Alaska News Nightly: Wednesday, March 20, 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

Medicaid cuts, while aimed at access, still raise concerns

Andrew Kitchenman, KTOO – Juneau

Medicaid is One of the areas of state government where Governor Mike Dunleavy’s administration is looking to make the largest spending cuts. Administration officials released details of those changes for the first time yesterday.

Hundreds protest in Juneau over Dunleavy’s proposed ferry system cuts

Jacob Resneck, CoastAlaska – Juneau

Hundreds rallied on the Capitol steps in Juneau Wednesday protesting the governor’s plan to shutdown ferry service in October.

Most Alaska military projects spared from border wall fund diversion, DOD says

Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks

Funding for Alaska military projects is largely spared from diversion for construction of a southern border wall, under criteria released by the Department of Defense.

Federal ruling could hurt Trump ANWR ambitions

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

A federal judge says the Bureau of Land Management must take a harder look climate change impacts before issuing oil and gas leases. The case stems from lease sales in Wyoming during the Obama administration. But if the ruling stands, it could slow the Trump administration’s campaign to produce more petroleum from public lands in Alaska and the West.

As Trump administration contemplates Arctic drilling, North Slope organizations stress need to protect subsistence resources

Ravenna Koenig, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Fairbanks

The Interior Department is expected to release an updated plan soon on where the agency will hold offshore oil and gas lease sales in the Arctic over the next 5 years.

Three decades after Exxon Valdez oil disaster, Prince William watchdog group remains on alert

Wesley Early, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage

Three decades later, the Prince William Sound Regional Citizen’s Advisory Council has an important role in making sure a disaster of that magnitude doesn’t happen again.

After some ups and downs, U.S. halibut market favorable for Alaska fishermen in 2019

Aaron Bolton, KBBI – Homer

The U.S. Pacific halibut season kicked off Friday. Some of the first deliveries to Alaska ports are expected later this week and will set the tone for prices on the docks this year.

Anchorage airport anticipates more passengers this summer

Abbey Collins, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage

Passenger capacity on planes flying to Anchorage is projected to increase by 6 percent.

With 20 ships scheduled, Unalaska expects record-setting cruise season

Zoe Sobel, KUCB – Unalaska

Twenty cruise ships are slated to call on the city this year. That’ll set a new record, according to Director Carlin Enlow of the Unalaska Visitors Bureau.

Previous articleSkagway mayoral election too close to call
Next articleOwner of B.C. gold mine near Taku River courts investors