Alaska News Nightly: Thursday, February 19, 2026

Podcast: Alaska News Nightly – Alaska Public Media
Host: Casey Grove
Date: February 19, 2026

Episode Overview

On this episode of Alaska News Nightly, the team explores the intersection of food security, economic policy, outdoor recreation, public health, and community resilience in Alaska. Key topics include the push to maintain state support for programs boosting local food access, fallout from federal tariffs on coffee, new legislation advocating for people requiring prosthetic and orthotic devices, trails planning for Alaskans’ future mobility, and making the most of Alaskan winters—on a bike. The episode also updates listeners on troubling local crime, legal cases, and highlights the resilient spirit found in Alaska’s mushing and cycling communities.

Main Stories & Key Discussion Points

1. Funding for “Double Up Food Bucks” and Food Security Initiatives

Starts at 01:14

• Background:
  The Alaska Farmers Market Association and food advocates request $750,000 from the state to sustain the “Double Up Food Bucks” program, which doubles the value of SNAP benefits at farmers markets across Alaska.
  Federal food assistance program changes mean Alaska now carries more of the administrative burden and costs, making state funding for supplemental programs even more critical.

• Stakeholders:

  • Rep. Ashley Carrick, Fairbanks (Sponsor of funding request)
  • Brad St. Pierre, Goosefoot Farm/Director of Tanana Valley Farmers Market
  • Hannah Hill, Breadline (Fairbanks anti-hunger nonprofit)

• Key Points & Quotes:

  • The program is “allowing everyone, regardless of income, to have access to locally grown fresh food. It's a great stimulator to our economy and … for local farmers to continue the work they're doing.” (Ashley Carrick, 02:19)
  • Alaska faces unique agricultural and food access challenges—high costs, many imports, few economies of scale
  • Work requirements for SNAP recipients are expanding, with more burden shifted to the state’s Division of Public Assistance
  • “Everybody should be able to have the most delicious Brussels sprouts that Alaska can grow.” (Ashley Carrick, 04:17)
  • “Investing in Alaskan people. It's investing especially in those low income folks, those women and children, the folks that most need to put healthy, nutritious food on their plates.” (Ashley Carrick, 04:59)

• Outlook:
  The program's fate is uncertain given state budget pressures; advocates remain hopeful it will survive the budget process.

2. Legislation on Prosthetic and Orthotic Device Insurance Coverage

Starts at 05:35

• Background:
  State lawmakers consider a bill requiring insurers to cover multiple prosthetic or orthotic devices per patient, offering better support for athletic, daily living, and hygiene needs.

• Stakeholders:

  • Rep. Andy Josephson (Sponsor)
  • Justine Bright, Anchorage resident using orthotics (Advocate)
  • Alison Kahn, prosthetic/orthotic specialist

• Key Points & Quotes:

  • “This is awesome for hiking, backpacking or going to the gym, but it's challenging for things like cross country skiing.” (Justine Bright, 06:05)
  • Insurance typically only covers one device, but “they aren't designed for athletics or even showering,” making life much harder (Alison Kahn, paraphrased, 06:25–07:11)
  • The bill is modeled after similar laws in other states and endorsed by disability advocacy groups.
  • Long-term savings to healthcare system predicted as healthier, active lifestyles are supported.

3. Alaska DOT’s Long-Range Transportation Plan and Trail Advocacy

Starts at 08:00

• Background:
  Alaska’s Department of Transportation begins long-term planning, with for the first time a focus on trails as a formalized part of statewide transportation planning.

• Stakeholders:

  • Eric Troyer, President, Fairbanks Cycle Club
  • Mindy Eggleston, President, Delta Junction Trails Association
  • DOT spokesperson Angelica Staubbs

• Key Points & Quotes:

  • “Trails are a vital part of transportation, especially in Alaska and out in the bush. They're critical and … to actually have them as part of an overall transportation plan shows that the state is recognizing that importance.” (Eric Troyer, 08:23)
  • Public input is actively sought; two special virtual focus groups dedicated to trails (walking, biking, outdoor access)
  • “Trail development, maintenance, grooming is so important … trails and rural roads will play a vital role for accessing our needs and wants.” (Justine Bright, 10:47)
  • DOT is gathering feedback online; further in-person sessions to follow.

4. Public Safety and Crime Updates

Starts at 12:33

• Tuluksak Fish Camp Shooting:

  • Jonathan Owens charged with second-degree murder in a fatal shooting at a fish camp
  • Details provided about ongoing investigation and preliminary court dates

• Anchorage Elections Administrator Indictment:

  • William Northrup, former city elections administrator, indicted for possession of child sexual abuse material

5. Alaskan Coffee Prices and Lasting Impacts of Federal Tariffs

Starts at 15:11

• Background:
  Removal of Trump-era tariffs on coffee has not yet brought prices down for Alaskan consumers. Local roasters and retailers are still dealing with high bean costs, leftovers from months of buying tariffed stock.

• Stakeholders:

  • Zoe Ash, Farm Loop Coffee, Palmer (small batch roaster)
  • Jonathan White, SteamDot (large Anchorage roaster/retailer)
  • Greg Wolf, Alaska International Business Center

• Key Points & Quotes:

  • “I’m still just in the aftermath of keeping this whole thing alive. After increases and the tariffs, we're going to keep seeing the effects of tariffs.” (Zoe Ash, 15:58)
  • “We'll be licking our wounds for a while. It's going to be several months, maybe years, before we're able to find an equilibrium from the losses we incurred in a half a year.” (Jonathan White, 16:56)
  • “Certainty matters … In the absence of that, it’s chaos.” (Greg Wolf, paraphrased, 18:22)
  • Even though tariffs officially ended on some products, higher coffee prices are expected to remain in Alaska for the coming months as old inventory is worked through.

• Industry Context:

  • Alaska already has some of the highest coffee prices in the nation (average $6+ latte)
  • Uncertainty from changing tariff policy is cited as a major challenge for Alaska businesses

6. Bogus Creek 150 Dog Sled Race

Starts at 19:12

• Key Outcomes:

  • Mike Williams Jr. wins his second consecutive Bogus Creek 150, and third overall since 2006.
  • The race remains a proving ground for young mushers, with challenging weather again forcing February scheduling.

• Memorable Moments:

  • “The dogs are the ones that run this year.” (Mike Williams Jr., 19:50)
  • Near photo-finish for second place; dramatic late-race passes and challenging competition for veterans and new mushers alike.

7. Alaska Survival Kit: Winter Bike Commuting

Starts at 21:40

• Feature:
  Host Casey Grove and other Alaskans share their experiences with daily winter bike commuting, offering practical advice for listeners interested in braving the cold on two wheels.

• Interviewees:

  • Tony Lavario, Alaska Air Cargo
  • Nancy Fresco, University of Alaska Fairbanks climate researcher and daily bicyclist

• Tips & Quotes:

  • Commitment is key: “Sometimes … you make a commitment, have it set in your mind … you just go ahead and do this.” (Tony Lavario, 22:35)
  • “Ride to work is always the worst trail and the best trail is the one coming home.” (Tony Lavario, 23:23)
  • Make biking the easiest option: keep your bike ready, minimize car usage.
  • Gear matters but doesn’t have to be extravagant; longevity and warmth are more important than being flashy.
  • “If you don’t have the right gear … it makes the biking feel undesirable … whereas if you do have all of that lined out, it makes it the easy and lazy choice.” (Nancy Fresco, 24:24)
  • Start small, don’t beat yourself up if you can’t go every day.
  • Fun matters: “Something about the crunching [of snow] that is just, like, ah, that sounds so good, so satisfying. It’s like riding on bubble wrap.” (Tony Lavario, 26:08)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “This is allowing everyone, regardless of income, to have access to locally grown fresh food.” —Rep. Ashley Carrick (02:19)
• “Everybody should be able to have the most delicious Brussels sprouts that Alaska can grow.” —Rep. Ashley Carrick (04:17)
• “Trails are a vital part of transportation … especially in Alaska and out in the bush.” —Eric Troyer (08:23)
• “Ride to work is always the worst trail and the best trail is the one coming home.” —Tony Lavario (23:23)
• “Certainty matters … In the absence of that, it’s chaos.” —Greg Wolf (18:22)

Important Timestamps

• 01:14 – Double Up Food Bucks food access initiative
• 05:35 – Insurance coverage for prosthetic/orthotic devices
• 08:00 – DOT long-range trails planning and public input
• 12:33 – Crime updates (Tuluksak shooting, elections administrator indictment)
• 15:11 – Tariffs’ consequences and high coffee prices in Alaska
• 19:12 – Bogus Creek 150 sled dog race recap
• 21:40 – Alaska Survival Kit: Winter cycling advice

Overall Tone and Highlights

Reflective of Alaska’s practical, community-focused, and resilient spirit—the episode shows concern for those struggling with food insecurity, celebrates communities rallying to maintain programs despite budget constraints, and embraces the challenges—and joys—of winter life in the Far North. The tone is warm, encouraging, and rooted in lived experience, providing not just news but insights and inspiration for Alaskans facing everyday challenges.