Alaska News Nightly: Thursday, April 25, 2019

Stories are posted on the APRN news page. You can subscribe to APRN’s newsfeeds via email, podcast and RSS. Follow us on Facebook at alaskapublic.org and on Twitter @AKPublicNews

Interior delays offshore drilling plan, citing judge’s decision

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

The Trump administration’s plan to expand offshore drilling in the Arctic and throughout U.S. coastal waters is on indefinite hold.

Health commissioner downplays block grant idea

Associated Press

After Gov. Mike Dunleavy told President Donald Trump Alaska was interested in receiving Medicaid dollars as a block grant, Dunleavy’s health commissioner downplayed the prospect to lawmakers.

Anchorage hires consultants to review Port of Alaska project

Associated Press

Anchorage officials have hired consultants to help determined the best path forward for the stalled modernization project of the Port of Alaska.

Murkowski asks for longer Pebble comment period

Elizabeth Harball, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Anchorage

The current 90-day public comment period ends on May 30. The senator wants the Army Corps of Engineers to give the public an additional 30 days to weigh in.

Largest Tongass timber sale in state moving forward

Jacob Resneck, CoastAlaska – Juneau

The first phase of the largest timber offering in Tongass National Forest in decades is moving ahead. And the U.S. Forest Service is asking for public comment.

Before, some teens in crisis had to leave their families in Juneau to get help. That’s changing

Elizabeth Jenkins, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Juneau

Southeast Alaska’s largest hospital has quietly rolled out a new program to close a big gap in behavioral health services for minors.

Emergency response workshop details communication shortfalls in rural Alaska

Emily Hofstaedter, KNOM – Nome

The Arctic Domain Awareness Center came to Nome last week looking for answers; they wanted to know how rural Alaskans, particularly Alaska Natives, felt they were prepared to handle a major weather-related crisis.

Juneau forum discusses local impacts of growth in cruise ship tourism

Adelyn Baxter, KTOO – Juneau

Juneau’s first large cruise ship of the year arrives this weekend, but the conversation about how to manage a growing tourism industry will continue well beyond this record-breaking summer season.

Saturday is Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Casey Grove, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage

This Saturday is Prescription Drug Take Back Day – when people can turn over unwanted or unused prescription medications. It’s one of several initiatives federal health officials say is helping combat drug misuse and addiction.

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