Alaska News Nightly: May 7, 2009

Photo by US Fish and Wildlife ServiceIndividual 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)Biologists Concluding Field Research on Polar Bears, Global Warming Annie Feidt, APRN - AnchorageBiologists just wrapped up more than a month of field work on polar bears in the Chukchi Sea. The bears who live on the icy waters off Alaska's Northwestern Coast haven't been carefully studied in more than a decade. Scientists want to look at how the population is being affected by global warming.Former DNR Commisioner to Head Interior Department in Alaska Libby Casey, APRN - Washington DCFormer Department of Natural Resources Commissioner and state legislator Pat Pourchot will be the Interior Department's top official in Alaska. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced today that Pourchot will serve as his Special Assistant for Alaska Affairs.Senator Murkowski Delays Vote on Interior Nominee Libby Casey, APRN - Washingont DCSenator Lisa Murkowski is voicing her concerns over recent Interior Department decisions. She put a hold last week on President Obama's nominee for Deputy Interior Secretary. The confirmation of David Hayes can't move forward until her procedural hold is lifted.Flood Waters of Yukon Receding After Flooding Eagle Dan Bross, KUAC - FairbanksThe ice jam on the Yukon River that's been causing record flooding at Eagle has gone out. The ice began shifting last (Wed.) night, and local National Weather Service observer John Borg says initially the water level rose.Work Crews Laboring to Clear Highway Access to Whittier Ellen Lockyer, APRN - AnchorageCars are jamming an Alaska Railroad parking lot near Portage, as Whittier - bound travelers abandon their cars to take free railroad shuttle service to and from the seaport town. A rock slide closedhighway access to Whittier almost a month ago and state crews are laboring to remove hundreds of tons of debris blocking the road as soon as possible. But Whittier residents want to know - how quickly will that be?Boat Trip in Upper Lynn Canal Ends in Tragedy Nicholas Szatkowski,  KHNS - HainesA boat trip undertaken in the upper Lynn Canal recently by three teenage boys from Haines ended tragically with two deaths.Snow Crab Landings Near Historic LowsMike Mason, KDLG - DillinghamSnow crab landings in the Bering Sea have been at or near historic low levels in recent years for a variety of reasons.Fish and Game Department Release New Wildlife Book Anne Hillman, KUCB - UnalaskaA new viewing guide released by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game features the wildlife of Alaska's coast between Unalaska and Cordova. The new book tells visitors and residents what kinds of birds,marine mammals and other animals to look for and where-- as they travel along the Alaska Marine Highway system.