Alaska News Nightly: Wednesday, March 8, 2017

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Trump takes in ‘all things Alaska’

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

Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan brought their case for developing Alaska’s resources to the Oval Office. Murkowski said they  met with President Trump Wednesday for nearly an hour.

Senators make budget plea for Coast Guard

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

Both of Alaska’s U.S. senators wrote the White House budget director Wednesday asking him to spare the Coast Guard from the budget ax.

After public testimony, House committee rejects proposal to cut school bond reimbursements

Emily Files, KHNS – Haines

On Tuesday, the House Finance Committee changed course on a proposal to cut school bond debt reimbursements. The proposal would have left municipalities from Fairbanks to Wrangell with significant funding deficits.

Bogoslof erupts again, sends ash cloud over Aleutians

Associated Press

An Alaska volcano that’s been active since mid-December has erupted again with an ash cloud that could threaten airliners.

What does it take to prove a big oil discovery?

Elizabeth Harball, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Anchorage

There’s a lot of excitement building about three big oil discoveries on Alaska’s North Slope. Companies Caelus Energy, Armstrong Oil and Gas and ConocoPhillips all recently announced they’ve found huge new oil fields. But what does it take to prove an oil discovery?

Lawmakers look to the north as Juneau prepares for Arctic Council meeting

Rashah McChesney, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Juneau

On a cold, sunny day in Juneau, about 40 people gathered in the Capitol to eat lunch and learn about the Arctic. Juneau will host an Arctic Council meeting later this week, and state lawmakers got a visit from national and international scientists, policymakers and researchers on Tuesday.

Southeast tribes to receive $240,000 FEMA grant

Emily Russell, KCAW – Sitka

Tribes in Southeast Alaska will soon have more say in their emergency preparedness plans.

Commercial longline seasons to open on time

Joe Viechnicki, KFSK – Petersburg

Commercial longliners in Alaska can go fishing on March 11 after all. The National Marine Fisheries Service announced Friday (March 3) that March 11th will be the start date for halibut and black cod fishing.

Distraction or advantage? Mushers disagree on Iditarod’s new communication-device rule

Zachariah Hughes, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage

As mushers speed toward Nome, a controversial new Iditarod rule is in effect for the first time. After a vote by the Board of Directors last fall, mushers are now allowed to carry two-way communication devices, like cell and satellite phones. But many competitors both young and old think the presence of technology goes against the spirit of the race.

Correctional center orchestra plays for the pros

Anne Hillman, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage

The Portland Cello Project, a multi-genre cello ensemble, recently visited the Hiland Mountain Correctional Center, a women’s prison located in Eagle River, to work with Hiland’s orchestra.

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