Alaska News Nightly: Monday, February 16, 2026

Host: Wesley Early, Alaska Public Media
Summary Date: February 17, 2026
Episode Theme:
This episode explores major statewide issues—from legislative efforts to reform Alaska’s corporate income tax, to ongoing concerns about student welfare and declining enrollment at Mount Edgecumbe High School, and hotly contested local debates over resource development, school closures, transparency in law enforcement, and transportation planning. The episode features in-depth reporting and testimony from stakeholders and lawmakers on key controversies shaping Alaskans' lives.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Alaska Corporate Income Tax Reform

(Starts ~00:28 - 03:08)

• Background: Legislators are reviving a bill—previously vetoed by Governor Dunleavy—that would change how corporate income tax is calculated in Alaska, seeking to close loopholes that allow highly digital, out-of-state businesses to avoid paying state taxes.
  • Quote: “If you're a highly digital business that doesn't have a physical presence here in the state, you are not paying taxes to the state of Alaska. You're paying those taxes to other states.” — Rep. Calvin Schrage [01:34]
• Fiscal Impact: The Department of Revenue estimates the bill could yield $25-65 million annually.
• Legislative Debate: While there’s bipartisan acknowledgment of the need for modernization, concerns remain over technical aspects (like making it retroactive), and Governor Dunleavy’s support is unclear without parallel spending controls.
  • Quote: “No change in a tax structure is perfect, but there are ... impacts that we should actually understand that the public's going to expect us to kind of understand.” — Rep. Will Stapp [02:19]

2. Mount Edgecumbe High School: Student Welfare and Budget Challenges

(03:08 - 08:46)

• Crisis Overview: State lawmakers intensively questioned leadership at the Sitka-based, state-run boarding school for Alaska Native students after a steep drop in enrollment—one quarter of students left this year amid ongoing concerns about welfare, mental health, and deteriorating programs.
• Oversight and Accountability:
  • Quote: “We are not here today to point fingers ... Rather, we are here to bring facts, transparency, and perspective to the situation.” — Rep. Rebecca Himschoot [03:26]
• Budget Cuts and Staffing Changes: The pandemic brought temporary funding which has expired, resulting in a deficit and reductions in staff. Critical maintenance issues (leaking pipes, broken showers, failing dorm appliances) remain unaddressed.
• Student Testimony:
  • Quote: “It seems like they have trouble communicating, which leads to inconsistent application of rules ... There's been trouble ... getting rides and just like less collaboration, which affects REC activities.” — Ilana Kalki, student [07:02]
  • Concerns about Facilities: “There's leaky pipes, washers that don't work, malfunctioning showers ... leaks in classrooms, in the library.” — Kalki [07:40]
• Legislative Skepticism: Questions about the decision to hire a superintendent juggling two jobs and chronic lack of follow-up on vetoed funding for repairs.
  • Quote: “It's just very challenging for me to understand exactly what the oversight has been of this particular facility underneath your leadership.” — Sen. Loki Tobin [08:28]
• Response: Leadership claims to be addressing maintenance and food issues and vows to work to restore enrollment.

3. Anchorage School Closures Considered Amid Budget Crisis

(08:59 - 10:41)

• Context: Facing a $90 million gap, ASD proposes closing three elementary schools (Fire Lake, Lake Otis, Campbell STEM).
• Cost-Saving Measures: Additional planned cuts include 500 staff positions and middle/high school athletics.
• Public Input: Community members can testify at school board meeting; final votes are scheduled for February 24.

4. Lawmaker Proposes Ban on Masks for Law Enforcement Officers

(10:41 - 13:39)

• Bill Overview:
  • Rep. Sarah Hannan's Proposal: Ban on duty-wearing of masks by all Alaska law enforcement (federal, state, local) except for medical, safety, weather, or undercover needs.
    • Quote: “When officers conceal their faces, they compromise transparency, communication and the public's perception of accountability.” — Rep. Sarah Hannan [11:10]
• Origin: Inspired by national outrage after fatal shootings by masked federal officers.
• Debate: Mixed reactions—some support for transparency, others (like Rep. Kevin McCabe) see masks as vital for officer safety and question whether the issue is real in Alaska.
  • Quote: “I have never seen a masked officer that wasn't on a snowmobile actually in Alaska. So I'm not sure that this is actually a problem.” — Rep. Kevin McCabe [12:32]
• Unclear Future: Bill faces uncertain prospects in the legislature.

5. Johnson Tract Mine Proposal: Community Opposition Grows

(13:39 - 18:23)

• Project Overview: Contango Ore seeks to develop a multi-metal mine in Lake Clark National Park. The area is home to several multi-generational fishing and tourism businesses, many of which fear ecological and economic impacts.
• Environmental Concerns:
  • Quote: “There's going to be trucks, there's going to be industrial activity ... it's going to affect the water quality and also the wildlife.” — Doreen Corey, local business owner [14:36]
  • Bears at Risk: “The biggest danger to bears all over the country is food conditioning from humans.” — Adam Rector, lodge operator [15:42]
• Permitting and Process: Contango and its Native corporation partner say development will be “responsible.” Opponents cite endangered wildlife, water pollution, and risk to tourism.
• Regulatory Status: Mining not imminent; environmental studies and permitting continue, with potential start date of 2029. A court challenge to a key permit is pending.
• Standoff:
  • Quote: “We're not on the same side of this issue. So I didn't expect to agree. I came to get information.” — Adam Rector [17:59]

6. Yukon Quest 750 Sled Dog Race: Josie Shelley in the Lead

(18:23 - 21:59)

• Shelley’s Approach: Despite a large lead, race frontrunner Josie Shelley is using the finale to prep her team for the upcoming Iditarod, focusing on training and resilience.
  • Quote: “Even though there's not anyone immediately behind me, still trying to run and kind of push them a little bit, see what we have ahead.” — Josie Shelley [08:51, repeated [21:23]]
• Community Spirit: Rampart school kids volunteer at the checkpoint, cheer on the teams, and even write race coverage.
• Dog Team Health: Some teams battle illness; Shelley welcomes early 'germ exposure' to build immunity for her dogs.
  • Quote: “It's never fun to deal with that on a race, but ... if it's kind of nice to have it out of the way.” — Josie Shelley [20:49]

7. Controversial Juneau-Haines Ferry Terminal Project

(21:59 - 25:55)

• Project Outline: The DOT signed a $28.5 million contract to move the ferry terminal from Auk Bay to Cascade Point—30 miles north—intending to benefit industry access.
• Public & Legislative Backlash:
  • 92% of public comments opposed the project; critics say the move adds inconvenience for travelers and benefits private interests (e.g., Goldbelt Native Corporation, a Canadian mining firm) more than the public.
    • Quote: “622 comments came in—92% of the people said we don't want Cascade Point.” — Rep. Louise Stutes [22:56]
    • Quote: “It feels very strongly to me like what's really happening is Goldbelt is the primary beneficiary of a project the state is going to utilize federal dollars to support.” — Rep. Ashley Carrick [24:29]
• DOT Response: Promises further public input and transparency, but lawmakers remain skeptical, especially as funds are already committed before public outreach.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On the corporate tax loophole:
  • Rep. Calvin Schrage: “If you're a highly digital business ... you are not paying taxes to the state of Alaska.” [01:34]
• On lawmaker responsibility at Mt. Edgecumbe:
  • Rep. Rebecca Himschoot: “We are not here today to point fingers ... Rather, we are here to bring facts, transparency and perspective to the situation.” [03:26]
• Student's on-the-ground perspective:
  • Ilana Kalki: “There's leaky pipes, washers that don't work, malfunctioning showers ... leaks in classrooms, in the library.” [07:40]
• On masks and law enforcement:
  • Rep. Sarah Hannan: “When officers conceal their faces, they compromise transparency, communication and the public's perception of accountability.” [11:10]
  • Rep. Kevin McCabe: “I have never seen a masked officer that wasn't on a snowmobile actually in Alaska.” [12:32]
• Mine opposition on wildlife:
  • Adam Rector: “The biggest danger to bears all over the country is food conditioning from humans.” [15:42]
• Public opposition to ferry terminal:
  • Rep. Louise Stutes: “622 comments came in—92% of the people said we don't want Cascade Point.” [22:56]
  • Rep. Ashley Carrick: “It feels very strongly to me like what's really happening is Goldbelt is the primary beneficiary ...” [24:29]
• On racing and resilience:
  • Josie Shelley: “Even though there's not anyone immediately behind me, still trying to run ... and see what we have ahead.” [21:23]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [00:28] – Alaska corporate income tax reform debate begins
• [03:08] – Mt. Edgecumbe boarding school scrutiny and student testimony
• [08:59] – Anchorage school closure proposals
• [10:41] – Mask ban in law enforcement bill debate
• [13:39] – Johnson Tract Mine project: companies vs. local businesses
• [18:23] – Yukon Quest sled dog race and Josie Shelley’s approach
• [21:59] – Cascade Point ferry terminal project controversy

Tone

The episode maintains an investigative, community-centered tone, highlighting local voices, legislative scrutiny, and a sense of urgency around longstanding issues and emerging controversies. Quotes capture the directness and concern of Alaskan lawmakers, students, business owners, and community members.

This detailed summary captures the major themes and memorable moments from Alaska News Nightly, offering a comprehensive overview for anyone who missed the episode.