Alaska News Nightly: August 14, 2012

Individual news stories are posted on the APRN news page. You can subscribe to APRN’s newsfeeds via email, podcast and RSS.

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Hawaii Gas Applies For Permit To Import LNG

Peter Granitz, APRN – Washington DC

A Hawaii-based utility is applying for a federal permit to import liquefied natural gas. It’s unlikely to encourage development in Alaska anytime soon.

Big Savings Prompt Alaskans To Seek Health Care Elsewhere

Annie Feidt, APRN – Anchorage

Alaska has some of the highest health care costs in the country. And employers in the state are starting to encourage their health plan members to seek care in the Lower 48 for some of the most expensive surgeries and procedures. The companies say the savings are significant and hope the practice puts pressure on prices in the Alaska health care market.

China Takes Custody Of Pirate Fishing Vessel

Lauren Rosenthal, KUCB – Unalaska

Chinese law enforcement has taken custody of a pirate fishing vessel. The Coast Guard cutter Rush intercepted the Da Cheng just over two weeks ago in the North Pacific Ocean near Japan.

Fairbanks School Board Approves Licensing Agreement For ‘APPTrack’

Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks

The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District is in the software business. The school board approved a licensing agreement Tuesday with two district employees who developed APPTrack, a program for managing Apple devices and applications.

State Stomps Spud Sprouts

Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage

China is importing Alaska-grown seed potatoes, and some state agricultural officials have hoped for a seed potato industry to sprout in the Delta area and the Matanuska Valley. But a state audit indicates that is not to be. Alaska is not producing enough spuds to meet demand, while other factors have put a damper on a seedling industry.

Judge Considers Brining Jury Trials To Bethel

Ariel Van Cleave, KDLG – Dillingham

A local judge in Dillingham is considering bringing grand jury trials to the community.

Historic Ketchikan Building Closer To Restoration

Sarah Cuiksa, KRBD – Ketchikan

The historic Yates building in downtown Ketchikan is one step closer to restoration. Historic Ketchikan, a non-profit that works to preserve historic properties in the city and the Episcopal Diocese of Alaska signed a Memorandum of Understanding to move forward in seeing if rehabilitation is possible.

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