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Hilcorp shuts down oil platforms to address Cook Inlet gas leak
Elizabeth Harball, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Anchorage
Hilcorp announced Saturday (March 25) that after discussions with Alaska Governor Bill Walker, it’s shutting down two oil platforms in Cook Inlet in response to an ongoing leak from a gas line. The pipeline carries natural gas from shore to power four oil platforms in Cook Inlet. Two of the platforms have already been shut down.
Young gives Trump a hand at bill signing
Liz Ruskin, Alaska Public Media – Washington D.C.
U.S. Rep. Don Young was at the White House to see President Trump sign a bill that repeals an Obama administration rule known as “BLM Planning 2.0.” Young’s an old hand at White House visits but this was his first time with Trump in office.
Anchorage businesses to hike in electric costs
Elizabeth Harball, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Anchorage
Electric rates in Anchorage saw a significant jump this month. Municipal Light & Power says it needs to increase electric rates to pay for a new power plant it recently built. But local businesses aren’t happy with the sudden increase in electric bills. Some are taking their case to state regulators, while others are trying more creative solutions to cut back on electricity costs.
Wasilla man, trooper dog killed in weekend shooting
Casey Grove, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
A Wasilla man and a trooper dog are both dead after a shooting incident on the Parks Highway over the weekend.
UPS, Delta oppose proposal to triple state jet fuel tax
Andrew Kitchenman, KTOO – Juneau
UPS and Delta Air Lines oppose a proposal to triple the state’s jet fuel tax. But the Alaska Trucking Association supports a similar increase on fuel for cars and trucks.
Blood Bank cleared of wrongdoing, but critics still wary
Zachariah Hughes, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
The Blood Bank of Alaska said it has been cleared of any alleged wrong-doing and financial impropriety by an audit that wrapped up earlier this month. But a critic disputes that conclusion.
Future of Valdez marijuana sales hangs in balance
Tony Gorman, KCHU – Valdez
Last fall, history was made in Valdez. The state’s first marijuana retail store opened its doors to all buyers. Now, the future of the store is in the hands of voters. Residents face Ballot Proposition 1 in the upcoming municipal election.
Sitka starts celebration for Alaska’s 150th anniversary with the U.S.
Emily Kwong, KCAW – Sitka
Alaska reaches a historical milestone this week. On March 30th – 150 years ago – America signed a treaty to purchase Alaska from Russia.
Sitka Sound roe herring fishery opens
Emily Kwong, KCAW – Sitka
The Sitka Sound sac roe herring fishery opened on Saturday (March 25) in parts of Hayward Strait and Krestof Sound. The fleet caught 5,200 tons in just over three hours, between noon and 3:20 p.m. That brings the cumulative harvest for the season to just over 13,000 tons.
Birch Hill cross country ski races to kick off in Fairbanks
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
The country’s best cross country skiers are racing in Fairbanks this week, including in national championship events. The four races at the Birch Hill Recreation area are the conclusion of the season long North American Super Tour Series. More than 140 athletes are signed up, including most of the U.S. Ski Team.
Top athletes compete in Haines for Freeride World Tour
Emily Files, KHNS – Haines
Big mountain skiers and snowboarders from around the world braved deep snow and steep slopes in the Haines mountains for the Freeride World Tour. Friday’s event took place after a week of waiting for unsafe snow conditions to settle.
