Alaska News Nightly: Monday, Feb. 11, 2019

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Dunleavy outlines approach ahead of big budget rollout

Andrew Kitchenman, KTOO – Juneau

Gov. Michael Dunleavy has not proposed a public vote on spending cuts, and he says there isn’t time to do that with this budget.

Seismic ANWR exploration may happen in winter after all, says Interior

Elizabeth Harball, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Anchorage

During the final public meeting in Alaska on oil leasing in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a top Interior Department official said there could be some seismic exploration there this winter, after all.

Drilling foes in House launch bill to close ANWR

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

Opponents of development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge filed a U.S. House bill Monday that would end the possibility of drilling in the refuge. The bill’s prospects are dim in the Senate, but sponsors say they will press on.

Former Quintillion CEO admits to felony fraud

Casey Grove, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage

The former CEO of Quintillion – operator of a broadband system linking the Alaska Arctic to an undersea fiber optic cable – has admitted to committing wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Pebble officials outline future of controversial mine

Avery Lill, KDLG – Dillingham

Three key players in the Pebble debate met Monday for a public discussion on the future of the proposed controversial mine in Bristol Bay. It was a rare chance to hear different perspectives on the project during one event. The discussion was the keynote at the Alaska Forum on the Environment in Anchorage.

Of 140,000 comments, most favor keeping the Tongass Forest Roadless Rule

Elizabeth Jenkins, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Juneau

Back in August, the U.S. Forest Service said it would consider the state’s ask for an exemption that would make it easier to build new roads through the federal land.

Investors are backing Southeast’s largest oyster farms

Jacob Resneck, CoastAlaska – Juneau

The largest ever oyster farms in Southeast Alaska could be coming soon. Silver Bay Seafoods wants to lease 182 acres of seafloor in Sitka Sound. The state sees potential for a thriving industry, but local reception has been cool.

Brent Sass wins claims his 2nd Yukon Quest title

Alaska Public Media

Eureka musher Brent Sass has won his second thousand-mile Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race crossing the Fairbanks finish line at this afternoon with all 14 of his dogs.

Southeast Alaska tribe takes initial steps to create their own tribal court

Tripp Crouse, KNBA – Anchorage

A Southeast Alaska tribe has taken the initial steps to begin creating their own tribal court.

UAF plans for cuts amid Governor’s budget proposal

Dan Bross, KUAC – Cuts to state funding are expected, with Governor Dunleavy’s budget scheduled to be released Wednesday. and that includes at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Alaska Native Arts teacher asks Governor to reconsider proposed budget cuts

Scott Burton, KTOO – Juneau

The Governor’s Arts and Humanities Awards took place last week in Juneau. While the Governor himself did not attend, artists, educators and advocates from around the state received awards from his Commissioner of the Department of Administration.

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