Alaska News Nightly: November 25, 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)Anchorage Cold Cases Get Review Lori Townsend, APRN – AnchorageAnchorage homicide cases that have remained unsolved for years are currently getting a thorough review. That's thanks in part to a federal grant that is providing resources for DNA evidence testing and staff time to pore over the files.Randall Hones Classic Technique in Preparation for OlympicsAnnie Feidt, APRN – AnchorageAnchorage cross-country skier Kikkan Randall just missed the podium in her first International race of the season. She placed fourth in the five kilometer skate and ninth in the classic sprint earlier this month in Norway. The two-time Olympian is a skate sprint specialist who has been working hard to improve her classic technique recently. She will need to be in top form by February, to make the Olympic podium in Vancouver.Noorvik to Bring Back Native Dancing Lori Townsend, APRN – AnchorageThe village of Noorvik has voted to allow Native dancing in the community for the first time since missionaries banned in the early 1900s. The town of about 500 people is on the Kobuk river, near Kotzebue. It will be the first community counted when the U-S Census kicks off in late January. Leaders in the town want to welcome dignitaries from Washington DC with traditional dancing, dogsled teams and a cultural exhibit.Southeast Groups Say Low-Income and Homeless Face Tougher Holidays Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – JuneauSoutheast groups serving low-income and homeless people say the needs are greater this holiday season. Despite improvements nationwide, the economy is still hitting many residents hard. Holiday food collections are having mixed success, and most are asking for continued donations.Bethel Group Seeking New Vote on Alcohol Shane Iverson, KUAC – FairbanksA group residents in Bethel are Organizing for another vote on alcohol. Sponsors of a new petition are unhappy with the outcome of the previous election, when Bethel voters revoked local option laws. Nov. 9 Bethel Businesses are applying for liquor licenses.  That includes seven restaurants and two package stores.Rural Subcabinet Meets in Dillingham Mike Mason, KDLG – DillinghamThe Governor's Rural Action Subcabinet held a public meeting in Dillingham on Monday night to get the input of local residents on ways to improve life in rural Alaska.Interior Department Wants Tribal Consultation Policy Libby Casey, APRN – Washington DCThe Interior Department announced today it’s launching a new effort to create a policy on tribal consultation.  It comes in response to an order earlier this month by President Obama to improve the federal government’s nation-to-nation relationship with tribes.