Alaska News Nightly: August 21, 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)Senate Leader to Join Parnell Administration Dave Donaldson, APRN – JuneauSenate minority leader Gene Therriault is taking a top level job with the Parnell administration.   The former Senate President will be a senior policy advisor with an emphasis on energy-related issues.Murkowski Holds Town Hall Meeting on Health Care Steve Heimel, APRN – AnchorageIt was an overflow turnout at a large Anchorage high school auditorium Thursday night for Republican US Senator Lisa Murkowski's town meeting on health care - one of a series planned during the Congressional recess.Repealing Tax Tour Industry’s Goal Len Anderson, KSKA – AnchorageThe tour industry's push to get the state's $50 tax on each cruise ship passenger repealed dominated Thursday’s Southcentral Alaska Tourism Summit in Anchorage.Protestors in Marshall Say They’re Vindicated Shane Iverson, KYUK – BethelProtesters in the village of Marshall say they’ve been vindicated by the latest count of Yukon River King Salmon.Obama Administration Working on Ocean Plans Lori Townsend, APRN – AnchorageThe Obama Administration is working on a plan to create a national policy on oceans, coasts and the great lakes.Mapping Underway of Pribilof Canyon Ann Hillman, KUCB – UnalaskaScientists, industry players, federal agencies, and communities are working together to map the productive Bering Sea Pribilof Canyon Ecosystem.Two Ft. Richardson Troops Killed The Associated PressTwo paratroopers from Fort Richardson have been killed in Afghanistan.Legislature Tightening Bootlegging Laws Mike Mason, KDLG – DillinghamLast year the Alaska Legislature approved new standards for how law enforcement agencies and prosecutors deal with bootlegging or the illegal importation of alcohol into dry communities.