Alaska News Nightly: June 2, 2009

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Congressional Leaders Reflect on China, Alaska Trip
Libby Casey, APRN – Washington
Congressional leaders are reflecting on their recent trip to China – and a stopover in Anchorage where they heard about climate change from Alaska Native leaders. House speaker Nancy Pelosi of California led the group of four Democrats and one Republican, all members of the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.

DOD Secretary Says US Ready for Any Korean Threat
Steve Heimel, APRN – Anchorage
North Korea is reportedly preparing an intercontinental missile for launch. The country has been blowing up explosives underground and launching short-range missiles for the past week while at the same time preparing for ruler Kim Jong Il to be succeeded by his youngest son. That became official today. Analysts say North Korea could have as many as four intercontinental missiles. On Monday, Defense Secretary Robert Gates took a look at an interceptor rocket based at Fort Greely and announced that the U.S. is ready for any missile threat from North Korea.

Feds Could Help with Financing for Gas Line
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
The cost of a natural gas line from the North Slope to North American markets has increased dramatically while it has been a political issue for the past 30 years. And there’s a good chance the federal government will recognize that by guaranteeing financing for more of the cost of the project.

Committee Hears About Energy Crisis in YK Delta
Shane Iverson, KYUK – Bethel
The House Energy Committee held an official hearing in Bethel on Friday. Ten legislators listened to public testimony about the effects of the energy crisis in the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta.

State Scaling Back on Response to McGrath Wildfire
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
The state is scaling back its response to the big wildfire burning near McGrath. The over 25,000-acre Broken Snowshoe fire has slowed thanks clouds and high humidity in the western interior. State Fire Information officer Andy Alexandrou says the favorable weather has enabled fire crews to make good progress in recent days along the fires edge near McGrath.

Tsunami Survivors Share Their Stories for Hawaii Museum
Ellen Lockyer, APRN – Anchorage
Tsunami survivors across Alaska are telling their stories this week for archiving at the Pacific Tsunami Museum in Hawaii. Jeanne Johnston and Walter Dudley are co-founders of the museum. They’re interviewing more than 25 people who lived through the 1964 Good Friday tsunami in Seward, Valdez and Cordova. In September, they’ll also record stories in Kodiak.

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