Alaska News Nightly: July 3, 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)Palin Quits, Shocking Alaskans Lori Townsend, APRN - AnchorageGovernor Sarah Palin announced this morning that she is resigning. Speaking from her home in Wasilla, the governor says she has no interest in being a lame duck candidate in the final year of her term.Homer Rep Surprised by Decision Casey Kelly, Homer - KBBIHomer Representative Paul Seaton's (R) reaction to today's announcement that Governor Sarah Palin will be resigning was one of surprise. Seaton says he didn't see the news coming.House Speaker Received No Advance Notice Ben Stanton, KDLL - KenaiSpeaker of the House Mike Chenault (R) from Nikiski says neither the governor nor her staff had given any indication that she was considering this decision.Rep. Olson of Soldotna Suprised by Announcement Ben Stanton, KDLL - KenaiAnother Republican in the House of Representatives, Kurt Olson of Soldotna says he also was surprised at the news this morning.Senate President Kept in the Dark Casey Kelly, KBBI - HomerAlaska Senate President Gary Stevens (R) says he didn't hear a word from the governor's office before her news conference.Rep. Wilson of Sitka Got the News from a Friend Shaleece Haas, KCAW - SitkaState Representative Peggy Wilson (R-Sitka) was helping out with downtown activities in Juneau when a friend called to tell her the news.Palin's Announcement Provides Early 4th Fireworks Shaleece Haas, KCAW - SitkaSitkans were enjoying warm weather and fennel cakes at the annual Fourth of July festival when news broke about Governor Palin's announcement.Anchorage Loves Celebrating the 4th Len Anderson, KSKA - AnchorageLike communities across the nation, Anchorage embraces the Fourth of July with a bevy of traditions.