Alaska News Nightly: July 17, 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)Bethel Judge is Suspended from the Bench Angela Denning-Barnes, KYUK - Bethel The Alaska Supreme Court has ordered a Bethel district judge to be suspended. It’s the first time that a judge has been suspended in Alaska’s history.Don Young Releases Latest Figures for Legal DefenseLibby Casey, APRN - Washington D.C.Alaska’s lone U.S. House member is continuing to rack up hefty legal bills. Congressman Don Young is also still paying them out of money donated to his campaign fund.Deadline is Looming for Disaster Unemployment FilingDan Bross, KUAC - FairbanksA deadline is approaching for some people seeking disaster unemployment assistance from this spring’s flooding.State Fire Managers Continue Statewide Suppression EffortsLightening - caused forest fire has added more work to the state's fire supression efforts. The Kotsina fire in the Copper Basin consumed only about a tenth of an acre when it was doused by water from water scooping planes. It is being staffed by three personnel and is considered fully contained.Scientists Work to Better Understand Ocean Currents and FisheriesSteve Heimel, APRN - AnchorageScientists are launching a barrage of measuring instruments into Prince William Sound over the next two weeks in hopes of improving their ability to predict weather, ocean currents and fishery prospects.UAA Hosts Western Alaska Students for Aviation CampLori Townsend, APRN - AnchorageA week long tour of aviation facilities in and around Anchorage wraps up today for 15 students from the Lower Kuskokwim school district.Students Inspired by Aviation ProgramSuzanna Caldwell, APRN - AnchorageAPRN's Suzanna Caldwell caught up with the student's yesterday (Thursday).Warm Weather Trend Likely to ContinueDan Bross, KUAC - FairbanksAn ocean temperature driven trend that affects the weather is showing signs of warming.Tax Relief Proponents Gather Petition SignaturesDan Bross, KUAC - FairbanksThe Fairbanks Borough is seeking voter signatures statewide for an initiative petition to change state rules that govern local property tax exemptions. Stream Restoration on Prince of Wales IslandJay Marble, KRBD - Prince of Wales IslandThe Craig Ranger District on Prince of Wales Island is putting the final touches on a small, but very aggressive stream restoration project.