Alaska News Nightly: March 16, 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)Health Officials Aren't Worried About Radiation Threat in AlaskaAnnie Feidt, APRN - AnchorageThe situation today at Japan's troubled nuclear plant appears to be deteriorating. But officials in Alaska aren't concerned it could pose a health risk to Alaskans. Census Numbers Released for AlaskaAnnie Feidt, APRN - AnchorageAlaska received its 2010 census numbers today. Overall the state's population grew, but many areas of rural Alaska lost residents.Redistricting Board Begins WorkEllen Lockyer, APRN - AnchorageThe state's Redistricting Board began its work today (Wednesday) after receiving the new census figures. The Redistricting Board has thirty days to draft initial plans for new political boundaries, and sixty days to finalize the plan.Representative Cissna Testifies in CongressLibby Casey, APRN - Washington D.C.Alaska State Representative Sharon Cissna was the star witness at a U.S. House hearing today (Wednesday) about TSA oversight. The Transportation Security Administration was under scrutiny in Washington for its use of full body scans and hands-on examinations.Fairbanks Company Pushes Small Diameter Gas LineDan Bross, KUAC - FairbanksA Fairbanks company that wants to build a small diameter gas line from the North Slope is fighting an uphill battle to gain state support. As KUAC's Dan Bross reports, the project offers a limited scope, but vastly cheaper price tag.Mackey Finish Iditarod in 16th PlaceDiana Haecker, KTNA– TalkeetnaFour-time Iditarod champion Lance Mackey arrived in Nome this morning at 8:55 with seven dogs in harness and a big smile on his face. Although the crowd was thinner than he was used to from the last four races, Mackey fans lined the finish chute.Railroad Extension May Not HappenTim Ellis, KUAC – FairbanksAlaska Railroad officials say work on a $200 million bridge and flood-control project across the Tanana River at Salcha will not begin next month. In fact, they say the project may not happen at all.Global Warming is Fueling a Bug Explosion in AlaskaJohanna Eurich, APRN - AnchorageClimate change may pose some major problems for humans, but for Bugs, it's a playground on steroids. Johanna Eurich reports that warmer longer summers are setting the stage for some new insect players in Alaska.