Alaska News Nightly: Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017

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Walker calls for a fourth special session

Andrew Kitcheman, Alaska Public Media-KTOO – Juneau

Governor Bill Walker said today (Thursday) that he will call the Legislature back for a fourth special session primarily focused on revenue. The session would convene on October 23rd in Juneau.

Walker lends support to Trump in lawsuit over arctic drilling

Elizabeth Harball, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Anchorage

The state of Alaska is going to stand by President Donald Trump’s side in court to defend an order aiming to reopen large parts of the Arctic Ocean to oil drilling.

Tillerson proposes scrapping arctic and climate envoys

Rachel Waldholz, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Anchorage
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson wants to do away with special envoys focused on the Arctic and climate change, as part of his effort to overhaul the State Department.

Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz files for re-election

Zachariah Hughes, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage

Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz [BERK-oh-wits] will run for re-election. In a letter filed with the state’s Political Offices Commission today [THUR], Berkowitz indicated he’s planning to run again for mayor in 2018.

 

Details of kidnapped Anchorage man’s beating emerge as suspects still sought

Casey Grove, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage

Three of four suspects indicted in a brutal beating earlier this month in East Anchorage are still on the loose, and police say their victim, dropped at a local hospital in a dog crate, almost died.

State budget cuts cause uncertainty for court system positions

Emily Files, KHNS – Haines

Rural towns in Alaska are adjusting to a court system hampered by state budget cuts. In the past couple years, as magistrate judges in small Southeast communities retire, the court system held off on filling some of the positions.

State extends bid process for ferry Taku

Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau

The state has pushed back the bid deadline for the ferry Taku – again. That’s because a potential buyer wants more time.

After nearly two decades Bristol Bay Native Corporation reopens quarry

Avery Lill, KDLG – Dillingham

The Bristol Bay Native Corporation is reopening the Snake Lake Quarry. The site closed 17 years ago.

Hunters troll PETA in unusual campaign, but did it backfire?

Zachariah Hughes, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage

When the organization PETA [PEET-uh] — People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals — rolled out a new social media campaign, it caught on with an unexpected group. Hunters.

Lori Townsend is the news director and senior host for Alaska Public Media. You can send her news tips and program ideas for Talk of Alaska and Alaska Insight at ltownsend@alaskapublic.org or call 907-550-8452.

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