Alaska News Nightly: Monday, Feb. 4, 2019

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Legislature still at reduced capacity as budget deadline looms

Andrew Kitchenman, KTOO – Juneau

It’s been three weeks since the Legislature gaveled in, but the House still doesn’t have a speaker.

Dunleavy’s candidate screening process under scrutiny

Associated Press

Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s process for screening candidates for government work is under scrutiny after three people picked for prominent positions quit or declined roles.

Trump’s pick for Interior secretary has worked for Alaska and energy industry

Liz Ruskin, Alaska Public Media – Washington D.C.

President Trump has nominated David Bernhardt to be the next secretary of Interior, to replace Ryan Zinke.

Teen arrested after trying to take control of a flight from Napakiak to Bethel

Anna Rose MacArthur, KYUK – Bethel

In Western Alaska, law enforcement officials have arrested a teenager after he grabbed the controls of an airplane in flight from Napakiak to Bethel, causing the plane to shoot towards the ground. With the help of a passenger, the pilot took back control of the aircraft, and no injuries were reported.

Credit agencies paying close attention to state amid budget discussions

Rashah McChesney, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Juneau

But Alaskans aren’t the only ones who are waiting to see what’s on the chopping block — the credit ratings agencies are watching too.

Fairbanks City Council holds additional meetings on anti-discrimination ordinance 

Tim Ellis, KUAC – Fairbanks

The Fairbanks City Council is conducting three more meetings this week to continue work on a controversial ordinance that’s intended to prohibit discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community and other groups.

Shutdown cripples, but doesn’t sink ocean science symposium

Johanna Eurich, KYUK – Anchorage

The federal shutdown made waves last week at a major conference on Alaska’s marine research that may have repercussions for the coming research season. While the conference took place after the government workers were back on the job, it was too late for them to get authorization to attend the Alaska Marine Science Symposium.

Gatt, Moore and Sass in early Yukon Quest lead into Dawson City

Lex Treinen, KUAC – Fairbanks

It’s two days into the 2019 Yukon Quest, and a group of past champions are duking it out at the front of the race.

Aleknagik boys’ basketball team hits the court for the first time in 32 years

Isabelle Ross, KDLG – Dillingham

The last time the Aleknagik Lakers tipped off was in 1987. Now, the five-player team is tackling their first season.

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