Alaska News Nightly: December 17, 2025 (Aired December 18, 2025)

Episode Overview

This episode of Alaska News Nightly covers critical statewide news ranging from legislative updates for Alaska Native veterans, wildlife population concerns, and criminal justice, to local developments in housing, governance, and environmental management. Hosted by Wesley Early, the episode weaves together firsthand accounts, local reporting, and the voices of Alaskans on the frontlines of these stories.

Key News Stories and Insights

1. Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotments Deadline Extension

[00:18–03:12]

• Context: Congress has extended the filing deadline for Alaska Native Vietnam veterans to claim 160-acre federal land allotments, a right originally denied when many served overseas during the Vietnam War.
• Legislation: Senator Dan Sullivan led the Senate bill, succeeding by attaching it to a bundle of bipartisan measures. Congressman Nick Begich carried the companion bill in the House.
• Statistics: An estimated 2,000 veterans are eligible, but only about 25% applied before the original deadline—citing difficulty with the process and limited land availability.
• Key Quotes:
  • “We’re gonna get to work and get these heroes the land allotments that they deserved.” — Sen. Dan Sullivan [00:18, 01:11]
  • “It wasn't easy, but we got this done at the buzzer. It’s going to be signed into law.” — Sen. Dan Sullivan [01:11]
  • “I think it’s a really important day, really good day.” — Sen. Dan Sullivan [02:13]
• Background: Previous extension attempts were blocked on concerns about opening more land to development, but this legislation gained traction via strategic attachment to other bills (solar, water pipeline, recreational waterways).

2. Western Arctic Caribou Herd Population Decline

[03:12–08:02]

• Issue: The iconic Western Arctic caribou herd has declined to 121,000 animals—its lowest in five decades, losing 20% of the population in the last count (2023).
• Significance: Caribou are crucial both as subsistence food and for cultural identity in northern and western Alaskan communities.
• Management Crisis: The Working Group re-classified the herd as “critical, declining,” its lowest tier. Recommendations include:
  • Reduce harvest limit to 4 caribou/year (from 15)
  • Close non-resident hunting
  • If the herd drops below 75,000, halt all hunting until recovery
• Controversial Proposal: Legalizing aerial shooting of predators within the herd’s range (predator control).
• Key Quotes:
  • “Based on the last count, 2023, we've lost 20% of the population.” — Alex Hansen, wildlife biologist [04:02]
  • “Let’s not do anything for the Board of Game this time. Maybe let’s wait…What do we have at that point? Maybe nothing.” — Alex Hansen [05:04]
  • “It's not my freezer that I'm worried about. It's...the caribou herd itself. And we need to keep that in the back of our heads.” — Tom Gray, reindeer herders’ rep [06:56]

3. In Focus: Immigration Detention and Medical Neglect

[08:15–10:51]

• Story: Greggy V. Sorio, a 37-year-old man from Kodiak, detained by ICE in Washington state, suffered medical neglect—including a toe amputation and ongoing bowel disease—while in custody.
• Advocacy: Filipino advocacy groups halted his deportation, citing severe medical risk.
• Legal Status: A temporary restraining order now prevents his removal until December 22.
• Background: Sorio has prior convictions but had finished his sentences before ICE detention.

4. Crime and Sentencing in Klawock

[10:51–12:24]

• Update: Moses Scott Blanchard sentenced to 60 years (20 suspended) for second-degree murder in the killing of Lincoln Peratrovich, following a social media rumor.
• Co-defendants: One was sentenced earlier this year; the third awaits court in January.

5. Pioneer Park Name Change Debate in Fairbanks

[12:24–15:57]

• Proposal: Local assembly members move to rename Fairbanks’ central park from “Pioneer Park” back to its old name, “Alaskaland.”
• Argument: The current name is divisive, particularly alienating Alaska Native residents.
• Key Quotes:
  • “They refuse to refer to it as Pioneer Park.” — Assembly member Liz Reeves [12:37]
  • “For a lot of members in our community, [the ‘Pioneer’ name] speaks to something entirely outside of the experience of being in Alaskan.” — Assembly member Scott Krass [14:14]
  • “This problem doesn’t exist anymore...Now we have photos that we look at places before we ever get there online.” — Scott Krass [14:42]
• Cost: $50,000 proposed for signage and outreach. Public feedback is being solicited.

6. Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center Expansion Lawsuit

[15:57–19:28]

• Context: A local homeowner, Catherine Miller, sued the U.S. Forest Service, alleging violation of NEPA in their plan to expand and “improve” the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center in Juneau.
• Court Ruling: The judge sided with Miller, finding that the Forest Service only considered ways to increase visitor numbers—not to limit or control them.
• Key Quotes:
  • “Federal agencies...manage resources on behalf of the US public—and I think it’s important to hold agencies accountable to include us in that process in a realistic way.” — Catherine Miller [17:14]
  • “This isn’t something that’s necessary. It’s something that you want to do.” — Catherine Miller [18:06]
• Impact: Project could be halted; no set system to track visitors (estimates range 500,000–700,000/year).

7. Anchorage Adopts New Municipal Seal

[19:28–20:56]

• Design: The updated seal keeps the anchor and sun but removes references to British heritage and includes a new indigenous-inspired braided circle.
• Public Involvement: Created with Denina artist Sebastian Garber and input from the Native village of Eklutna; concerns about limited public outreach.
• Key Quotes:
  • “I think that it is time to honor our history and to also embrace Anchorage's future.” — Assemblymember Daniel Voland [19:46]
  • “I think this design is very simple…inclusive of the great diversity within our community...a sense of place.” — Yarrow Silvers [20:22]
  • “I would ultimately hope that we would have an opportunity for the public to weigh in to share more ideas...” — Zach Johnson [20:45]
• Vote: Passed 7–5; implementation will be gradual.

8. Sitka Opens First Permanent Supportive Housing for the Unhoused

[20:56–25:19]

• Development: The Hít Kasáni (“A Place to Stay”) project offers 12 units of stable housing, developed by the Sitka Homeless Coalition.
• Community Impact: Marked by a community ribbon-cutting event, speakers highlighted the importance of such housing—especially for vulnerable Sitkans during harsh winters.
• Key Quotes:
  • “There are people in this town who just need a little bit of help to get back on their feet. And this is exactly what this is going to do for us.” — Sitka Mayor Steven Eisenbeisz [23:46]
  • “It’s extremely emotional for me...because I look around and I see so many people who have been a part of this…you can’t pour from an empty cup. And all these people poured into mine.” — Denise Schaeffer, Sitka Homeless Coalition [24:59]
• Next Steps: Five units are already occupied, with plans for a services building to provide additional support.

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• Sen. Dan Sullivan: “We’re gonna get to work and get these heroes the land allotments that they deserved.” [00:18]
• Tom Gray, Caribou Advocate: “It’s not my freezer that I’m worried about. It’s…the caribou herd itself.” [06:56]
• Catherine Miller, Plaintiff: “Federal agencies like the Forest Service manage resources on behalf of the US Public and their public resources, and I think it’s important to hold agencies accountable...” [17:14]
• Sitka Mayor Steven Eisenbeisz: “There are people in this town who just need a little bit of help to get back on their feet. And this is exactly what this is going to do for us.” [23:46]
• Denise Schaeffer, Sitka Homeless Coalition: “You can’t pour from an empty cup. And all these people poured into mine.” [24:59]

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 00:18 – Alaska Native veterans land bill passes Senate
• 03:12 – Western Arctic caribou herd crisis discussion
• 08:15 – ICE medical neglect story in Kodiak/WA
• 10:51 – Klawock murder sentencing
• 12:24 – Fairbanks Pioneer Park name proposal
• 15:57 – Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center lawsuit
• 19:28 – Anchorage municipal seal redesign
• 20:56 – Sitka Hít Kasáni permanent housing opening

Summary

This Alaska News Nightly episode delivers a panorama of Alaska’s urgent public policy questions, from righting historic injustice for Native veterans to balancing tourism, environmental conservation, and cultural respect. The show spotlights both grassroots and legislative efforts—highlighting the voice and activism of local Alaskans—while offering hope through innovative housing projects and symbols of community renewal. The tone balances urgency, acknowledgment of ongoing challenges, and optimism in these statewide stories.