Alaska News Nightly: January 26, 2010

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Begich Slams GOP on Confirmation Process
Libby Casey, APRN – Washington DC
Senator 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 – Fairbanks
A 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 – Dillingham
On 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 Team
Annie Feidt, APRN – Anchorage
Another 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 – Dillingham
After 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 – Fairbanks
The 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 – Fairbanks
Residential 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 – Anchorage
Target 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 Relief
Diana Haecker, KTNA – Talkeetna
Alaskans 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.

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