Alaska News Nightly: July 30, 2013

Individual news stories are posted on the APRN news page. You can subscribe to APRN’s newsfeeds via emailpodcast and RSS. Follow us on Facebook at alaskapublic.org and on Twitter @aprn.

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Adak Phone Subsidy Cut Amid Spending Concerns

Stephanie Joyce, KUCB – Unalaska

The federal government is cutting subsidies to the telephone company that serves Adak amid concerns about how the money is being spent. That leaves the future of Adak’s phone service up in the air.

Alaska Scores Low On Lobbying Transparency

Alexandra Gutierrez, APRN – Juneau

If you want to find out just how much money different interest groups spend lobbying the state legislature, you have two options. You can request specific filings from the Alaska Public Offices Commission during regular business hours, or you can wait until the end of the year for them to release their annual spending document. Both take patience of one kind or another, as APRN’s Alexandra Gutierrez learned when she set out to examine the effect money has on state politics.

Obama’s Tax Proposals Win Tepid Response

Peter Granitz, APRN – Juneau

President Barack Obama is laying out a plan to simplify and lower corporate tax rates. It’s getting mixed reaction from Alaska’s senators.

Anchorage Holds First Mini Maker Faire

Sara Bernard, APRN – Anchorage

The Anchorage Economic Development Corporation hosted Anchorage’s first-ever Mini Maker Faire at the Loussac Library on Saturday. The Maker Faire is a gathering of crafters, engineers, and tinkerers launched in California in 2006 and now taking place in cities across the world. The AEDC hopes the Faire will help boost innovation and industry across Alaska.

Fairbanks Borough Weighs In On Redistricting

Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks

The Fairbanks North Star Borough assembly will maintain amicus status in a drawn out suit challenging the Alaska Redistricting Board voter maps. The panel voted Thursday to file a brief in support of plaintiffs George Riley of Ester and Ron Dearborn of Goldstream Valley.  The men’s latest motion in the case challenges Fairbanks House and Senate Districts, they claim violate constitutional standards.

Search For Missing Anchorage Man Expands North

Phillip Manning, KTNA – Talkeetna

The search for Wallace Dunn, 81, of Anchorage has been expanded north after a tip indicated that he might have been near the Montana Creek Campground on July 13.

Chuitna Coal Battle Heats Up

Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage

The state has turned down a petition that would have designated some state lands within the Chuitna River watershed as unsuitable for coal mining.

Renowned Musicians Surprise Akiak With Jam Session

Shane Iverson, KYUK – Bethel

The Kuskokwim Village of Akiak got a special treat last week when their community hall became an official venue for the Fairbanks Summer Art Festival.   The festival came to Akiak in the form of two world-renowned recording artists.  The sound they brought will likely have a lasting impact on the village.

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