Alaska News Nightly: March 27, 2013

Individual news stories are posted on the APRN news page. You can subscribe to APRN’s newsfeeds via email, podcast and RSS. Follow us on Facebook at alaskapublic.org and on Twitter @aprn.

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Feds Outline Chukchi, Beaufort Sea Drilling Regulations For ConocoPhillips

Steve Heimel, APRN – Anchorage

Federal regulators said today that ConocoPhillips will need to meet the same standards they set for Shell for drilling in the Chukchi and Beaufort Sea.  At an Anchorage field hearing of Senator Mark Begich’s Oceans Subcommittee today, Tommy Boudreau, head of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, was asked if that means a containment dome for blowouts, such as the one BP used at the Macondo Spill in the Gulf of Mexico.  Speaking by teleconference due to federal budget constraints, Boudreau told Begich the same standard would be used.

Arctic Winter Sea Ice Extent Is Sixth Lowest On Record

Emily Schwing, KUAC – Fairbanks

The National Snow and Ice Data center based in Colorado report arctic sea ice reached its maximum extent for the winter on March 15.

Senator Murkowski Speaks On DOMA

Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage

Senator Lisa Murkowski says her opinion on gay marriage is still evolving. Murkowski addressed the topic today at a chamber of commerce luncheon in the Anchorage suburb of Eagle River.

Fewer Alaska Kids May Have Access To Pre-School

Alexandra Gutierrez, APRN – Juneau

Education advocates have long promoted pre-school as a way of closing the achievement gap between rich and poor students, and this year the president named expanding early education programs as one of his top priorities in his State of the Union address. But here in Alaska, fewer kids could have access to pre-school due to budget cuts.

SEARHC To Close Bill Brady Healing Center As Sequester Hits

Ed Ronco, KCAW – Sitka

The Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium, or SEARHC, is closing down its residential drug and alcohol treatment program. The closure of the Bill Brady Healing Center was announced on Tuesday.

Oil Companies Testify On Tax Reform Legislation

Annie Feidt, APRN – Anchorage

The major oil companies in Alaska testified last night to the state House Resources Committee about the latest version of Governor Sean Parnell’s oil tax reform legislation. The bill passed the Senate last week. It represents a major tax break for the oil companies. The state estimates it will cost Alaska at least four billion dollars in tax revenue over the next five years.

Anchorage Assembly Narrowly Passes Labor Ordinance

Daysha Eaton, KSKA – Anchorage

The Anchorage Assembly passed a rewrite of municipal labor law by a vote of 6 to 5, at their regular meeting last night.

Girl Scout Troop Uses Cookie Funds For Unique, Futuristic Purpose

David Waldron, APRN – Anchorage

It’s Girl Scout cookie time. The troops sell the cookies to raise money for all kinds of activities. APRN’s Dave Waldron found a troop in Anchorage that uses the funds for a unique and futuristic purpose.

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