Alaska News Nightly: January 27, 2009

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)Washington Post reports formation of PAC tied to Governor PalinLori Townsend, APRN - Anchorage and Dave Donaldson, APRN - JuneauA political action committee has been formed around Alaska’s governor Sarah Palin. Called SarahPac, the group says it will raise money for local and national political candidates who share the governor’s ideas and goals for the country. The Washington Post says the paperwork has been completed, but it’s not official yet.Legislature wrestles with fuel crisis in rural AlaskaLori Townsend, APRN - Anchorage and Dave Donaldson, APRN - JuneauEmmonak’s state senator Donny Olson is predicting quick legislative action to help people meet the high cost of fuel in rural Alaska. But that optimism is not shared by other rural lawmakers.Canada to map Arctic Ocean seabedPatricia Bell, CBC - WhitehorseCanada will soon undertake its most ambitious effort yet to map the arctic ocean seabed. Canada has until 2013 to submit its claim under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It's hoping to extend its sovereignty over a vast area of the arctic ocean and the resources found there.Coast Guard looks to Nome as a center for growing arctic presencePaul Korchin, KNOM - NomeAs interest in Arctic waters continues to ramp up, the United States Coast Guard has a lot of work to do in prepping itself for future Arctic operations, and Nome will play a leading role in those efforts.The work of Homer’s Eagle Lady will continue for at least 2 more monthsCasey Kelly, KBBI - HomerThe work of Homer’s Eagle Lady will go on for another two months at least. The Homer City Council passed an emergency ordinance last night allowing the continued feeding of eagles on the Homer Spit.Yukon Quest delays withdrawal dateDan Bross, KUAC - FairbanksThe Yukon Quest has again delayed a withdrawal date to allow mushers more time to decide whether they’ll race, while organizers scramble to build up the purse. As of last month, entries stood at 40, one of the largest fields in the race’s history, but its since fallen to 32.Wrangell and Petersburg hope to come together over hydroelectric projectMatt Lichtenstein, KFSK - PetersburgSome members of the Wrangell assembly are expressing hope that their community and Petersburg can work together on a proposed hydroelectric plant near Petersburg.