Did witness who said he lied in Stevens trial actually lie about lying?

Tue, December 16, 2008

Federal prosecutors say former State Senator Jerry Ward convinced a witness in Senator Ted Stevens’ trial to lie after the trial about an immunity deal. They say Ward was trying to protect himself from prosecution for an unrelated matter.

Libby Casey, APRN – Washington, DC

Download Audio (MP3)

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Alaska Bar confirms Stevens should be disbarred post-conviction, pre-appeal

Tue, December 16, 2008

The Alaska Bar Association says Senator Ted Stevens’ should have his law license temporarily suspended. Stevens is fighting the move, which is standard practice when a lawyer is convicted of a felony. The Bar Association filed its reply Monday, formally saying it is indeed appropriate for the court to temporarily suspend his license.

Libby Casey, APRN – Washington, DC

Download Audio (MP3)

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

EPA permit to dump toxic oil and gas waste in Cook Inlet challenged

Tue, December 16, 2008

Environmental groups are challenging an Environmental Protection Agency permit that allows oil and gas companies to dump wastewater in Cook Inlet.

Casey Kelly, KBBI – Homer

Download Audio (MP3)

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

With State budget down 7%, Governor’s pay may jump 20%

Tue, December 16, 2008

Governor Sarah Palin’s proposed budget for the next fiscal year calls for a 7% reduction in state spending. But while the Governor is calling for government to tighten its belt, a commission Palin appointed is recommending she get a $25,000 raise. The Governor’s current annual salary is $125,000. The State Officers’ Compensation Commission is also recommending slightly smaller raises for the Lieutenant Governor and members of Palin’s cabinet.

John Ryan, KTOO – Juneau

Download Audio (MP3)

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Nikolski phones offline more than a month, awaiting parts

Tue, December 16, 2008

The Aleutian Islands village of Nikolski has not had phone service since early November. ACS provides service to the island. ACS Communications Director Paula Dobbyn says the problem started with a blown switch on a phone system tailored for a small, isolated community. Only about 40 towns use the same type of switch, requiring special parts manufacturing. A technician is trying to get to Nikolski to repair the problem but is stuck in Unalaska with weather delays.

Anne Hillman, KUCB – Unalaska

Download Audio (MP3)

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Obama picks Energy and Environment leaders suggesting mixed Alaska impacts

Tue, December 16, 2008

President-elect Barack Obama says his new “Energy and Environment Team” will work together to develop green energy and tackle global warming. He officially announced yesterday his picks for Energy Secretary and director of the Environmental Protection Agency, among others.

Libby Casey, APRN – Washington, DC

Download Audio (MP3)

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Arctic warming study shows accelerating heat feedback loop

Tue, December 16, 2008

The Arctic has been called the “canary in the coal mine” when in comes to global warming. And a new study quantifies just how pronounced that phenomenon is.

Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage

Download Audio (MP3)

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Three rural Democrats join Alaska House Republican majority

Tue, December 16, 2008

Democrats Reggie Joule of Kotzebue, Bryce Edgmon of Dillingham and Bob Heron of Bethel are now working with the majority Republicans in Alaska’s House of Representatives. Republican Mike Chenault of Nikiski says the three will broaden the views of the majority caucus while minority leader Beth Kerttula of Juneau says she’s disappointed with the departures. The House majority now numbers 26 with the minority numbering 14.

Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage

Download Audio (MP3)

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Anchorage student numbers force mid-year hiring

Tue, December 16, 2008

A larger student enrollment than predicted is prompting the Anchorage School District to spend over $600,000 expanding its teaching and classroom aide staff.

Request for Additional Staffing for Enrollment and Program Need (PDF)

Len Anderson, KSKA – Anchorage

Download Audio (MP3)

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Yukon Quest wins $10,000 from Fairbanks

Tue, December 16, 2008

The Fairbanks City Council voted last night to give $10,000 to the Yukon Quest. Quest officials sought financial support directly from the council after missing an application deadline for city bed tax funds this fall.

Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks

Download Audio (MP3)

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Alaska News Nightly: December 16, 2008

Tue, December 16, 2008

Senator Stevens is fighting to keep his law license in Alaska. Plus, a new study documents a dramatic increase in air temperatures over the Arctic Ocean.

Individual news stories are posted in the Alaska News category and you can subscribe to APRN’s news feeds via e-mail, podcast and RSS.

Download Audio (MP3, 30 min)

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Talk of Alaska: Alaska’s FY2010 Budget

Tue, December 16, 2008

With the price of oil where it is, Alaska will have to dip into its reserves to support its budget. The Palin administration is recommending a budget reduction. Do you agree? This week we discuss “living within our means” with the Governor’s budget team.

Join the conversation on Talk of Alaska, statewide on the stations of the Alaska Public Radio Network.

Download Audio (MP3, 60 min)

HOST: Steve Heimel, APRN

GUESTS:

Karen Rehfeld, Director, Office of Management & Budget
Annette Kreitzer, Commissioner of Administration
Pat Galvin, Commissioner of Revenue
Live callers statewide

PARTICIPATE:

Post your comment before, during or after the live broadcast (comments may be read on air)
Send e-mail to talk [at] aprn [dot] org (comments may be read on air)
Call 550-8422 in Anchorage or 1-800-478-8255 during the live broadcast

LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide

SUBSCRIBE: Get Talk of Alaska updates automatically by e-mail, RSS or podcast

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.