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Dunleavy outlines approach ahead of big budget rollout
Andrew Kitchenman, KTOO – Juneau
Gov. Michael Dunleavy has not proposed a public vote on spending cuts, and he says there isn’t time to do that with this budget.
Seismic ANWR exploration may happen in winter after all, says Interior
Elizabeth Harball, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Anchorage
During the final public meeting in Alaska on oil leasing in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a top Interior Department official said there could be some seismic exploration there this winter, after all.
Drilling foes in House launch bill to close ANWR
Liz Ruskin, Alaska Public Media – Washington D.C.
Opponents of development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge filed a U.S. House bill Monday that would end the possibility of drilling in the refuge. The bill’s prospects are dim in the Senate, but sponsors say they will press on.
Former Quintillion CEO admits to felony fraud
Casey Grove, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
The former CEO of Quintillion – operator of a broadband system linking the Alaska Arctic to an undersea fiber optic cable – has admitted to committing wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Pebble officials outline future of controversial mine
Avery Lill, KDLG – Dillingham
Three key players in the Pebble debate met Monday for a public discussion on the future of the proposed controversial mine in Bristol Bay. It was a rare chance to hear different perspectives on the project during one event. The discussion was the keynote at the Alaska Forum on the Environment in Anchorage.
Of 140,000 comments, most favor keeping the Tongass Forest Roadless Rule
Elizabeth Jenkins, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Juneau
Back in August, the U.S. Forest Service said it would consider the state’s ask for an exemption that would make it easier to build new roads through the federal land.
Investors are backing Southeast’s largest oyster farms
Jacob Resneck, CoastAlaska – Juneau
The largest ever oyster farms in Southeast Alaska could be coming soon. Silver Bay Seafoods wants to lease 182 acres of seafloor in Sitka Sound. The state sees potential for a thriving industry, but local reception has been cool.
Brent Sass wins claims his 2nd Yukon Quest title
Alaska Public Media
Eureka musher Brent Sass has won his second thousand-mile Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race crossing the Fairbanks finish line at this afternoon with all 14 of his dogs.
Southeast Alaska tribe takes initial steps to create their own tribal court
Tripp Crouse, KNBA – Anchorage
A Southeast Alaska tribe has taken the initial steps to begin creating their own tribal court.
UAF plans for cuts amid Governor’s budget proposal
Dan Bross, KUAC – Cuts to state funding are expected, with Governor Dunleavy’s budget scheduled to be released Wednesday. and that includes at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Alaska Native Arts teacher asks Governor to reconsider proposed budget cuts
Scott Burton, KTOO – Juneau
The Governor’s Arts and Humanities Awards took place last week in Juneau. While the Governor himself did not attend, artists, educators and advocates from around the state received awards from his Commissioner of the Department of Administration.
