's coastal waters lie the stuff of legends and folklore. Shipwrecks. But instead of gold and jewels, much of the cargo still onboard is hazardous.New study confirms effect of global warming on retreating glaciersLori Townsend, APRN - AnchorageA new study of Alaska's two thousand largest glaciers shows 99% of them are shrinking. The US Geological Survey paper traces the evolution of the state's glaciers as far back as 10,000 years. The findings confirm global warming has greatly accelerated the rate of retreat.State energy rebate program undergoes changeDave Donaldson, APRN - JuneauAfter some initial problems, the state’s energy rebate program has gone through some changes to help people who want to weatherize their homes.  The program reimburses homeowners up to ten thousand dollars for weatherization expenses that decrease their energy consumption.FEMA documents damage from Alaska floodingDan Bross, KUAC - FairbanksFederal Emergency Management Administration officials are documenting damage from the summer rain and wind storm that caused flooding and other damage in interior and northern Alaska.MMS plans study of subsistence activity in the North Aleutian BasinAdam Kane, KDLG - DillinghamThe Minerals Management Service is planning to study subsistence activity along the North Aleutian Basin to prepare for opening up the area for an oil and gas lease sale, proposed for 2011.Dead bear appears to have been killed by another bearRobert Woolsey, KCAW - SitkaA bear cub found dead in Sitka’s Starrigavan Valley last week appears to have been killed by another bear. The cub is believed to have been one of a pair of twins who spent the summer feeding with a sow.