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Those 20 ‘new’ interceptors Trump wants in Alaska? They’re not NEW new
Liz Ruskin, Alaska Public Media – Washington D.C.
President Trump highlighted the role of Fort Greely in the missile defense plan he unveiled Thursday. But what sounded like a call for a major expansion at the Interior base isn’t breaking new ground.
House chooses Neal Foster as temporary speaker, but there’s still no majority
Andrew Kitchenman, KTOO – Juneau
Speaker Pro Tempore Neal Foster was able to swear in House appointee Sharon Jackson, but the legislative body still can’t form committees or start work on bills until a majority comes together.
Federal government shutdown makes safety on the Kuskokwim more expensive
Anna Rose MacArthur, KYUK – Bethel
Usually, Bethel Search and Rescue would be calling a pilot at the local U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office to schedule a survey of Kuskokwim River ice conditions, but the current government shutdown has shuttered that partnership.
Mat-Su emergency services director resigns with incendiary letter
Casey Grove, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough’s emergency services director has resigned in a fiery, accusatory letter to the borough.
Murkowski, Young and state attorney general call on court to uphold Indian Child Welfare Act
Zoe Grueskin, KTOO – Juneau
Alaska’s attorney general and two of the state’s congressional representatives are calling on a federal appeals court to uphold the Indian Child Welfare Act, or ICWA.
Cruise lines, Juneau still at odds over passenger fee ruling
Jacob Resneck, CoastAlaska – Juneau
Cruise industry attorneys are asking a federal judge to define more precisely what the City and Borough of Juneau can — and can’t — spend its passenger fees on. The judge recently ruled passenger fees can only be spent on services to vessels. The city may appeal the ruling.
Igiugig will test RivGen hydropower through the winter
Avery Lill, KDLG – Dillingham
The U.S. Department of Energy awarded the Igiugig Village Council $2.3 million for the continued development of a hydrokinetic system designed for rivers and shallow tidal waters in remote communities.
After multiple delays, Unalaska’s city dock is open for business
Zoe Sobel, KUCB – Unalaska
After multiple delays, Unalaska’s new city dock is open for business. The renovation of positions 3 and 4 at the Unalaska Marine Center met substantial completion this week.
Alaska Community Foundation raises $100M to support statewide nonprofits
Kirsten Swann, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
The $100 million Alaska Fund was created by private donations from more than 1,600 Alaskans — all the way from a $25 contribution from a 7-year-old boy to large multi-million dollar estate contributions.
How Bethel created four-time K300 Sled Dog Race champ Pete Kaiser
Krysti Shallenberger, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Bethel
If Ron Kaiser had one thing to say to his son, Pete, after a sled dog race, it’s this: Pete could have run a little faster.
