Alaska News Nightly: November 3, 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)Parnell Happy with Gas Line Progress Dave Donaldson, APRN – JuneauThe Parnell administration says the state’s gas line project is working as well as – or better than – intended.   A report sent to legislators over the weekend and made public Tuesday morning says the working relationship between the state licensee, TransCanada, and Exxon-Mobil has had a positive effect on the development of a plan that will go out to possible shippers in May.Author Talks About New Palin Book Lori Townsend, APRN – AnchorageA new book out today takes a look at the transformation of Sarah Palin last year from Governor of an isolated state to the national spotlight as John McCain's running mate. It also speculates on her political future and predicts she will run for the presidency in 2012. The book is called "Sarah from Alaska - The sudden rise and brutal education of a new conservative superstar.” Coast Guard Official Charged with Multiple Offenses The Associated PressA senior Coast Guard official is charged with multiple offenses, including sodomy, indecent acts and conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman. Captain Mark Hamilton was charged Tuesday with 31 violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.White House Preps for Meeting with Tribal Leaders Libby Casey, APRN – Washington DCLeaders of Alaska Native tribes and corporations are gathering in Washington to meet with President Obama at what’s being billed as a historic event.  The White House is gearing up for Thursday’s Tribal Nations Conference.Older Sealaska Shareholders Eligible for Larger Dividends Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – JuneauOlder Sealaska shareholders have until November 20th to sign up for larger dividends. It’s the first time the regional Native corporation is making an extra payment to elders. But it’s not the first corporation to do so.Church Elder Starts Letter Campaign for Rural Parishes Dan Bross, KUAC – FairbanksA longtime member of the Catholic Church in Emmonak, is waging a letter campaign to try to protect rural parishes from sexual abuse lawsuits.  Nick Tucker, 64, is distributing a letter to media outlets statewide, saying rural parishes are being unfairly targeted by 300 people who claim abuse by parish clergy in past decades.Man Rescues Son but Dies in Snowmachine AccidentShane Iverson, KYUK – BethelA man in the Lower Yukon village of Kotlik died when his snowmachine broke through ice on the river, but not before he saved his son’s life.Anchorage Holds Vaccination Clinic Len Anderson, KSKA – AnchorageThe Anchorage School District holds the first of its school site vaccination clinics.