Alaska News Nightly: July 16, 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)Alaska Native Contracts Scrutinized at Senate HearingLibby Casey, APRN - Washington D.C.Alaska Native Corporations' special right to get no-bid federal contracts came under scrutiny today on Capitol Hill. A Subcommittee on Contracting Oversight examined the Small Business Administration's 8-A Program, which gives socially and economically disadvantaged businesses a leg-up in securing contracts. Tribal, Alaska Native, and Hawaiian Organizations get special opportunities.Lieutenant Governor Calls for Expanding Special SessionDave Donaldson, APRN - JuneauLieutenant Governor Sean Parnell has asked State House and Senate leaders to extend the planned one-day special session on August tenth in Anchorage.Experts Weigh in on Particulate Problem in FairbanksDan Bross, KUAC - FairbanksAir pollution experts from around the country are assembled in Fairbanks this week for a symposium aimed at unraveling the community's fine particulate problem. Wild fire smoke has elevated local particulate levels this week, but as KUAC's Dan Bross reports the symposium is focused on human generated emissions from heating, power production and vehicles.Juneau Mall Struggles to Fill SpaceRebecca Sheir, KTOO - JuneauA month-and-a-half after Gottschalks closed its doors, Juneau shoppers are still wondering about what will fill its 32-thousand-square-foot shoes in the Mendenhall Mall.New Ferries Will Include "Quiet Rooms"Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska - JuneauAlaskans' opinions remain mixed about plans for new ferries without staterooms. But officials say more comfortable seats and quiet rooms will answer many of the concerns.Good Weather Marks Denali Climbing SeasonSue Deyoe, KTNA - TalkeetnaThe Denali climbing season has ended and all climbers are off the mountain. The season wasn't without incidents, but there were fewer major issues compared to last year.