Alaska News Nightly: July 10, 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 Seniors Division Suspends Applications Dave Donaldson, APRN - JuneauThe state's division of Senior Disabilities and Services has suspended taking applications under its Medicaid waiver and Personal Care programs.  The moratorium came after a federal audit found the state programs out-of-compliance with federal requirements.State Attorneys Release Opinion about Succession Matt Miller, KTOO - JuneauState attorneys on Friday released an opinion outlining a possible resolution to an impending "succession gap."Lt. Gov. Parnell Wants Options to $28 Million Federal Money Dave Donaldson, APRN - JuneauWhile legislators discuss their option of calling a special session to try to override a veto of federal stimulus money for energy,  Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell says he prefers lawmakers consider options to the federal offer of $28 million.Murkowski Wants Amendments to Education Law Libby Casey, APRN - Washington DCSenator Lisa Murkowski (R) has again introduced legislation to soften the Bush-era No Child Left Behind education law.Officials Raise Fire Level to Extreme on the Kenai Casey Kelly, KBBI - HomerTwo weeks with virtually no rain has caused the Alaska Division of Forestry to raise the fire danger rating to "extreme" for the east-central Kenai Peninsula.Shanta Fire is Now Second Most Important in Nation Casey Kelly, KBBI - Homer The Shanta Creek Fire in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is now the second most important fire priority in the nation.State's Biggest Wildfire To Grow Dan Bross, KUAC - FairbanksThe state's biggest wildfire, the Minto Flats South blaze, west of Nenana, is expected to grow this weekend.Swine Flu Reaches Soutwest Alaska Angela Denning-Barnes, KYUK - BethelSwine flu has reached Southwest Alaska, the last region in the state to be affected.Kotzebue Students Heading to Villages Annie Feidt, APRN - AnchorageA small group of high school students from Kotzebue are heading to villages in Chukotka next month.Dip Net Fishing Opens on Kenai River Marcia Lynn, KBBI - HomerThe Kenai River opened Friday  to dip net fishing for sockeye salmon and the Kasilof River has been open since June 25th.Obama Asks Alaska's US Attorney to Stay The Associated PressPresident Barack Obama has named acting Alaska U.S. attorney Karen Loeffler to serve in the job for a full term.