Alaska News Nightly: June 9, 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)US Senate Committee Takes Up Energy Bill Libby Casey, APRN - Washington DCThe US Senate Energy Committee tackled the oil and gas part of its massive energy bill in Washington today.Murkowski and Begich Allied on Pipeline Libby Casey, APRN - Washington DCOutside the Energy Committee and across the aisle, US Senator Lisa Murkowski (R) has a supporter for her pipeline loan guarantee measures.  Alaska's junior senator, Mark Begich (D).Improved Health Care System Could Help Economy Dave Donaldson, APRN - JuneauA report released on Tuesday says that improvements in the nation's health care system will also translate into improvements in the economy.Telida Threatened by Wildfire Dan Bross, KUAC - FairbanksA wildfire in the western interior is encroaching on the upper Kuskokwim River village of Telida.Juneau School Board Considering Drug Tests Rebecca Sheir, KTOO - JuneauThe Juneau School Board is considering drug-testing high-school students in athletics and activities.Kodiak Telecom Company to Expand Jay Barrett, KMXT - KodiakThe company that brought high speed fiber optic telecommunications to Kodiak is planning an expansion.Obama Picks BLM, Fish and Wildlife Nominees Libby Casey, APRN - Washington DCPresident Barack Obama has announced his nominees to run the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Land Management.Opilio Crab Quota Could be Slashed Anne Hillman, KUCB - UnalaskaThe quota for Opilio crab could be slashed this year. The total allowable catch might be drastically lowered from 58.6 million pounds last season to as low as 16 million pounds.Kodiak's Commercial Salmon Season Begins Erik Wander, KMXT - KodiakThe Kodiak area commercial salmon season starts today.