Alaska News Nightly: August 26, 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)Stevens Pays Tribute to Kennedy Annie Feidt, APRN – AnchorageFormer Alaska Senator Ted Stevens joined the chorus of voices today paying tribute to Senator Edward Kennedy, who died last night of brain cancer. Stevens worked across the aisle from Kennedy for his entire 40-year Senate career.Kennedy Delivered Memorable Speech in Sitka Steve Heimel, APRN – AnchorageOne of Senator Ted Kennedy's most dramatic speeches was delivered in Sitka, Alaska. Kennedy gave the keynote address at the state Democratic convention in 1968, shortly after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, and shortly before his brother, Robert was assassinated.Kennedy Showed Early Flair for Politics Annie Feidt, APRN – AnchorageSenator Kennedy gave one of his first political speeches to a small group of his fellow law school students at the University of Virginia in 1956. It was November 4th, just a few days before the Presidential election.Crawford Announces for US House Seat Steve Heimel, APRN – AnchorageAnchorage Democrat Harry Crawford today announced he is running for Alaska's sole seat in the US House. Crawford has served in the state Legislature for 10 years, in a conservative district that had always been held by Republicans. Crawford says as a candidate for national office, he will continue to campaign on economic development issues.Hunters Want Protections on Federal Land Mike Mason, KDLG – DillinghamA letter signed by nearly 300 hunters, guides, fishermen, and outfitters has been sent to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior asking for over 1 million acres of federal land in the Bristol Bay area to be protected from mineral development.EPA Wont Veto Corps’ Plans for Kensington Rosemarie Alexander, KTOO – JuneauThe Environmental Protection Agency says it won’t veto the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers decision to re-authorize the Kensington Gold Mine to dump tailings into Lower Slate Lake.Mat-Su Roads Getting Crowded Ellen Lockyer, APRN – AnchorageAutomobile traffic in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough has gone far beyond the ability of local roads to handle. This week, state legislators and Borough officials heard public comments about highway safety.Fast Ferry Experiencing Engine Trouble Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – JuneauThe fast ferry Fairweather is having engine trouble, again. The ship will be out of service much of this winter for repairs. And it’s slated for limited runs upon its return. But there’s a chance the schedule could be adjusted to provide more service, if the ship can be repaired.Moose Could Benefit from Wildfire AftermathDan Bross, KUAC – FairbanksMoose will benefit from the massive wildfires that burned south of Fairbanks this summer. Three large wildfires burned in excess of 700,000 acres, including areas of prime moose habitat in Game Management Units 20A and 20C.