Alaska News Nightly: October 15, 2013

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

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Congressman Young Says Newest House Proposal Going Nowhere

Liz Ruskin, APRN – Washington DC

In Washington, the government shutdown continues with no resolution in sight. Alaska Congressman Don Young says the latest House proposal is going nowhere. It would have funded the government and raised the debt ceiling but included changes to the Affordable Care Act. Young believes a solution will come from the Senate. He predicts House Speaker John Boehner will put it up for a vote, and if that happens, Young says he’ll support it, despite objections from the right flank of the House Republicans.

Federal Shutdown Keeps Many Crab Fishermen In Port

Lauren Rosenthal, KUCB – Unalaska

Today was the official opening of Alaska’s king crab season. About a half a dozen boats catching community development quota, issued by the state, got to head out and start fishing.

But as KUCB’s Lauren Rosenthal reports, hundreds of other fishermen were stuck in port, waiting for the federal government to reopen and issue their crab permits.

Shutdown Could Mean Total Loss For One Biologist, Big Financial Hit For His Pilot

Emily Schwing, KUAC – Fairbanks

Among the many Americans affected by the government shutdown, are scientists who rely on federal funding for their work.  But that money doesn’t just go to the scientists.  As KUAC’s Emily Schwing reports, lots of it trickles down into the community.

Newborn Baby Found Dead In Eagle River Park

The Associated Press

Anchorage police say a newborn baby was found dead in an Eagle River park, and they are looking for the mother.

Police in a statement say the mother may need medical attention, and encourage her to contact a local hospital.

A person found the newborn not breathing just after 9:30 Tuesday morning at Turner Park. The baby was wrapped in a towel.

The body will be sent to the state medical examiner to determine the cause of death.

Former DNR Commish Sullivan Announces Senate Run

Annie Feidt, APRN – Anchorage

Former Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Dan Sullivan announced he’s running for U.S. Senate this morning in Anchorage. Sullivan is joining a crowded field of Republicans trying to unseat Democrat Mark Begich next November. For his big speech, Sullivan wore jeans and work boots with a jacket and tie. With his wife and three daughters standing beside him, he said he would bring “new energy” to Alaska and Congress.

Mallott Kicks Off Gubernatorial Campaign

Alexandra Gutierrez, APRN – Juneau

In other election news, Byron Mallott has filed as a candidate for governor on Tuesday, making him the first Democratic candidate to officially jump into the race. Mallott has held leadership roles with the Alaska Permanent Fund Division and the Sealaska Corporation. He has also served as mayor of both Juneau and Yakutat, and if elected, Mallott would also be the state’s first Native governor.

ATV Decision Could Inform Pebble Mine Case

Alexandra Gutierrez, APRN – Juneau

Back in July, the Alaska Supreme Court ruled that the state was inappropriately granting permits for ATV usage on park land. The decision affected about 200 families who use their four wheelers to cross park lands to get to their property. Last week, the Court reissued their decision, and the way they handled the case could offer a clue on how they’ll handle other questions of land management, including one involving the proposed Pebble Mine.

Bethel Gets Fish And Game Advisory Committee

Angela Denning-Barnes, KYUK – Bethel

The State’s joint Board of Fisheries and Game is meeting in Anchorage. They decided to create an Advisory Committee just for the community of Bethel.

Alaska Is Nationwide Leader For Healthy Births

Sean Carlson, KRBD – Ketchikan

Alaska has become a nationwide leader in healthy births.  KRBD’s Sean Carlson explores how Ketchikan Medical Center plays a part in that trend.

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