Alaska News Nightly: August 6, 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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Former Murkowski Aide To Be Released From Prison

The Associated Press

A former fisheries aide to Senator Lisa Murkowski, convicted of falsifying his own fishing records, is scheduled for release from prison by Saturday.

Troopers Name Officer In Deadly Shooting

The Associated Press

The Alaska State Troopers have identified the officer involved in a fatal shooting on Friday.  He is Sgt. Paul Anthony “Tony” Wegrzyn.

U.S. Senators Discuss Future Of The Arctic

Brianna Gibbs, KMXT – Kodiak

Two U.S. senators met for a field hearing in Kodiak today to discuss the future of the Arctic. They were especially focused on what expanded shipping and oil drilling in the Arctic Ocean will mean for the United States Coast Guard.

Environmental Groups File Suit Against EPA For Dispersant Use

Mike Mason, KDLG – Dillingham

A handful of environmental organizations, including a couple based in Alaska, have filed suit against the EPA regarding the use of dispersants to respond to oil spills.

Former UAF Shooter Wins Gold Medal

Emily Schwing, KUAC & The Associated Press

Jamie Lynn Gray has won a gold medal in the 50-meter-three-poistion rifle event at the London Olympics.  In a video posted on YouTube by the U.S. Olympic Committee, The former University of Alaska Fairbanks shooter said she went into the event with a plan.

Circumpolar Health Conference Convenes In Fairbanks

Emily Schwing, KUAC – Fairbanks

The 15th International Congress on Circumpolar health got underway Monday on the campus of the University of Alaska, Fairbanks.  Scientists, health professionals and Alaska’s Congressional delegation will discuss issues related to health in the far north during the week-long conference.

NPS Finishes Katmai Trophy Grizzly Hunting Study

Dave Bendinger, KDLG – Dillingham

The National Park Service recently finished a study on the impact of trophy grizzly hunting in Katmai Preserve. By Park service estimates, the harvest numbers are not affecting population, or conflicting with other park uses, but some conservation groups and the bear viewing industry are not so sure that’s accurate. Before renewing 10-year contracts for sport hunting guides, the NPS would like the public to weigh in.

Five Finger Light House Hosting Humpback Whale Research Project

Alexis Kenyon, KFSK – Petersburg

For the past two summers, the Five Finger light house near Petersburg has hosted humpback whale research. A graduate student from Oregon State works with a rotating team of interns to study the impact of vessel noise on humpback whale communication. The historic building perches at the confluence of Stephen’s passage and Frederick sound – and brings a healthy dose of whimsy to the earthly world of science.

Couple Drives From Argentina To Alaska

Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage

Alaska lures visitors from all over the world during its peak summer season.  But Eduardo Isse and his wife, Leticia Rodrigues probably take the cake for putting the most miles on a vehicle to get here. The two drove to Alaska from the furthest point South in the Americas Tierra Del Fuego in Argentina.

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