Alaska News Nightly: June 5, 2009

Individual news stories are posted in the Alaska News category and you can subscribe to APRN’s news feeds via email, podcast and RSS.Download Audio (MP3)State Launches Next Steps for Gas Pipeline Dave Donaldson, APRN - JuneauThe state is opening a one-year project to do the basic engineering studies that will set up the design leading to the eventual construction of an in-state gas pipeline from the North Slope.Unclear What Happens Next for Freed Lawmakers Steve Heimel, APRN - AnchorageObservers say its not yet clear what the next step will be in responding to yesterday's bombshell announcement that the U-S Justice Department wants convicted former state legislators Pete Kott and Vic Kohring released from prison.New Alaska Supreme Court Justice ElectedThe Associated PressWalter Carpeneti has been elected as the new chief justice of the Alaska Supreme Court.FAA Closing Weather Stations Ellen Lockyer, APRN - AnchorageFederal Aviation Administration officials are planning to close twenty on-site weather stations in air route traffic control centers across the nation.Good Progress Made on North Pole Wildfire Dan Bross, KUAC - FairbanksThe State Division of forestry reports good progress on a wildfire in a North Pole neighborhood.Humane Society Providing Help for Dogs in Yukon River Villages Dan Bross, KUAC - FairbanksThe Humane Society and a major dog food maker are getting involved in the effort to feed sled dogs in flood damaged Yukon River villages.Alaska's Chief Medical Officer Leaving Lori Townsend, APRN - AnchorageAlaska's chief medical officer Dr. Jay Butler is leaving the department of Health and Social Services to take a new position with the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta.Cavers and Scientists Exploring New Areas Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska - JuneauCavers and scientists are exploring new underground areas of Alaska. They're discovering new caverns and the mineral formations hidden inside.A Beautiful Journey Profiles Daisy DeminteiffLen Anderson, KSKA - AnchorageMost of us appreciate the skill of Alaska Native basket makers, but far fewer are aware of the knowledge needed to collect and prepare the materials.