Alaska News Nightly: November 13, 2007

The Coast Guard takes an increasing interest in the arctic. The Senate takes its turn at the oil tax and northwest coastal villages brace for a big storm. Those stories and more on tonight's Alaska News Nightly, broadcast statewide on APRN stations.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.Coast Guard eyes ArcticCasey Kelly, KMXT - KodiakThe Coast Guard recently announced a series of Arctic awareness flights, part of an attempt to establish an increased presence in the region. Late last month a C-130 crew from Air Station Kodiak flew to, and circumnavigated, the North Pole. On Thursday, another crew made a day trip to Barrow. This time they were accompanied by scientists and met with locals involved in scientific research. Now its the Senate's turnDave Donaldson, APRN - JuneauThe Senate Finance Committee today is taking a first look at its version of the tax rewrite bill that will become the focus of the special legislative session. Peace group seeks support for war dissentersDan Bross, KUAC - FairbanksAn Alaska peace group is trying to make it easier for war dissenters to get out of the military. The Alaska Peace Center runs a statewide GI Rights Hotline, based in Fairbanks. Hotline Coordinator Alison Carter says the Center is bringing up experts to train Alaska attorneys to support soldiers soured on the Iraq War.UAF scientists discover new oraganismsLori Townsend, APRN - AnchorageScientists from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks working on a 2 year study of the waters around the Aleutian Islands have discovered what may be 3 new marine organisms. Alaska hopes to tempt Hollywood northElizabeth Arnold - AnchorageHollywood producers seem to love Alaska as the subject of their films and TV shows. And why not - Alaska has so much to offer: spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, the pioneer mystique. So, why are most stories about Alaska shot somewhere else - and what can be done about it.UAF wins AISES Award - againBen Markus, KUAC - FairbanksThe American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) handed out its award for most outstanding chapter. The University of Alaska, Fairbanks took home the honor—yet again. Northwest coastal villages brace for stormDavid Shurtleff, APRN - AnchorageVillages along Alaska's northwest coast are bracing themselves for high winds and possible coastal erosion that could occur over the next few days. It's all being caused by storm systems in Bristol Bay, and in the Gulf of Alaska. Haines Eagle FestJohn Ryan, KTOO - HainesThis weekend was the Alaska Bald Eagle Festival in Haines. A few thousand eagles and a few hundred humans came together along the banks of the Chilkat River.