Alaska News Nightly: Monday, December 15, 2025 – Podcast Summary

Episode Overview

This episode of Alaska News Nightly covers major statewide topics, including Senator Dan Sullivan’s political navigation of contentious National Guard deployments, Governor Dunleavy’s shift away from education reform, severe winter weather in southcentral Alaska, a high-profile doctor’s death amid criminal charges, a significant Alaska mining merger, hurdles for Alaska Native veterans seeking land allotments, disaster housing aid, the opening of a new gym in Kaktovik, and a tribute to Athabaskan fiddler Bill Stevens. The tone remains thorough and locally grounded, always aiming to reflect the lived experiences and voices of Alaskans.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Senator Dan Sullivan and National Guard Deployments

• Political Context & Strategy
  • Senator Dan Sullivan, running for reelection, faces the challenge of aligning with President Trump while navigating controversial issues, particularly Trump’s use of the National Guard in U.S. cities.
  • Sullivan voted with Democrats on a failed bill to extend health care subsidies but avoided taking a stance on the use of the Guard domestically.
• Hearing Highlights ([01:24]–[04:43])
  • Democrats decried the National Guard being dispatched to American cities; some Republicans strongly supported it.
  • Sullivan instead highlighted uncontroversial Guard operations—rescuing Alaskans after storms, intercepting Russian bombers over the Bering Sea, and aiding forest fire response—avoiding the central dispute.
    • Notable Quote:
      “We were motivated, Marines, president of the United States told us to go different places, and we went. That's what you do in the military.”
      —Dan Sullivan ([03:02])
• Constitutional Challenge
  • Independent Senator Angus King expressed alarm:
    “The idea that we are saying that the president has the power to, in his own mind, decide what an emergency is and then deploy troops into our cities, I think is exceedingly dangerous. And the people who founded this country thought so, too.”
    —Sen. Angus King ([03:20])
  • Republicans like Senator Tim Sheehy reframed the debate as a national security issue tied to immigration.

2. Governor Dunleavy Backs Away from Education Reform

• Shift in Priorities ([04:43]–[06:23])
  • Governor Dunleavy announces education reform is no longer a top legislative priority, citing lack of legislative will.
    • Notable Quote:
      “I've always said this for year after year after year, that once the issue of money is settled, nobody wants to talk about policy.”
      —Gov. Mike Dunleavy ([04:49])
  • Lawmakers, including Rep. Rebecca Himshute and Rep. Andy Story, vow to keep working on student performance and seek modest funding boosts to address inflation. Story urges overriding Dunleavy’s veto of a tax bill funding educational initiatives.

3. Windstorms Batter Southcentral Alaska

• Weather Impacts ([07:11]–[08:32])
  • Palmer saw gusts above 80 mph; Anchorage peaked above 70 mph in areas.
    • Notable Quote:
      “It wasn't quite as strong as the previous event, but Palmer was still reporting winds near or above 80 miles an hour.”
      —Meteorologist Carson Jones ([07:28])
  • Tree damage, power outages, and icy roads reported. Frigid, dry, and breezy weather expected to persist for weeks with potential for statewide below-average temperatures.

4. Notable News Briefs

Wasilla Doctor’s Death Amid Criminal Probe

• Details ([09:00]–[10:51])
  • Dr. Ryan McDonough, previously charged with 10 felony counts of possessing child sexual abuse material, was found dead in a fire at his home while out on bail. The investigation continues.

Mining Merger: Contango and Dolly Varden

• Industry News ([10:51]–[12:17])
  • Fairbanks-based Contango Ore announces plans to merge with Dolly Varden Silver of Vancouver, creating Contango Silver and Gold. Projects include controversial mining operations near Tetlin and explorations in Hatcher Pass and British Columbia.
    • “Look, we think we're building a rocket ship here.”
      —Rick Van Neuheise, CEO, Contango Ore ([10:51])

Alaska Native Veterans Struggle for Land Allotments

• History & Bureaucratic Hurdles ([12:17]–[16:19])
  • Special congressional exemption allows Alaska Native Vietnam veterans to apply for 160-acre land grants, a program revived in 2019 and closing December 29, 2025.
  • Applicants face bureaucratic barriers: documentation requirements, limited land choice, and complex eligibility.
    • Jim LaBelle’s Story:
      “Can’t say that I’m very happy with the lands that I got...it looks like I’d have to have a helicopter to fly in.”
      —Jim LaBelle, veteran ([13:33])
  • Only about 500 of 2,000 eligible veterans have applied; fewer than 50 applications accepted.
    • Volunteer Perspective:
      “So in that sense it’s been pretty rewarding.”
      —Michael Livingston, veterans’ advocate ([14:56])
    • Sullivan pushes to extend deadline—his bill simply changes “five years” to “ten years,” but faces resistance due to congressional concerns about federal land access in Alaska.

Other Regional Updates

FEMA Housing Assistance

• Storm Recovery ([16:19]–[17:39])
  • Over $3 million in federal funds allocated to Alaska for sheltering victims of ex-Typhoon Ha long. Residents and governments can still seek aid under extended deadlines.

New Gymnasium Opens in Kaktovik

• Community Rebirth ([17:39]–[20:50])
  • The destruction of Kaktovik’s school in 2020 set students and families adrift. The newly opened gym marks a turning point.
    • “It was really emotional to see an actual gym in the community...kids enjoying it and playing.”
      —Flora Rexford, teacher ([18:09])
    • Loss of gym had driven some students away; the facility serves as both recreation center and village gathering place.
    • Next steps: classrooms, cafeteria, and cultural spaces as rebuilding continues toward 2028.

Remembering Athabaskan Fiddler Bill Stevens

• Legacy Tribute ([20:50]–[25:59])
  • Bill Stevens, a revered Athabaskan fiddler, passed away at age 92. Friends, family, and musicians celebrate his musical and cultural contributions.
    • Performance Memory:
      “When he'd start a tune, he wouldn't tell you what the name of the tune was gonna be, but he'd tell you the key. A good clue for the guitar players.”
      —Lisa Yeager, guitarist ([21:37])
    • On Cultural Roots:
      “I don't know my language, and it hurts. But when I sing the music, it makes me feel connected to my people.”
      —Kaylee Nelson ([22:41])
    • Stevens taught and mentored youth, helped keep traditions alive, overcame personal struggles, and gave instruments to students. His impact is described as enduring and healing for the community.
    • “Music pulled him out of that... He'll always be remembered for encouraging Alaska Native youth to be their best and proud of who they are.”
      —Mike Mickelson ([24:41])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:50] Main headlines & Senator Sullivan’s political balancing act
• [01:24] Congressional hearing on National Guard deployments
• [04:43] Governor Dunleavy on dropping education reform as priority
• [07:11] Southcentral Alaska windstorm updates
• [09:00] Wasilla doctor’s death
• [10:51] Alaska mining merger announcement
• [12:17] Alaska Native veterans’ land allotment struggles feature interview
• [16:19] FEMA housing assistance for typhoon evacuees
• [17:39] Kaktovik gymnasium opening and school rebuilding
• [20:50] Remembering Athabaskan fiddler Bill Stevens

Memorable Quotes

• “We were motivated, Marines, president of the United States told us to go different places, and we went. That's what you do in the military.”
  —Senator Dan Sullivan ([03:02])
• “The idea that we are saying that the president has the power to, in his own mind, decide what an emergency is and then deploy troops into our cities, I think is exceedingly dangerous.”
  —Sen. Angus King ([03:20])
• “I've always said this for year after year after year, that once the issue of money is settled, nobody wants to talk about policy.”
  —Governor Mike Dunleavy ([04:49])
• “It was really emotional to see an actual gym in the community there and the kids enjoying it... much needed for our community.”
  —Flora Rexford, Kaktovik teacher ([18:09])
• “I don't know my language, and it hurts. But when I sing the music, it makes me feel connected to my people.”
  —Kaylee Nelson ([22:41])

This episode ties together political maneuvering, the ongoing challenges and resilience of Alaskan communities, and the preservation of cultural traditions—revealing both the unique struggles and the tenacious spirit across Alaska.