Alaska News Nightly: November 17, 2009

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Pete Kott Back in Court
Annie Feidt, APRN-Anchorage
Former Alaska lawmaker Pete Kott was in a federal courtroom in
Anchorage again this morning (tues). He listened as lawyers sparred over his
future in front of Judge John Sedwick.  Kott’s attorney is arguing all
charges against him should be dropped, given new evidence the government wasforced to turn over regarding the case. But federal prosecutors say the
verdict against him should stand.

Palin Fans Snap up ‘Going Rogue’
Libby Casey-Annie Feidt, APRN-Washington/Anchorage
Former Governor Sarah Palin’s book “Going Rogue” hit the
stands in bookstores across the country today.  It’s already a best-seller
from pre-sales.
In the nation’s Capitol, interest in the book is high.  However at a
mid-town Washington, D-C Barnes and Noble this morning, only one customer bought the book at the front counter during a half-hour around 9 am.

‘Going Rouge’ Finds Its Own Audience
Lori Townsend, APRN-Anchorage
A few blocks away, Title Wave books hadn’t sold any copies of
the book yet. But they did have one customer looking for “Going Rouge: Sarah
Palin, an American nightmare” instead. The book is a collection of essays
critical of Palin. Its only available on-line.
Local blogger Shannyn Moore is one of two Alaskan’s who contribute essays in the book. She says “Going Rouge” was a chance to gather a range of
thoughtful criticism on Palin.

A Personal Look at Homelessness in Sitka
Ed Ronco, KCAW-Sitka
A coalition of community leaders held a summit in Sitka
recently to decide how they can address the issue of homelessness. Service
providers reviewed what they offer, the police and fire chiefs addressed
public safety issues. And Sitka is just one of many Alaska communities
without a centralized support system for the homeless.

Ketchikan Soup Kitchen See Sharp Increase in Demand
Deanna Garrison, KRBD-Ketchikan
More individuals are utilizing the salvation army’s soup
kitchen and food pantry in Ketchikan. As KRBD’s Deanna Garrison reports,
soup kitchen attendance has nearly doubled in the past several months and
food pantry usage this year has already topped last year’s total.

Pipeline Coordinator Talks About Losing Her Job
Libby Casey, APRN-Washington DC
The outgoing federal gas pipeline coordinator says she’s not
sure what the Obama Administration has in mind for her position, or the
office she started.  But Drue (Drew) Pearce says the White House maintains
that getting a pipeline to transport Alaska’s North Slope gas IS apriority.

Promoting Oyster Farming in Southeast
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska-Juneau
Five Native groups, a science center and a seafood
cooperative are joining together to promote oyster farming in Southeast
Alaska. Representatives of the seven organizations and businesses met last
week to form the Southeast Shellfish Coalition.

Pollock Quota Likely to Fall
Anne Hillman, KUCB-Unalaska
The 2010 pollock quota is highly likely to decrease again
this year by at least two thousand metric tons, down to 813 thousand.
Scientists presented data to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council’s
groundfish plan team today that suggest the allowable biological catch is
slightly less than last year’s. Last year scientists predicted that the
quota might go back up.

Lori Townsend is the news director and senior host for Alaska Public Media. You can send her news tips and program ideas for Talk of Alaska and Alaska Insight at ltownsend@alaskapublic.org or call 907-550-8452.

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