Alaska News Nightly: May 8, 2009

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)Interior Department to keep "Polar Bear Rule" Libby Casey, APRN - WashingtonThe Interior Department will keep in place the "polar bear rule" - a Bush Administration decision that says the Endangered SpeciesAct can't regulate pollution that contributes to global warming.Point Lay Celebrating First Whale Harvest in 72 YearsLori Townsend, APRN - AnchorageThe Chukchi Sea coastal community of Point Lay is celebrating their first whale harvest in 72 years.Federal Budget Cuts Funds for Alaska ProgramsEllen Lockyer, APRN - AnchoragePresident Obama's proposed budget for fiscal year 2010 severely trims funding for Alaska programs.Akiak Residents Seeking Higher Ground to Escape Rising Waters Shane Iverson, KYUK - BethelResidents in the Northwest community of Akiak are seeking higher ground after flood waters began pouring into their village today.Beaver Evacuating Elders and Young ChildrenLori Townsend, APRN - AnchorageThe Yukon river village of Beaver that lies below the flood devastation of the community of Eagle-- evacuated elders and youngchildren around noon today.Fort Yukon Battling Floods Lori Townsend, APRN - AnchorageFort Yukon had flooding last night. Fort Yukon police officer Peter Hawbaker says water started coming into town around 10 p.m.Consultant Claims Yukon's Energy Suppliers Favor Hydro ProjectsVic Istchenko, CBC - WhitehorseA Whitehorse consultant says the Yukon's energy suppliers have given up on wind power, in favour of expensive hydroprojects.Denali Claims First Climber of the SeasonLori Townsend, APRN - AnchorageThe Denali mountain summer climbing season is barely underway and the first death has been reported.Research Unveiled on Pollock and CodMike Mason, KDLG - DillinghamSome new research related to North Pacific Pollock and Pacific cod was unveiled recently at a science symposium in Anchorage.