Alaska News Nightly: March 23, 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)Mount Redoubt EruptsAnnie Feidt, APRN - AnchorageAfter months of unrest that kept residents in Southcentral Alaska on edge, Mount Redoubt is erupting. The volcano has exploded five times since 11pm last night (Sunday), sending ash as high as 60 thousand feet in the air.Redoubt Eruptions Causes Evacuation of Drift River Crude Oil FacilityLori Townsend, APRN - AnchorageConcerns over Redoubt's continued eruptions extend to an oil collection facility in Cook Inlet at Drift River. Chevron Pipeline company operates the Cook Inlet Pipe line company which runs the Drift River terminal.State Lawmakers Seek Clarification on Governor's Stimulus Funds RequestDave Donaldson, APRN - JuneauAnticipation of what federal funding will be requested from the economic stimulus legislation was at the top of most conversations at the capitol in Juneau today (Monday).Citizens Work to Ensure Continued Protections for Alaska WatersLori Townsend, APRN - AnchorageTomorrow on the 20th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, a discussion called Partners in Prevention and Response will take place in Anchorage at the Dena'ina convention center. Stan Jones is with the Prince William Sound Citizens advisory council.Congressman Young Reflects on Exxon Valdez DisasterLibby Casey, APRN - Washington D.C.Congressman Don Young is the only member of Alaska's current Congressional delegation who was in office when the Exxon Valdez tanker ran aground 20 years ago.Alaska Scientist Aids in Discovery of Prehistoric Marine PredatorDan Bross, KUAC - FairbanksA University of Alaska Museum curator is part of team that's discovered a new species of prehistoric marine predator. Museum of the North earth sciences curator Patrick Druckenmiller, working with paleontologists from Norway, excavated fossilized remains of the Pliosaur on the arctic island of Spitzburgen last summer.New Book Documents Human Encounters with WildlifeLori Townsend, APRN - AnchorageA new book entitled Wild Moments - Adventures with Animals of the North, offers a collection of stories that documents interactions between humans and wild beasts and birds of he north. Editor and one of the authors, Michael Engelhard is a Fairbanks resident and wilderness guide.