Alaska News Nightly: January 26, 2010

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)Begich Slams GOP on Confirmation Process Libby Casey, APRN – Washington DCSenator Mark Begich – an Alaska Democrat - is accusing Senate Republicans of holding up the confirmation of the US Marshal for Alaska, but Republicans say that’s not true, and he’s over-reacting.Judge OKs Agreement in Sexual Abuse Claims Dan Bross, KUAC – FairbanksA judge has signed off on a compensation agreement between the Catholic Diocese of Northern Alaska and about 300 people who filed claims of sexual abuse by clergy.  The $9.8 million settlement hammered out in Diocese bankruptcy proceedings, means victims will be paid.More Stimulus Funds for Broadband Coming to Alaska Mike Mason, KDLG - DillinghamOn Monday the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that 14 broadband infrastructure projects across the country will be funded with over $309-million in federal stimulus money. One of those projects is in Alaska.APU Coach Makes Olympic TeamAnnie Feidt, APRN – AnchorageAnother Alaskan is heading to Vancouver to compete in the winter Olympics. Alaska Pacific University coach Holly Brooks found out she made the cross country ski team this morning. She says she was ecstatic to get the news.Chythlook-Sifsof First Alaska Native Named to Olympic Team Adam Kane, KDLG – DillinghamAfter officially being named to the U. S. Olympic Snowboarding team yesterday, 24 year old Callan Chythlook-Sifsof realized that she might be the first Alaska Native to ever compete in the Olympics.Park Service Issues New Regs on Bear Hunting Dan Bross, KUAC – FairbanksThe National Park Service has drawn the line on new state regulations that allow questionable bear harvest practices.  The park service has issued proposed rules prohibiting the use of artificial light in taking of black bears at a den, and the killing of bear cubs, or sows with cubs, at a den.Regulatory Commission More Purchases of Residential Energy Dan Bross, KUAC – FairbanksResidential alternative energy producers have another option for selling power onto the grid.  The Regulatory Commission of Alaska is requiring most state utilities to buy electricity from residential customers who produce green power and properly hook up to the grid.Target Stores to Sell Wild Salmon Lori Townsend, APRN – AnchorageTarget announced today it has made the switch from farmed to wild Alaskan salmon in its stores nationwide. Only its sushi products still include farmed salmon and it expects that will change by the end of the year.Mat-Su Doctor Helps with Haiti ReliefDiana Haecker, KTNA – TalkeetnaAlaskans are responding to the devastating humanitarian crisis in Haiti. Not all are organized umbrella organizations to provide help or medical relief. Mat-Su Regional hospital emergency room doctor Jordan Greer of Palmer and his two sons responded and managed to organize their own Haiti earth quake relief mission to provide medical help.