Alaska News Nightly: July 31, 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)State and Feds Discuss Lifting Senior Services Ban Dave Donaldson, APRN - JuneauState and federal agencies are deciding what it will take to lift the federal suspension on new applications for Personal Care Assistance and Medicaid-related services.Mat-Su to Vote on New Sales Tax Ellen Lockyer, APRN - AnchorageMatanuska Valley residents will be asked to approve a new sales tax come this fall's borough ballot.Parnell To Fight Court Challenge to Cruise Fee Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska - JuneauGovernor Sean Parnell says he will fight a court challenge to Alaska's $50-per-person cruise-ship passenger fee.Aerial Wolf Control Under Fire Libby Casey, APRN - WashingtonAerial wolf control is under fire in Washington.  A duo of Democratic Senators have introduced the "Protect America's Wildlife Act," which would prohibit hunters from shooting wildlife from aircraft.  The State Department of Fish and Game says it would destroy Alaska's predator control program.Rising Waters Affecting Central Peninsula Ben Stanton, KDLL - KenaiIn the Central Peninsula area, rising water is affecting some areas after days of rain and seasonal glacier melt.Installation Awareness Group Expanding Scope Jesse Zink, KNOM - NomeA group that first worked to raise awareness about the dangers posed by former military installations on St. Lawrence Island is now broadening its work.Anchorage Hosting Renewable Energy Fair Lori Townsend, APRN - AnchorageThis weekend is the 5th annual Alaska Renewable Energy Fair held on the park strip near downtown Anchorage. One of the speakers at this year's event is Iowa Governor Chet Culver.Petersburg Council OKs Move to Join Waste Authority Joe Viechnicki, KFSK - PetersburgPetersburg's city council took the first step toward joining a fledgling effort for dealing with the southeast region's trash and recyclable materials. The council approved an ordinance that would allow Petersburg to take part in a southeast Alaska solid waste authority with other panhandle communities.