Alaska News Nightly: Wednesday, March 13, 2019

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Bill would repeal conflict of interest requirements enacted last year

Andrew Kitchenman, KTOO – Juneau

State lawmakers want to repeal parts of a new law that requires them to declare a wider range of conflicts of interest. The legislative ethics committee has ruled that the law prohibits more activities than the bill’s sponsors intended. And senators say that’s creating practical obstacles to them serving their constituents.

Bethel’s Pete Kaiser wins 2019 Iditarod

Ben Matheson and Zachariah Hughes

A new Iditarod champion has been crowned. Bethel musher Pete Kaiser’s team of 8 dogs crossed under the Burled Arch in Nome at 3:39 a.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2019. A boisterous crowd of friends and family from the Bethel area traveled to Nome to celebrate Kaiser’s victory.

Bethel fans sing praises for hometown hero Pete Kaiser

Anna Rose MacArthur, KYUK – Bethel

If you heard a roar early this morning, it likely came from Pete Kaiser fans cheering across Alaska. The Bethel musher became the first person from Bethel and the first Yup’ik musher to win the Iditarod early this morning.

Alaska rules for onsite marijuana use take effect in April

Associated Press

Alaska is set to become the first in the nation with statewide rules governing onsite use of marijuana at authorized stores, with rules taking effect April 11.

Alaska state ferry supporters come out in force

Jacob Resneck, CoastAlaska – Juneau

A long procession of Alaskans signed up to testify Tuesday over the future of the state’s ferry system.

The Alaska Roadless Rule decision is moving along. Some tribal governments say it’s moving too fast.

Elizabeth Jenkins, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Juneau

The U.S. Forest Service quietly hit another milestone in its ongoing efforts to consider building new roads in the Tongass National Forest. Last month, it received comments on an important document from cooperating groups.

Are more Juneau high school graduates ready for college? It depends.

Zoe Grueskin, KTOO – Juneau

UAS says over the past five years, more Juneau students are arriving on campus ready for college. UAS uses its own definition of college readiness — a lower bar than national standards — but officials stand by it.

Sparse snowfall in Eastern Interior leaves little ground insulation, may boost wildfire danger

Tim Ellis, KUAC – Fairbanks

Spring officially begins in a week, though warm weather and lack of snowfall in the eastern Interior makes it seem like the equinox is already here. But it’s a different story on the western side of the state.

Ahead of 2022 Olympics, APU skiers get an early preview of Beijing courses

Wesley Early, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage

China will be hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics for the first time. Skiers from 21 different countries got the opportunity to test the trails at a race hosted by Swix China at the start of March. Alaska Pacific University skier Forrest Mahlen was one of 13 representing the U.S. in the race.

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