Alaska News Nightly: Friday, December 5, 2025

Podcast: Alaska News Nightly – Alaska Public Media
Date: December 6, 2025
Host: Casey Grove

Overview

This episode covers the efforts to provide traditional foods to storm-displaced families in Bethel, fluctuations in bald eagle populations in the Chilkat Valley, an arrest in a Fairbanks teen’s fatal shooting, the legacy of legendary Alaska adventurer Dick Griffith, community reaction to downtown Fairbanks' pilot bike lanes, and tips for choosing the perfect Alaskan Christmas tree. The reporting spans several key regions and touches on the themes of resilience, community, conservation, reflection on legacy, and local traditions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Traditional Foods Drive for Storm-Displaced Families in Bethel

• Effort Initiated: After ex-typhoon Ha Long hit the Yukon-Kuskokwim (YK) Delta, local and regional organizations began collecting traditional subsistence foods for evacuees in Bethel and surrounding villages.

• Food Drive Details: Donations accepted include foods harvested in 2025, like whitefish, seal, walrus, moose, ducks, salmon, and blackberries. The Kuskokwim River Intertribal Fish Commission facilitates registration and distribution.

• Significance: The drive is not just about food, but comfort and preserving cultural identity for displaced families.

  Notable Quotes:

  • “We realized, you know, there wasn't something similar going on here in our own backyard in the YK Delta…” – Avery Elfelt [01:26]
  • “We really want to stress…how much we appreciate any kind of food donation, no matter how big or how small it is.” – Robin Masterman [02:45]
  • “This effort is really to just support and enhance what's already happening organically because it's part of the way of life out here in the YK Delta.” – Avery Elfelt [03:05]

  Timestamps: [00:19]–[03:15]

2. Chilkat Valley Bald Eagle Counts

• Record Numbers Despite Uncertainty: This year saw the highest count of bald eagles (over 1,400) in the Chilkat Valley since 2000, a break from a general trend of declining numbers.

• Factors Affecting Counts: The unique late chum salmon run and milder winters keep the river from freezing, attracting large raptor congregations. However, methods for counting have changed and are limited, making the trends uncertain.

• Long-term Trends & Climate Change: Inconsistent survey methods and warming temperatures complicate data, but experts emphasize that overall bald eagle populations are healthy.

  Notable Quotes:

  • “That's the highest count that I've ever counted and it's the highest count that's been documented since the year 2000.” – Stacey Evans [03:56–04:57]
  • “So we can say that there has been a decline. I mean, it's pretty obvious.” – Stacey Evans [06:11]
  • “There's no indication that eagle populations are diminishing.” – Steve Lewis [07:22]

  Timestamps: [03:31]–[08:10]

3. Fairbanks Teen Shooting Suspect Arrested

• Arrest Made: Darius Morgan, 18, was arrested for the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old at an October house party; two others were arrested for hindering prosecution.

• Law Enforcement Collaboration: The case involved coordinated work between Alaska State Troopers, U.S. Marshals, and tips from the public.

• Emphasis on Public Help: Law enforcement encourages community assistance with ongoing investigations.

  Notable Quotes:

  • “They were able to quickly respond to that tip, which led to Darius Morgan's arrest.” – Austin McDaniel [08:48]
  • “He also thanked members of the public who provided tips and information about Morgan's whereabouts.” – Tim Ellis [10:16]

  Timestamps: [08:16]–[10:36]

4. Valdez Woman Identified in Glenallen Hotel Fire

• Investigation Details: 86-year-old Mary Jo Evans, missing from Valdez, was likely killed in a Glenallen hotel fire, as her car was found burned at the scene and she was not accounted for afterward.

• Fire Believed Accidental: No other victims reported.

  Timestamps: [10:36]–[11:57]

5. Legacy of Dick Griffith, Adventurer and Packrafting Pioneer

• Griffith’s Life: Over 10,000 wilderness miles, pioneering solo expeditions, and credited with popularizing packrafting in Alaska.

• Personality & Influence: Remembered for his determination, humor, and unique approach to life, Griffith inspired a generation of adventurers.

• Contributions: Made many solo wilderness firsts, often in his later years, and became a role model for Alaska’s outdoor community.

  Notable Quotes:

  • “He kind of looked like Clint Eastwood in tennis shoes and a backpack.” – Roman Dial [11:57]
  • “He was one of the first people that did these solo trips, long trips, and he did most of them in the latter part of his life… Mostly people couldn't keep up with him.” – Kayleen Johnson Sullivan [15:53–16:40]
  • “Old age and treachery will win every time.” – Dick Griffith, quoted by Roman Dial [15:18]
  • “He met life's challenges just head on. And he lived life completely and fully all of his life.” – Kayleen Johnson Sullivan [16:55]

  Timestamps: [11:57]–[17:23]

6. Fairbanks Downtown Bike Lane Pilot Project

• Project & Survey Results: Temporary bike lanes on Barnett Street and 10th Avenue drew mixed feedback; public opinion evenly split. Safety cited as a benefit by cyclists; majority of critics do not bike regularly.

• Next Steps: Continuation and expansion of the bike network would require new resolutions and additional approval.

  Notable Quotes:

  • “You just don't want to be in the line of traffic… This gets you out of the way. Safety, a lot of safety.” – David Button [18:36]
  • “And we got comments like ‘Whose cockamamie idea was this?’” – Olivia Lunsford [19:47]
  • “Collectively, the responses suggest public opinion didn't clearly tip one way or the other on the project.” – Casey Grove [19:23]

  Timestamps: [17:33]–[21:11]

7. How to Find and Harvest the Perfect Alaskan Christmas Tree

• Personal Story & Practical Advice: Alyona Nydin, with forester Steven Nicholl, explores how and where to harvest a quality Christmas tree legally in Alaska. Tips include cutting to the ground, choosing healthy, green trees, handling with care, and allowing branches to relax before decorating.

• Local Traditions: Emphasizes the abundance of local spruce and the traditions tied to cutting your own tree in Alaskan winter landscapes.

  Notable Quotes:

  • “General rules are one tree per household less than 15 ft tall. We want folks who cut the tree all the way down to the ground and then just clean up after yourself.” – Steven Nicholl [22:25]
  • “Nikhil says to look for healthy green needles to make sure the tree will last.” – Alyona Nydin [23:01]

  Memorable Moment:

  • “Oh, this one is probably white spruce, right?” – Alyona Nydin [23:43]

  Timestamps: [21:11]–[25:04]

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “Old age and treachery will win every time.” – Dick Griffith, as recounted by Roman Dial [15:18]
• “…how much we appreciate any kind of food donation, no matter how big or how small it is.” – Robin Masterman [02:45]
• “You just don't want to be in the line of traffic… This gets you out of the way.” – David Button, bike lane user [18:36]

Useful Timestamps for Key Segments

• Traditional Foods Drive: [00:19]–[03:15]
• Chilkat Bald Eagle Survey: [03:31]–[08:10]
• Fairbanks Shooting Arrest: [08:16]–[10:36]
• Mary Jo Evans Fire Investigation: [10:36]–[11:57]
• Dick Griffith Remembrance: [11:57]–[17:23]
• Fairbanks Bike Lane Project: [17:33]–[21:11]
• Christmas Tree Harvesting: [21:11]–[25:04]

Tone & Style

The episode maintains a compassionate, community-focused, and informative tone, highlighting the resilience and ingenuity of Alaskans across regions and circumstances. The voices of local organizers, scientists, law enforcement, adventurers, and everyday residents bring authenticity and a personal touch to the news.

Additional Resources

• Kuskokwim River Intertribal Fish Commission: cuscosalmon.org
• Alaska Division of Forestry Christmas Tree Permits & Tips: forestry.alaska.gov