Alaska News Nightly: May 27, 2010

Individual news stories are posted in the Alaska News category and you can subscribe to APRN’s news feeds via email, podcast and RSS.Download Audio (MP3) Arctic Drilling Put on HoldLibby Casey, APRN – Washington DCPresident Obama has put offshore drilling in the arctic on hold.  He announced his decision at a White House press conference on Thursday.Shell Pushing to Begin Drilling in 2011Annie Feidt, APRN - AnchorageShell says it respects today's decision.  But that doesn't mean the company isn't disappointed. Vice President of Shell Alaska, Pete Slaiby, says the company's plans in Alaska had already been subject to an unprecedented review.Many Alaska Communities Praise Halting of Arctic DrillingAnnie Feidt, APRN – AnchorageAlaskan communities closest to the proposed drilling are praising Thursday's decision.  The Native Village of Point Hope has been one of the most vocal opponents of Shell's plan and has sued to stop the company's exploration work.Parnell Sees Federal Decisions Costing Alaska JobsSteve Heimel, APRN – AnchorageGovernor Sean Parnell saw the federal decision to hold off on Shell's Arctic Ocean drilling permits as part of a larger pattern of federal actions that are costing Alaska jobs.  He said the state is looking at its legal options.Tok Area Fire Warrants Evacuation OrdersDan Bross, KUAC – FairbanksEvacuation orders were issued Wednesday night for the village of Tanacross and a nearby subdivision of Tok, due to a fast moving wildfire that‘s closed a stretch the Alaska Highway.Group Moving to Bring Cruise Ship Wastewater Discharge Rules to CourtTara Bicknell, KHNS – HainesAn environmental group based in Haines is taking steps to bring the state’s new cruise ship wastewater discharge rules to court.Nome School Board Recall Numbers UncertainLaureli Kinneen, KNOM – NomeNome’s recent recall election of all five school board members has city workers and attorneys looking up ordinances. Results from Tuesday’s vote showed two members were recalled. But that may change after a hand recount tomorrow.Power Restored to Trans Alaska Pipeline Pump StationAssociated PressAn Alyeska Pipeline Service Company spokeswoman says power has been restored at a pump station along the Trans Alaska pipeline and the recovery of oil that spilled two days ago is under way.New Ordinance Focuses on Homeless FamiliesLen Anderson, KSKA – AnchorageMuch of the attention on city's homeless has focused lately on unauthorized squatter camps and chronic inebriates.  But Tuesday night an ordinance was introduced to the Anchorage Assembly that could offer life saving shelter to homeless families during the winter months.Donated Exam Beds Headed to HaitiDan Bross, KUAC – FairbanksThe Tanana Valley Clinic is donating exam beds to a new hospital in earthquake-ravaged Haiti.  TVC is replacing the exam tables with updated models, and clinic spokeswoman Anna Atchison says staff wanted to find a place for the still viable equipment.