Alaska News Nightly: February 21, 2011

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)Legislators Becoming Skeptical of Some of Parnell's Economic Data Dave Donaldson, APRN - JuneauLawmakers have become skeptical of some of the data they’re getting from the Parnell administration about the future of the state’s economy. Governor Parnell wants the legislature to approve tax cuts for the oil industry. But lawmakers say the administration is justifying those cuts with unrealistic budget forecasts. State Rep Refuses Airport Pat-Down The Associated PressAn Alaska state lawmaker is returning home by sea after refusing a pat-down search at a Seattle airport, a spokeswoman said. Rep. Sharon Cissna (D-Anchorage) underwent a body scan as she was preparing to leave Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Sunday and was then required to undergo the pat-down by Transportation Safety Administration officials, said Michelle Scannell, her chief of staff.Council Wants New YK Road Angela Denning-Barnes, KYUK -BethelA road connecting the Yukon and Kuskokwim Rivers  -that’s what the Association of Village Council Presidents is going after. AVCP is the non-profit native association representing 56 tribes in the Y-K Delta. And they hope this road would bring cheaper energy to the region. Randall Celebrates World Cup Victory Annie Feidt, APRN- AnchorageKikkan Randall is celebrating another world cup victory. The Anchorage skier won the world cup skate sprint on Sunday in Drammen, Norway. It's her second world cup win this season and the third of her career. She is now leading the world cup standings heading into the World Championships later this week in Oslo, Norway.Quest Wraps Up 2011 Events Emily Swchwing, KUAC- FairbanksThe Yukon Quest wrapped up over the weekend as the final musher - Hank DeBruin - came in and the race awards banquet was held. The final results: 1 Dallas Seavey 10d 11h 53m; 2 Sebastian Schnuelle 10d 12h 26m; 3 Ken Anderson 10d 14h 24m; 4 Brent Sass 10d 19h 2m; 5 Kelley Griffin 11d 3h 2m; 6 Allen Moore 11d 7h 32m; 7 Jodi Bailey 12d 6h 51m; 8 Mike Ellis 12d 9h 59m; 9 David Dalton 12d 10h 7m; 10 Tamara Rose 13d 0h 58m; 11 Kyla Durham 13d 1h 53m; 12 Jerry Joinson 13d 3h 22m; and 13 Hank DeBruin 13d 10h 54m. National Insitute to Study Fishermen Injuries Alexandra Gutierrez, KUCB - UnalaskaThe job of a fisherman has got a reputation being “deadly” -- but it’s a painful career, too. Now the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is trying to change that by studying injuries suffered by fishermen.Powerline Advocates Pumped Up By Prospects for Exanded BC Grid Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska - JuneauCross-border powerline advocates are charged up by prospects of an expanded British Columbia electrical grid. Alaska-Canada Energy Coalition members say the project, under discussion for years, could help boost the region’s economy.No Charges Filed for Killing Black Bear on Reality Show Tara Bicknell, KHNS - HainesState officials issued no charges to a hunter that killed an Alaska black bear on national television. The incident was part of a Discovery Channel reality show episode that aired recently, inspiring a flood of complaints to Alaska State Troopers and wildlife biologists.