Alaska News Nightly: Thursday, December 11, 2025
Podcast: Alaska News Nightly – Alaska Public Media
Host: Casey Grove
Air Date: December 11, 2025
Overview
This episode delivers a round-up of major state news, covering Alaska’s U.S. senators and the failed healthcare subsidy extension, Governor Dunleavy's proposed state budget and fiscal challenges, a lawsuit challenging North Slope oil exploration, a severe winter storm’s impact on rural communities, potential election day changes in Kenai, new research on lynx migration, local support for Ukraine, and Juneau’s family-friendly fight night. Reporters from across Alaska contribute on-the-ground insights, interviews, and first-hand accounts, painting a comprehensive picture of issues affecting Alaskans statewide.
Key Stories & Discussion Points
1. Congress Fails to Extend Health Care Tax Credits
[00:18–04:07]
Reporter: Liz Ruskin
- Both Senator Lisa Murkowski and Senator Dan Sullivan were among four Republicans to cross party lines in support of extending Affordable Care Act subsidies for three years; the proposal ultimately failed to achieve the 60 votes needed.
- Murkowski’s support was expected: "We failed to help all those who are facing these shockingly, completely unaffordable increases in their health care premiums." – Lisa Murkowski, Senate floor ([00:18])
- Sullivan’s "yes" vote was unusual. Despite his frequent opposition to such measures, he justified his vote by citing an obligation to help "hardworking Alaskans."
- Political backdrop: Sullivan faces reelection next year and is under pressure from Democratic campaigns blaming him for rising health insurance costs.
- Alaskans are particularly vulnerable, facing some of the highest premiums in the country; e.g., KFF estimates a 60-year-old earning $78,000 could see a nearly 300% increase if subsidies expire.
Notable Quote:
"He's voted I think seven times in the last two months against it. And now when he knows it's gonna fail, votes for it? Are you kidding me?"
—Eric Croft, Alaska Democratic Party Chair ([03:11])
2. Governor Dunleavy’s Proposed Budget and Fiscal Challenges
[04:07–08:01]
Reporter: Eric Stone
- Governor Dunleavy releases a proposed budget relying on over $1.5 billion from state savings, including a full $3,600 Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD).
- For the first time in seven years, Dunleavy did not hold a traditional press conference, opting for online videos.
- Dunleavy acknowledges the danger:
"Drawing down our savings is not a sustainable plan, nor is using your PFD year after year." ([05:16])
- Skepticism from key legislators:
- Sen. Bert Stedman: "If we would have followed his plan after this year, we'd be completely broke. So it's not acceptable, and we're going to have to work through our process." ([06:42])
- Rep. Andy Josephson would rather spend state savings on schools and infrastructure than on a large PFD.
- A 10-year fiscal plan proposes $1.6 billion in "new revenue measures" after 2027, but no specifics provided.
- Lawmakers return January 20; expectation is for months of contentious budget debate.
3. Lawsuit Filed Against North Slope Oil Exploration
[08:01–09:36]
Reporter: Casey Grove
- Alaska Native and conservation groups sue the Trump administration and ConocoPhillips over large winter exploration plans near the Willow oil discovery on the North Slope.
- Plaintiffs claim environmental review was insufficient and wildlife (especially caribou) and subsistence needs were not protected. The public had only one week to comment.
- ConocoPhillips maintains confidence in its permits and emphasizes economic benefits, with hundreds of winter jobs estimated.
4. Kuskokwim Village Endures Power and Water Crisis After Storm
[09:42–10:58]
Reporter: Casey Grove
- Nabuskiak, along the Kuskokwim River, lost power for four days due to ice storms; power is restored, but water pipes burst due to the outage, leaving the village still without running water.
- Emergency supplies are delivered by plane or snowmachine; tribal chief Sharon Williams highlights the community’s vulnerability and need for infrastructure investment.
5. SE Alaska Records Winter Snows and Freezing Cold
[10:58–11:45]
- Meteorologist Jeff Garmin reports Petersburg, Wrangell, and other southeast towns break daily snowfall records, with up to 18 inches falling.
- More snow and sustained freezing temperatures expected in the coming week.
Notable Quote:
"We're just going to be in the deep cold for pretty much the next week."
—Jeff Garman, National Weather Service ([11:41])
6. Kenai Considers Moving Local Elections to November
[11:45–13:15]
Reporter: Casey Grove
- Kenai City Council considers realigning city elections with borough-wide November elections, aiming to cut costs and boost turnout.
- City Clerk Shelly Saner: Realignment would reduce costs from $33,000 to about a third.
- A ballot measure is required; special election would cost $25,000, but most members support the consolidation for cost savings and convenience for voters.
7. Lynx Research in the Chilkat Valley
[13:15–18:24]
Reporter: Avery Elfelt
- Demand for knowledge about lynx rises after a recent surge in trappings near Haines.
- Wildlife biologist Liz Hofer leads a project using trail cameras and public reports to understand when and why lynx visit the region, and whether they might adapt more permanently.
- Study investigates the effect of snowshoe hare population cycles; when hares decline in the Yukon, lynx travel into Alaska.
- Volunteers and local trappers are enlisted to share sightings and provide research samples.
Notable Moments:
"That's only one of many, so I just can't believe that they wouldn't do well."
—Liz Hofer, on lynx adapting to local food resources ([15:28])
"Oh, there's the hare, just running. My hair just turned fully white. Oh, no way he's fully white. Oh, that's cool. Totally cool. Perfect timing."
—Field moment with biologists ([17:58])
8. Alaska Grassroots Aid for Ukraine
[18:24–21:46]
Reporter: Wally Rana
- Mark Hayward, a retired Special Forces medic from Nome, volunteers in Ukraine, facilitating aid deliveries and military training.
- The “Alaska 2 Ukraine” nonprofit sends resources directly—first ambulance was funded via Nome’s VFW pancake breakfast.
- Collaboration with Gnome resident Roland Trowbridge led to starting a workshop for drone jammers in Nome’s old hospital, sent to Ukraine.
- Recent trips highlight interviews with Ukrainian Christians and pastors about maintaining faith and community during wartime.
Notable Quote:
"The first ambulance that I delivered was paid for entirely by donors from Nome who got together at a pancake breakfast at the VFW and gave my wife an envelope full of cash saying, hey, we want to help Mark in Ukraine."
—Mark Hayward ([19:36])
9. Juneau’s AK Beatdown: Family-Friendly Fight Night
[21:46–25:19]
Reporter: Clarice Larson
- Over 450 tickets sold out for the 40th AK Beatdown, a local boxing/MMA event in Juneau designed for all ages and families.
- 22 fighters participated, ranging from 16 to 69 years old. "Jackhammer" Jack Duckworth, age 69, fights alongside his son and grandson.
- Organizers pride themselves on professionalism, safety, and fostering community during cold, dark winters.
- Spectators and fighters alike emphasized the sense of community, tradition, and healthy competition.
Notable Quotes:
"I love it. I started doing taekwondo at 25, so I've been teaching for all these years and doing the boxing I totally support."
—Jack Duckworth, 69-year-old fighter ([23:10])
"This is so far my favorite beatdown since I don't have to fight in it and I just get to enjoy the livelihood and the energy."
—Brian McFadden, spectator and former fighter ([24:43])
Timestamps for Major Segments
- Healthcare subsidies vote: 00:18–04:07
- Governor’s budget & fiscal debate: 04:07–08:01
- North Slope lawsuit: 08:01–09:36
- Kuskokwim outage: 09:42–10:58
- Winter weather: 10:58–11:45
- Kenai election alignment: 11:45–13:15
- Lynx research: 13:15–18:24
- Alaska to Ukraine: 18:24–21:46
- Juneau AK Beatdown: 21:46–25:19
Memorable Moments & Tone
The episode maintains a factual, clear, and often candid tone, especially when officials and community leaders voice skepticism, pride, or personal commitment.
- Strong advocacy for vulnerable residents from Murkowski and community groups.
- Frustration and skepticism from lawmakers regarding Alaska’s persistent budget woes.
- Heartfelt, grassroots generosity in aid for Ukraine.
- Celebration of community grit and connection, whether through sports, research, or weather resilience.
Notable Closing Correction
[25:19]
- Correction: Alaska is now one of two states with no state-level income or sales tax, after New Hampshire dropped its tax on interest and dividends.
Reporters: Liz Ruskin (Washington, D.C.), Eric Stone & Clarice Larson (Juneau), Wally Rana (Nome), Avery Elfelt (Haines), and others across Alaska.
For the full stories and more, visit alaskapublic.org.