Alaska News Nightly – November 18, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Alaska News Nightly delivers a comprehensive sweep of major stories affecting Alaskans statewide, from Congressional actions to local tragedies, environmental technology, contentious mining projects, and community recovery efforts. The reporting features a range of perspectives—government officials, scientists, community leaders, and everyday residents—painting a detailed portrait of both challenges and innovations unfolding across Alaska.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. Alaska Delegation Supports Epstein Files Release

• Summary:
  Alaska’s Congressional delegation voted in favor of a bill compelling the Justice Department to release documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. The vote was politically charged, especially with recent reversals in position by former President Trump.
• Key Points:
  • Congressman Nick Begich and other Alaska reps support transparency.
    • Begich: "I was committed to voting yes on this bill for quite some time." (01:34)
    • Craig Perry: "I think transparency is important." (01:37)
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson and Begich had concerns about protecting victim identities.
    • Craig Perry: "Obviously, we want to make sure that we're protecting the victims." (02:15)
    • Casey Grove: “We’re protecting the innocent.” (02:18)
  • Senate passed the bill without changes. Murkowski and Sullivan had previously objected due to legislative process concerns.
  • The issue highlights delicate balances between legislative transparency, victim protection, and political pressures.
• Memorable Quote:
  “What we were trying to do was to keep a poison pill off of the NDAA, and we did just that.” — Jamie Goen, summarizing Murkowski's stance (02:56)

2. Alaska National Guard: Concerns Over Domestic Deployment Directive (03:28)

• Summary:
  State legislators question a federal Pentagon directive ordering the National Guard to prepare for crowd control operations, fearing it could detract from the Guard's role in disaster relief.
• Key Points:
  • The directive calls for training in riot control methods.
  • Anchorage Rep. Andrew Gray and Sen. Scott Kawasaki cite lack of clarity and transparency.
  • There’s little communication from state or National Guard leaders.
  • Governor Dunleavy’s office did not respond to requests for clarification.
• Notable Quote:
  On the broad and vague nature of the order:
  • “It raises serious questions about its intent and implications, particularly regarding the potential use of these forces in domestic law enforcement situations.” — Excerpt from legislators' letter (03:28)

3. New Tech to Prevent Whale Strikes by Alaska Shipping Company (05:47)

• Summary:
  The Madsen shipping company implements “Whale Spotter,” an AI-driven system using thermal imagery and real-time monitoring by marine mammal observers to reduce deadly whale strikes.
• Key Points:
  • Ship strikes are a leading cause of whale deaths; humpbacks are especially at risk.
  • Whale Spotter debuted commercially about a year ago and is spreading among Alaskan fleets.
  • The system combines AI and human review to alert crews in time to avoid whales.
  • Whale populations are stressed post marine heatwave; up-to-date tech is needed.
  • Effective technology is only part of the solution—crew protocols and training are vital.
• Memorable Quotes:
  • “The hope is this new technology will make that even more rare of an occurrence in the future.” — Jamie Goen, Madsen (06:03)
  • “Whenever you're running high speed large boats through whale waters, that increases the likelihood of strikes.” — Jamie Goen, Alaska Whale Foundation (07:01)
  • “We're enabling a vessel to detect a whale well ahead of the amount of time it needs to make a turn or slow down.” — Craig Perry, Whale Spotter CEO (07:48)

4. Alaska Railroad Fatality Near Anderson (09:46)

• Summary:
  A Fairbanks man, Walter Peter, was killed after being struck by a southbound Alaska Railroad train, spotlighting ongoing public safety risks along the tracks.
• Key Points:
  • This is the third pedestrian strike by trains this year, with two fatal outcomes.
  • Railroad officials stress the impossibility of stopping trains quickly and urge the public to stay off tracks and rights of way.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “It's such a terrible loss for the victim and their loved ones, and it's an incredibly difficult event for our train crews.” — Jamie Goen, Railroad Spokesperson (10:31)
  • “It can actually take over a mile to bring a train to a stop, and that's why it's so important that folks stay on off of the tracks.” — Jamie Goen (10:47)

5. Juneau Police Excessive Force Lawsuit (12:07)

• Summary:
  Christopher Williams Jr. sues the City and Borough of Juneau and former officer Brandon LeBlanc after a violent arrest resulted in life-altering injuries, citing previous complaints against the officer.
• Key Points:
  • Video of the incident went viral, spurring public outcry.
  • The lawsuit alleges malice, failure to render aid, and city liability for hiring and (not) supervising LeBlanc.
  • LeBlanc has a history of previous excessive force allegations in another state.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “It's dehumanizing to see the way Mr. Williams was treated... it represents an assault on human dignity.” — Jamie Goen, Williams’ attorney (12:24)
  • “If it looks like the city and borough of Juneau shouldn't have hired this guy in the first place, we're going to hold him accountable for that.” — Jamie Goen (13:47)

6. Palmer Mining Project Changes Ownership, Tribes Oppose (14:31)

• Summary:
  The contentious Palmer mineral exploration project near Haines is now owned by Vizsla Copper Corp. Despite company pledges for community engagement, the Chilkat Indian Village remains firmly against future mining due to environmental/salmon risk.
• Key Points:
  • Palmer is considered a prize in light of surging minerals demand, but faces years of approvals ahead.
  • Tribal leadership expresses little hope for meaningful engagement, citing past experience.
• Memorable Quotes:
  • “This is a long way from being a mining project and there’s a lot of stages you have to go through to get there.” — Craig Perry, Vizsla Copper CEO (15:31)
  • “I seriously do not believe there is any opportunity to gain community support. The threat is too significant.” — Jamie Goen, Chilkat Indian Village President (16:34)
  • “The moment we sit down with them, it's considered engaging with the tribe. It's not meaningful engagement when they’ll come and listen, but they'll still do whatever they want.” — Jamie Goen (17:04)

7. Juneau Assembly Tables Ranked Choice Voting Proposal (17:58)

• Summary:
  Juneau’s Assembly indefinitely sidelined a proposal for ranked choice voting (RCV) in local elections after nearly unanimous public opposition.
• Key Points:
  • Some, like Roger Calloway (18:23), said such a change should be put to voters directly.
  • Recently retired city clerk Beth McEwen worried RCV would confuse local voters.
  • The idea may return with a future Assembly.
• Memorable Quotes:
  • “I believe it's wrong for you, the assembly, to decide how we the voters get to cast our votes.” — Craig Perry, public testimony (18:23)
  • “I think it was a good decision for state elections, not for local elections.” — Jamie Goen, Beth McEwen (18:56)
  • Assembly member Ella Adkisson: “It is not the right time to implement the change as the city faces more pressing issues like budget cuts.” (19:14)

8. Delayed Disaster Relief for Alaska Crabbers (19:49)

• Summary:
  Federal aid is finally reaching Alaska crab fishermen four years after fisheries disasters, but advocates decry the slow process.
• Key Points:
  • Crabbers waited years for relief after stocks collapsed in 2021-2023.
  • Jamie Goen, of Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers, calls for a faster system.
  • The outlook for the current crab season is improving, but stability remains elusive.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “It needs to be within six months so that it's useful for these families that are trying to make monthly payments. Waiting four to six years to get your paycheck—that just doesn't work for most families.” — Jamie Goen (20:51)
  • “We want to be fishing. We don't want to be asking for fishery disasters.” — Jamie Goen (21:21)

9. Southwest Alaska Storm Recovery: Community & Arts Response (21:46)

• Summary:
  A recent devastating storm prompts a unique fundraiser pairing literature and art for displaced village residents. Bethel-raised author Don Reardon offers book proceeds and family art to aid the Together We Will Weather the Storm Fund.
• Key Points:
  • Reardon reflects on the alienation faced by displaced villagers in urban centers.
  • His works, including “Moving Salmon Bay,” eerily presage recent real-life disasters.
  • His sister Beth Hill contributes art rooted in understanding traditional subsistence lifeways; she emphasizes heartbreak and connection with the land.
  • Both highlight the importance of community and shared vulnerability in the face of climate change.
• Memorable Quotes:
  • “Once you live in a community where someone sees you, looks you in the eye, says your name, acknowledges your humanity; then you come to town and people don’t look you in the face... you just feel invisible.” — Craig Perry/Don Reardon (22:15)
  • “We're just one disaster away from being in this exact same situation.” — Craig Perry/Don Reardon (25:16)
  • “It just breaks my heart.” — Jamie Goen/Beth Hill (24:48)

Notable Moments & Quotes by Timestamp

• Epstein Files Transparency
  “I was committed to voting yes on this bill for quite some time.” — Nick Begich (01:34)
  “I think transparency is important.” — Craig Perry (01:37)

• Whale Strike Prevention
  “The hope is this new technology will make that even more rare of an occurrence in the future.” — Jamie Goen (06:03)

• Railroad Fatality
  "It's such a terrible loss for the victim and their loved ones..." — Jamie Goen (10:31)
  “It can actually take over a mile to bring a train to a stop…” — Jamie Goen (10:47)

• Civil Rights & Policing
  “It's dehumanizing to see the way Mr. Williams was treated in this case...” — Jamie Goen (12:24)

• Palmer Mine & Tribal Opposition
  “I seriously do not believe there is any opportunity to gain community support…” — Jamie Goen/Kimberly Strong (16:34)
  “It's not meaningful engagement when they'll come and listen, but they'll still do whatever they want.” — Jamie Goen/Kimberly Strong (17:04)

• Disaster Relief for Crabbers “Waiting four to six years to get your paycheck. That just doesn't work for most families.” — Jamie Goen (20:51)

• On Community After Disaster
  “We're just one disaster away from being in this exact same situation.” — Craig Perry/Don Reardon (25:16)

Important Timestamps by Segment

• Epstein Files, Transparency: 00:40–03:28
• National Guard Domestic Deployment Directive: 03:28–05:47
• AI Tech to Prevent Whale Strikes: 05:47–09:34
• Alaska Railroad Fatality: 09:46–12:07
• Juneau Police Lawsuit (Excessive Force): 12:07–14:31
• Palmer Project Ownership & Local Concerns: 14:31–17:58
• Juneau RCV Proposal Tabled: 17:58–19:49
• Crabber Disaster Relief Payments: 19:49–21:46
• Storm Recovery Fundraiser & Community Reflections: 21:46–25:33

Tone & Language

Throughout, the episode balances journalistic detachment and empathetic storytelling. The language is clear, engaging, at times somber (notably with coverage of tragedy and disaster), and honest about the complexity of the issues. Direct quotes preserve the original speaker's intent and emotion.

This summary captures the full scope of the episode’s reporting, offering key details and quotes for listeners seeking a concise, yet comprehensive, digest of Alaska’s top news on November 18, 2025.