Alaska News Nightly: March 24, 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)Alaskans Speak Out on Capital Hill about Offshore Oil DrillingLibby Casey, APRN - Washington D.C.Alaskans had their say in Washington on Capitol Hill today about offshore oil drilling. Members of the House Natural Resources Committee took testimony on developing offshore resources, particularly in Alaska.Scientists Report Massive Volcanic Mud Flows On RedoubtAnnie Feidt, APRN - AnchorageScientists have had their first in person look at Mount Redoubt since it began erupting. A team flew to the volcano yesterday to collect ash samples, fix broken seismic monitors and assess flooding from the swollen Drift river.Kodiak Islanders Digging Out after Huge BlizzardJay Barrett, KMXT - KodiakWhile everyone's attention was drawn away by Mount Redoubt's eruption, Mother Nature took the opportunity to dump two-feet of snow on Kodiak.Legislators Look for Clarifications Directly from the GovernorDave Donaldson, APRN - JuneauState House and Senate leaders will meet with Governor Palin on Thursday of this week to try to better understand her position on some of the items in the Economic Stimulus appropriation for which the state now qualifies.Police Blotter Work in Unalaska Brings FameAnne Hillman, KUCB - UnalaskaHer police blotter entries are read around the country. She was featured in the L.A. Times. But who was Unalaska police sergeant Jennifer Shockley before she started unintentionally informing the world about Unalaska's faults and felons?The Last Iditarod Musher Crosses the Finish Line in NomeLori Townsend, APRN - AnchorageThe last musher has reached the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race finish line. Rookie Timothy Hunt of Marquette, Michigan, finished early Tuesday morning, the 52nd musher to arrive in Nome.Homer Residents Reflect on Oil Spill Clean UpCasey Kelly, KBBI - HomerTwenty years ago today, the Exxon Valdez oil tanker fetched up hard on some charted rocks in Prince William Sound. The impact ripped open the ship's hull, spilling millions of gallons of crude oil and fouling thousands of miles of coastline.Senator Begich Sponsors Non Tanker Spill Prevention LegislationLibby Casey, APRN - Washington D.C.Alaska Senator Mark Begich is co-sponsoring a bill that aims to prevent fuel spills from non-tanker vessels in America's waters. The Oil Spill Prevention Act of 2009 was introduced today (Tuesday), to coincide with the anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill.Democrats Ask Obama to Protect ANWR and Teshekpuk Lake From DrillingLibby Casey, APRN - Washington D.C.A group of Democrats in the U.S. House are using the Exxon Valdez oil spill anniversary to call for protecting the Arctic from development.