Alaska News Nightly: October 27, 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)UAF Prof to Quit Over Contract Dispute Steve Heimel, APRN – AnchorageUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks professor Rick Steiner says he intends to resign his job at the University of Alaska Fairbanks because he believes President Mark Hamilton is not standing behind his promises of academic freedom. The university has denied such claims.Kate Shugak Mysteries to Become TV Series Lori Townsend, APRN – AnchorageAlaska writer Dana Stabenow's popular Kate Shugak mystery series will be the basis for a television series being developed by Evergreen films. The announcement was made today at Evergreen's post production facility in the hills above Anchorage. Mike Devlin is one of Evergreen Films owners. He says the company has been looking for different film projects in Alaska and the main thing they wanted was a dramatic television series.Haines Might Try Heating Borough Buildings With Wood Tara Bicknell, KHNS – HainesHaines is look at heating borough buildings with wood. Experts are preparing a feasibility study examining the pros and cons of the change.Fairbanks Testing New Street LightsDan Bross, KUAC – FairbanksFairbanks first LED street lights are up and running.  Fairbanks Metropolitan Area Transportation System says the energy saving lights were installed as part of larger upgrade projects on Cowles Street and in front of the Carlson Center.  She says light from the LED’s is noticeably different from that emitted by the older technology they replace.Palin to Get $1.2 Million for Book The Associated PressFormer Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is reporting that she has received at least $1.25 million for her hugely anticipated upcoming book "Going Rogue."  A disclosure statement released today discusses Palin's finances from Jan. 1 to July 27, when she resigned as Alaska governor. The former Republican vice presidential nominee says she received a $1.25 million "retainer" from publisher HarperCollins for the book. The document only provides a partial picture of the book deal because it doesn't cover the three months she has been out of office.Scientists Develop Tool to Determine Sea Lion’s Death Anne Hillman, KUCB – UnalaskaA group of scientists developed a new device that can tell how, when, and where a Stellar sea lion died.“Final Voyage” Traces End of Commercial Whaling Ellen Lockyer, APRN – AnchoragePeter Nichols’ new book “Final Voyage” traces the end of commercial whaling in the United States, and draws chilling parallels to our own time.