Alaska News Nightly: Monday, March 25, 2019

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Sullivan on Mueller report: ‘There’s no evidence of collusion. It’s over.’

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

Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan says U.S. Attorney General William Barr’s letter summing up the Mueller report clears President Trump and closes a chapter.

Alaska lawmakers weigh becoming only state to not fund medical education

Andrew Kitchenman, KTOO – Juneau

Sixty-one percent of Alaska medical students who attend the WWAMI program return to Alaska. That’s higher than the national average of graduates who stay in state, but it’s lower than what Alaska lawmakers would like to see.

Environmental groups threaten to sue federal government over dispersants used on oil spills

Elizabeth Harball, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Anchorage

A coalition of environmental and public health advocates say they will sue the federal government unless it takes action to restrict the use of dispersants for oil spill cleanup.

Pentagon: Missile defense test succeeds in shootdown

Associated Press

The Pentagon says it has successfully tested a missile defense system designed to shoot down a North Korean missile aimed at the U.S.

Alaska chief justice defends judicial nominating process

Associated Press

The Alaska Supreme Court’s chief justice says founders of the state’s constitution intended for a governor to appoint for judgeships candidates nominated by the Alaska Judicial Council.

Alaskans pack Anchorage hearing to testify on proposed state budget cuts

Kirsten Swann, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage

The vast majority of the people who testified during a House Finance Committee hearing Sunday spoke out in opposition to Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s budget proposal.

Yukon Territory says the US is on the hook for Alaska Highway upgrades

Claire Stremple, KHNS – Haines

The stretch of the Alaska highway that connects the interior to the panhandle is called Shakwak, or the Shakwak Highway. It starts in Haines and goes north through the Yukon Territory. Parts of this vital link are degrading and the Yukon government says the United States should foot the bill.

DEC looks into helicopter fuel spill in Jakolof Bay

Aaron Bolton, KBBI – Homer

State officials are investigating whether a charter helicopter spilled fuel near a Kenai Peninsula oyster farm in Jakolof Bay.

NPS gives go-ahead to 7 new cruise lines to Glacier Bay

Jacob Resneck, CoastAlaska – Juneau

The National Park Service announced a concession plan Friday that approves seven cruise lines to visit Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve over the next decade.

Public divided over process for establishing federal water quality protections

Henry Leasia, KHNS – Haines

Several communities across Alaska have nominated their local waters for a federal Tier 3 designation, which is the Environmental Protection Agency’s highest water quality standard. Until the state establishes a process for approving or denying those nominations, they remain in limbo.

Ketchikan Kings reclaim state title after 45 years

Maria Dudzak, KRBD – Ketchikan

After a 45-year drought, the Ketchikan High School Kings basketball team on Saturday took the 4A title, winning 57-53 against Dimond High School at the state championship tournament in Anchorage.

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