Alaska News Nightly: Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Podcast: Alaska News Nightly - Alaska Public Media
Host: Casey Grove
Date: February 18, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Alaska News Nightly explores crucial statewide issues, including efforts to address cruise ship pollution, a new gubernatorial candidate focused on environmental stewardship, rising pedestrian fatalities in Anchorage, and rural pet food insecurity. The episode also delves into oversight of federal subsistence rules, a police misconduct conviction, and features a preview of Alaska skier Gus Schumacher’s Olympic medal hopes, highlighting themes of environmental protection, public safety, community support, and athletic resilience.

Key Stories and Discussion Points

1. Curbing Cruise Ship Pollution in Alaska Waters

Reporter: Avery Elfelt

• Environmental Concerns:
  The cruise and shipping industry is under scrutiny for using “scrubbers” to wash pollutants (sulfur and heavy metals) from their exhaust—transferring air pollution into the ocean.
  • “But there's still dirty fuel belching sulfur into Alaska, and that's a problem.” — Ilko Lehman (02:30)
• Legislative Action:
  State Senator Jesse Keel (D-Juneau) is drafting legislation to address the discharge of scrubber wastewater, an “invisible and little regulated source of water pollution,” with various options under consideration (01:52).
  • Lehman, of the Clean Arctic Alliance, notes the international and “tangled web” of regulations, with some regions moving to ban scrubber discharge and others, like the U.S. EPA, lagging in enforcement (03:45).
  • In California and possibly Washington, cleaner fuel mandates near shore have pre-empted the exhaust issue (05:13), with Rep. Deborah Lakhanoff (D-WA), originally from Alaska, highlighting connections to her home state (05:56).
• Industry Response:
  Industry groups oppose clean fuel mandates as burdensome (06:03), while conservationists like Aaron Brakel expect the legislative debate itself to be a major step forward (06:31).
  • “Kickstarting the conversation would be a huge step in the right direction.” — Avery Elfelt (06:39)

2. 2026 Alaska Governor Race Update

Host: Casey Grove
Reporter: Avery Elfelt

• New Candidate:
  Meeda DeWitt, a traditional healer and teacher, announces an independent run, emphasizing stewardship, ecosystem health, and community wellbeing (07:14).
  • “I care about our future and... the way that we steward our land and want to see a state that has a thriving ecosystem and healthy communities that can live in perpetuity.” — Meeda DeWitt (07:14)
• Background:
  DeWitt previously led the unsuccessful campaign to recall Governor Mike Dunleavy. Her campaign spotlights issues such as the cost of living, healthcare, and the state economy (07:28).
• Election Details:
  The crowded August 18 primary will use Alaska’s nonpartisan top-four primary system (07:28).

3. Anchorage Pedestrian Fatalities & Police Misconduct in Bethel

Host: Casey Grove
Reporter: Evan Erickson

• Pedestrian Deaths:
  The first confirmed fatal vehicle-pedestrian collision in Anchorage in 2026 continues a troubling trend—15 such deaths occurred in both 2024 and 2025, the city’s highest in over a decade (09:00).
• Bethel Police Convictions:
  Former officer Jonathan Murphy convicted of assault, false reporting, and tampering after beating a suspect and lying about the incident (10:08–13:03).
  • “From the outset, Jonathan Murphy was not looking for ways to avoid using force. He was looking for a reason. When can I use force, not when do I have to.” — Prosecutor, as recounted by Avery Elfelt (10:37)
  • Defense countered: “You got to look at the totality of the circumstances. Can't cherry pick…” — Defense attorney Joseph Miller (12:00)
  • A civil lawsuit led to a $10 million settlement for this and a related police brutality case (12:38).

4. Pet Food Insecurity in Prince of Wales Island & Community Support

Reporter: Hunter Morrison

• Pet Food Access:
  Few stores on Prince of Wales Island sell affordable pet food. The Ketchikan Community Cat Program’s pet food pantry expanded to the area after the federal SNAP benefits cut, helping dozens of rural pet owners keep their animals fed (13:25–17:38).
  • “I then realized that potentially we were going to have a number of people who have pets who were going to be really adversely affected.” — Margaret Cloud (14:13)
  • Volunteer Christina Wiesner delivers food, motivated by her own experience needing help: “I know if I need help, there's a lot more people on this island who are going to need help, too.” (15:46)
  • The program also assists with spay/neuter via the “SNIP” program and distributes supplies for a variety of animals.
  • “This is a win win for everybody. It saves money. It keeps pets in their homes. It helps reduce the overpopulation...” — Margaret Cloud (17:09)

5. Subsistence Rights & Federal Regulations Public Comment Extension

Host: Casey Grove

• Public Comment Deadline Extended:
  The Department of Interior gives Alaskans more time to weigh in on potential changes to the Federal Subsistence Board rules (17:38).
• Local Concerns:
  Rural users fear any changes may threaten subsistence way of life.
  • “It’s core to our identity as a people, our way of life,” — Joe Nelson, Alaska Federation of Natives (18:24)
  • Safari Club International, which petitioned for changes, claims their intent is misunderstood. “We are not trying to get rid of the federal subsistence board or trying to get rid of subsistence...” — John Sturgeon, Safari Club, (18:56)
• Next Steps:
  No changes are imminent; more input will be gathered before federal action is considered (19:05).

6. Olympics: Gus Schumacher’s Medal Hopes & Team Dynamics

Host: Casey Grove
Reporter: Nat Herz (reporting from Italy)

• Alaska Athlete Spotlight:
  Anchorage’s Gus Schumacher teams with Ben Ogden of Vermont for the Olympic cross country team sprint, with solid podium chances (20:04).
  • “One of Alaska's own, Anchorage raised, Gus Schumacher, [could] win a medal in cross country skiing...They make a really solid team.” — Nat Herz (20:11)
• Coping with Setbacks & Friendship:
  Schumacher faced disappointment as Ogden won a medal and he struggled; their friendship and open emotions were notable.
  • “Everyone wants to be the guy to break the drought, right? And I for sure wanted to be that guy.” — Gus Schumacher (23:08)
  • “The first thing [Ogden] said...was like, ‘I've been thinking about you.’ And that meant so much to me...” — Gus Schumacher (23:51)
• Race Preview:
  U.S. duo is among top contenders, but Norway, Italy, France, and Switzerland pose stiff competition (25:08).
  • “Ogden and Schumacher are actually ranked second out of all 27 teams...this event really does favor them pretty well.” — Nat Herz (25:12)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Cruise Ship Pollution:
  “Scrubbers do not provide the solutions that they were designed for because basically they transfer air pollution to water pollution.” — Ilko Lehman (04:12)
• On Community Support:
  “It’s been a blessing this winter for our family.” — Pet owner, Jenkins, on pet food assistance (16:27)
• On Olympic Pressure:
  “You can really hear the level of directness and honesty there from two teammates...it shows a lot about how much work goes into managing these intense expectations and pressures.” — Nat Herz (24:14)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [01:29] Cruise Ship Pollution & Proposed Legislation
• [06:59] Gubernatorial Race: Meeda DeWitt’s Campaign
• [09:00] Anchorage’s First Pedestrian Fatality of 2026 / Bethel Officer Convictions
• [13:03] Pet Food Pantry Expands to Prince of Wales Island
• [17:38] Federal Subsistence Board Review & Public Input Extension
• [20:04] Gus Schumacher’s Olympic Team Sprint and Athlete Mental Health

Conclusion

This episode provides in-depth coverage of pressing environmental, community, and public safety issues affecting Alaskans, bringing together voices from policymakers, advocates, local residents, and athletes. From the Alaska Legislature to the Olympic arena, the stories highlight both challenges and resilience in the face of change, all delivered in a tone that balances urgency, empathy, and local pride.