Alaska News Nightly: Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Summary

Alaska News Nightly – November 19, 2025

Podcast: Alaska Public Media
Host: Casey Grove
Date: November 19, 2025

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Overview

This episode delivers statewide coverage of major Alaskan news and community discussions, with key stories centering on federal resource management reversals, Native corporation contracts with ICE detention centers, a landmark tribal fishing rights lawsuit, debates over a major mining project, embracing Alaska’s winter, local school closure decisions, and the future of the "Into the Wild" bus. The episode combines legislative updates, grassroots activism, personal stories, and community voices from across Alaska.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Federal Moves to Reverse Biden-Era Environmental Rules

[00:06-03:58]

• Congress Votes Down National Petroleum Reserve Plan:

  • Alaska Congressman Nick Begich, with GOP support, moves to nullify the Biden administration’s plan for the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPRA).
  • The Congressional Review Act prevents similar executive rules without Congressional approval, aiming to end “resource management whiplash.”
  • House also votes to restore prior Trump-era oil leasing in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).

  Notable Quotes:

  • Nick Begich: "So a future administration can't come in and decide to do something similar without the express authorization of Congress." [00:06]

• Federal Judge Nomination:

  • Aaron Peterson, nominated by former President Trump for a federal judgeship in Alaska, has an uncontroversial Senate Judiciary hearing. Praised for his expertise in Alaska-specific federal law.
  • Senator Dan Sullivan: "He knows and understands our great state and the federal laws that reflect on Alaska. I think he will be a great federal judge." [02:18]

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2. Nana Corporation’s ICE Detention Contracts Protested

[03:58-06:25]

• Fairbanks Protest:

  • Shareholders gather to protest NANA Regional Corporation’s involvement in ICE detention center operations, carrying signs demanding "Divest."
  • NANA has secured $1.2 billion in contracts in the past decade; allegations of detainee abuse persist.
  • Protest is about shareholder empowerment and opposition to profit from suffering.

  Notable Quotes:

  • Ava White (shareholder): "Since figuring this out, learning about this, it's like, disgusting." [00:34, 05:40]
  • Casey Grove: "Why should we be making money off of people suffering?" [00:40, 05:49]
  • David Leslie: “We have no choice to be shareholders. The only way to lose our shares is to die.” [04:45]

• NANA’s Response:

  • Company asserts commitment to legal, human, and ethical standards but is criticized by protesters for lack of transparency.

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3. Metlakatla Indian Community’s Fishing Rights Lawsuit

[06:25-08:43]

• Lawsuit to Protect Fishing Rights:

  • Metlakatla Indian Community’s lawsuit (five years ongoing) challenges Alaska’s authority to regulate its fishermen, staking claim to federally protected fishing rights dating to their 1891 reservation.
  • Opposition from Southeast tribes fear the suit might infringe upon their own cultural property and rights.

  Notable Quotes:

  • Richard Monkman (attorney for Southeast tribes): “We would analogize this to other cultural rights like dances, stories, carvings…which belong to the clans and belong to the houses within clans.” [07:34]

• Case Status:

  • Federal judge allows the case to proceed; state has moved to end it with summary judgment.

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4. Community Debate Over Graphite Creek Mining Project

[08:56-13:44]

• Public Comment Closes Amid Community Division:

  • Brevig Mission residents express deeply divided, nuanced views about Graphite One’s proposed graphite mine—torn between job opportunities and protecting traditional indigenous ways of life.
  • Community gatherings facilitate comment-writing and resolutions opposing or seeking responsible management of the project.

  Notable Quotes:

  • Dickie Kuksruck (resident): “If we're going to pull out a non-renewable resource, then we should figure out how to do that responsibly and together.” [09:46]
  • Gilbert Toktu (Native village president): “Our goal is that we just don't want the mine to go through. I hope that everybody will hear the message about our coming from our community about this mine.” [12:53]
  • “Everybody knows that this proposed mine is going to interfere with our consistent lifestyle because of our younger generations…” [13:22]

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5. Embracing (and Loving) Alaska’s Winter

[14:03-18:41]

• Alaska Survival Kit Series:

  • Ava White explores whether it’s possible to truly love Alaska’s harsh winters, featuring stories from longtime and new residents focusing on mindset, outdoor activities, and finding joy in small details.
  • Maggie Wilkinson (79) is an avid winter enthusiast, and Grace Bergey describes moving from “suffer fest” winters in Ohio to being enchanted by Alaska’s magical snowscapes.

  Notable Quotes:

  • Grace Bergey: “You get that sort of fairy tale effect…it's light and fluffy and sparkly and everything gets sort of pastel…” [15:40]
  • Maggie Wilkinson: “Walking in the dark is magical.” [17:43]
  • Ava White: “Maybe I just need to shift my perspective.” [16:44]

• Practical Advice:

  • Build snowmen, dress in layers, keep moving, slow down and enjoy little winter joys—reinforced by personal anecdotes and warm community tips.

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6. Anchorage School Closures Avoided

[18:41-20:49]

• School Board Votes to Keep Both Schools Open:

  • Debate between closing Fire Lake and Lake Otis Elementary schools (both serving Title I and special education students) ends with board voting to keep both open, after extensive public testimony on both sides.

  Notable Quotes:

  • Leticia Kragan (teacher): “Closing Title I schools places the heaviest burden on the families least able to absorb it…” [19:19]
  • Emily d'Amico (special ed teacher): “The constraint of our current building…are now limiting our potential and compromising our ability to serve every student optimally.” [19:53]

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7. The “Into the Wild” Bus and Its Controversial Legacy

[20:49-25:32]

• The Bus Remains in Storage:

  • Bus 142, made famous by Chris McCandless’s story, awaits funding to be displayed at the University of Alaska Museum of the North. Devoted fans travel far to visit even in storage.
  • The bus, while a cultural touchstone for some, evokes criticism about resources spent and the risks it once posed.
  • Museum curators prepare for possible vandalism when exhibit opens.

  Notable Quotes:

  • Angela Lynn (curator): “It’s one of the first, first questions that they ask as they come up to pay admission. Oh, I heard the bus is here. Can we see that?” [21:45]
  • "What we don't want to encourage or perpetuate is the destruction of historic cultural resources that represent really important stories to other people too." [23:40]
  • Karine McCandless (Chris’s sister): “Learning about him can certainly ignite that fuel that is within people, whether...getting out of a toxic relationship or leaving a job that they hate going to every day.” [24:43]
  • Visitor, Jared White: “He really bucked the system… It’s a very inspiring story for people, especially when you get into the routines and ruts of your life.” [24:08]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Federal Resource Management Reversal: 00:06–03:58
• NANA ICE Contracts Protest: 03:58–06:25
• Tribal Fishing Rights Lawsuit: 06:25–08:43
• Graphite Creek Mining Debate: 08:56–13:44
• Winter Survival Series – Loving the Cold: 14:03–18:41
• Anchorage School Closures: 18:41–20:49
• “Into the Wild” Bus Update: 20:49–25:32

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Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “Why should we be making money off of people suffering?”
  – Casey Grove [00:40, 05:49]

• “Walking in the dark is magical.”
  – Maggie Wilkinson [17:43]

• “Learning about him can certainly ignite that fuel that is within people…”
  – Karine McCandless [24:43]

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Conclusion

This episode beautifully weaves high-stakes policy changes, local activism, cultural preservation, economic crossroads, and day-to-day survival into a tapestry of Alaska’s contemporary story. Listeners journey from Congress to village halls, icy trails, and the heart of statewide debate, capturing the state's unique blend of resilience, contention, and wonder.

Transcript

[Casey Grove]

So a future administration can't come in and decide to do something similar without the express authorization of Congress. Congressman Nick Begich votes with fellow Republicans to toss a Biden administration plan for the National Petroleum Reserve Alaska. From Alaska Public Media. This is statewide news on Alaska News nightly for Wednesday, November 19th. Good evening. I'm Casey Grove. Also tonight, Nana shareholders protest in Fairbanks over the Native Corporation's immigration detention contracts.

[Ava White]

Since figuring this out, learning about this, it's like, disgusting.

[Casey Grove]

Why should we be making money off of people suffering? Congress has nullified the Biden administration's resource plan for the National Petroleum Reserve, Alaska. The measure passed the House on Tuesday largely along party lines, and it passed the Senate three weeks ago and goes next to the president's desk. The action is the latest by Republicans in Congress and the Trump administration to erase President Biden's environmental legacy and revert to what the first Trump administration achieved. As Alaska's all Republican congressional delegation sees it, Biden's plan for the NPRA would have locked up about half the reserve to oil development. Alaska Congressman Nick Begich says Congress is halting the resource management whiplash by using the Congressional Review Act. It forbids reimposing a nullified rule so a future administration can't come in and decide to do something similar without the express authorization of Congress in the NPRA with respect to the NPRA rule. The House also passed Begich's resolution nullifying The Biden administration's 2024 restrictions on oil development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. It reimposes the prior Trump administration's leasing plan for the area. The Congressional Review act measure goes next to the Senate. President Trump's pick to be a federal judge in Alaska encountered no turbulence at his nomination hearing today in the U.S. senate Judiciary Committee. Aaron Peterson is from Eagle river and is a state assistant attorney general in the Department of Law's Natural Resources section. He told the senators that one of the assets he'd bring to the U.S. district Court bench is extensive knowledge of Alaska's specific federal laws like the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. The deep familiarity that I have with those laws, with my history of litigating them, I think prepared me for many of the cases that will come before the district court. While he works exclusively on civil cases now, he also worked as a municipal and state prosecutor for about eight years, which took him around the state. Peterson graduated from Gonzaga University law school in 2010, is married to a math teacher, and is a father of three. He listed a new membership in the conservative Federalist Society on documents submitted to the committee. Alaska US Senator Dan Sullivan introduced Peterson at the hearing. He knows and understands our great state and the federal laws that reflect on Alaska. I think he will be a great federal judge. Peterson thanked both Alaska senators for their support. He was among three nominees at the confirmation hearing. The others drew more scrutiny. Senators repeatedly asked Peterson to weigh in on constitutional questions only after the others had answered, leaving him little to say. Senator, again, I agree with my colleagues. I was only going to add the potential separation of powers concerned. But Mr. Gangy did that the committee could vote on Peterson's nomination next month and send it to the full Senate for a vote. A group of people lined the sidewalks holding signs outside the Westmark Hotel in downtown Fairbanks on Tuesday evening. As KYC's Patrick Gilchrist reports, they were there to protest an Alaska Native corporation's role in running immigration detention centers.

[Patrick Gilchrist]

Northwest Alaska's NANA Regional Corporation was holding what it called an informal meeting inside the hotel on Tuesday evening, according to a Facebook post. It was a chance for Fairbanks shareholders to hear the latest from NANA leadership and and share ideas for the future. Outside the building, street lamps spotlighted the group of protesters who gripped signs in gloved hands. The signs demanded change from NANA leadership, with many of the messages sticking to a single word, Divest.

[David Leslie]

I am a Nubiac NANA shareholder and I want NANA to divest from these.

[Casey Grove]

ICE detention center contracts.

[Patrick Gilchrist]

That's David Leslie. He says he called for the protest and that its relative calm was by design.

[David Leslie]

We have no choice to be shareholders. The only way to lose our shares is to die. So this is about making shareholders feel empowered and making sure that they are aware and educated about what's going on.

[Patrick Gilchrist]

NANA has faced criticism from some of its 15,000 Inupiaq shareholders, like those at the protest, who say they're upset about the Native Corporation contracting with the federal government to manage security at multiple Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers. The Alaska Native Corporation's subsidiaries have secured about $1.2 billion in contracts over the last decade to work with ICE, and detainees have alleged negligence and abuse at ICE facilities managed by NANA's Acoma division. Lisa McNulty is another NANA shareholder who attended Tuesday's protest, and she says the Alaska Native Corporation's role in supporting the centers to doesn't reflect her values.

[Ava White]

I'm angry, I'm depressed. So since figuring this out, learning about this, it's like disgusting.

[Casey Grove]

Why should we be making money off of people suffering?

[Patrick Gilchrist]

In an April statement, NANA defended its contracts with the government owned detention facilities. The statement said that the company has robust policies and programs to ensure its operations align with legal, human and ethical expectations. The April statement also said that NANA is limited in what they can share about specific contracts, but that they're committed to accountability and transparency to shareholders. But Leslie, the protest organizer, says he thinks the corporation isn't following through on that commitment. In Fairbanks, I'm Patrick Gilchrist.

[Casey Grove]

A lawsuit from Alaska's only native reservation will proceed over the objections of other Southeast tribes. That's after a federal judge declined a request from a coalition of tribes, including the largest in Southeast, to throw out Metlakahtla Indian communities lawsuit challenging the state's authority to regulate its fishermen. Alaska Public Media's Eric Stone reports.

[Eric Stone]

Metlakahtla Indian Community asserts in its five year old lawsuit that the state has no right to regulate the tribe's fishermen. Its attorneys say that's because when Congress created Metlakahtla's reservation in 1891, Congress implicitly included a federally guaranteed right to fish in nearby waters. The state of Alaska disagrees, saying Metlakatl members should be subject to the same rules governing the rest of Alaska's fishermen. The case was headed for trial when a coalition of other tribes weighed in arguing it should be dismissed outright. Richard Monkman is an attorney representing the Central Council of Tlicit Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska and several smaller Southeast tribes.

[David Leslie]

They felt this is something that should be resolved between the tribes and not by a federal judge, monkman says.

[Eric Stone]

The tribes argued that granting Metlakahtla's members the right to fish in waters near Ketchikan and Prince of Wales island would violate their rights to their cultural property.

[David Leslie]

We would analogize this to other cultural rights like dances, stories, carvings, other types of rights that all sort of fall under the general category of attu in Tlingit language or cultural rights which belong to the clans and belong to the houses within clans.

[Eric Stone]

Metlakahtla's attorneys, however, argued that the right to fish in those areas was not legally protected, in part because of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Chris Lundberg is an attorney representing Metlakahtla.

[David Leslie]

With the exception of Metlakahtla, all Alaska Natives participated in that act and it was a settlement. And in exchange for releasing all claims to aboriginal right type claims and claims to land in fishing areas, the tribes received compensation.

[Eric Stone]

There is still a long way to go for the case. For one thing, the state has filed a motion for summary judgment, which would end the case without a trial. But Lundberg says Judge Sharon Gleason's decision puts the case back on track. It's unclear when it might go to trial. Reporting on Juneau, I'm Eric Stone.

[Casey Grove]

Still to come on Alaska News Nightly, an Alaska transplant makes the case for learning to love winter and the cold and snow that comes with it.

[Ava White]

It's light and fluffy and sparkly and everything gets sort of pastel.

[Casey Grove]

That's ahead. Stay with us. As a public comment period for the proposed Graphite Creek mining project comes to a close, some residents of Brevig Mission are rallying to have their voices heard. But it isn't as simple as being for or against the proposed graphite mine. For some, it raises the existential question of the value of indigenous ways of life. KANOM's Ben Townsend reports.

[Ben Townsend]

Buried in the side of the Kigliak Mountain range on the Seward Peninsula are billions of dollars worth of graphite. That's according to Graphite1, the company behind the massive project. The critical mineral is used in batteries and a myriad of industrial applications. Graphite One plans to mine a mile wide pit over the course of two decades. According to Brevig Mission resident Dickie Kuksruck, that's plenty of time to transform the surrounding environment.

[David Leslie]

People around here live off of different species of fish. There's crawfish, there's smelt, there's ton pods, some of the spawning areas for these other fish other than salmon. And you know, if we're going to pull out a non renewable resource, then we should figure out how to do that responsibly and together.

[Ben Townsend]

In mid November, Kuzreck joined over 150 people at a self organized community meeting in Brevik Mission to discuss the project. He described the room as quiet, except.

[David Leslie]

I was a little surprised. There were some people that actually stood up and said something against graphite 1 to people that normally don't say anything.

[Ben Townsend]

During our consul meeting, pieces of paper and pens were handed out for attendees to write letters to the U.S. army Corps of Engineers, which is taking public comments on a graphite 1 permit application until the end of November. The meeting ended on a much louder note with the room standing together to chant. But Kuzreck says the conversation isn't as simple as halting the project entirely. He says there's varying opinions on the project amongst the community. Some are in favor of potential benefits like jobs and scholarships. Kuzreck's take is full of nuance and.

[David Leslie]

You know, I also understand that people need employment to get gas, to get heating fuel basically to support their families.

[Ben Townsend]

He hopes the communities of Brevik Mission and nearby Teller can work together more and believes this month's community meeting was a step in the right direction. Others, like Gilbert Toktu, president of the native village of Brevik Mission, believe the potential environmental risks outweigh the potential economic benefits.

[David Leslie]

When you won't buy anything for us, they won't even can subsidize our native food that we harvest around the Crack Lake area.

[Ben Townsend]

Talk to is concerned about Bering Strait's Native Corporation's involvement in the mine. He says the village wasn't consulted before the corporation signed on to a multi million dollar investment in Graphite one.

[David Leslie]

They didn't even come to us with any kind of public notice or public meeting saying they were investing into this target.

[Ben Townsend]

The corporation didn't respond to a request for comment. Graphite1's VP of Operations Mike Schaffner also said earlier this year that if it can't prove it can mine without harming natural resources, it shouldn't receive a permit for the project. Talk to helped draft a resolution that the city, village and corporation plan to sign expressing concerns over the proposed mine. It calls attention to potential water contamination, changes to wildlife, migration patterns and noise, among other worries. The resolution asserts that the short term benefits do not outweigh the long term risks to the health, cultural values and the environment. Talk To's take is fairly straightforward.

[David Leslie]

Our goal is that we just don't want the mine to go through. I hope that everybody will hear the message about our coming from our community about this mine.

[Ben Townsend]

Talk to says the resolution will be sent to Alaska's congressional delegation. Amidst dwindling salmon numbers, shorter sea seasons and outside cultural influence, Talk to is worried about future generations of Brevik Mission. He views the mine as another pressure on sustaining traditional ways of life.

[David Leslie]

Everybody knows that this proposed mine is going to interfere with our consistent lifestyle because of our younger generations that's going to have to live once we're gone and pass on our tradition and lifestyle and this crap height mind. Thank you very much for our young generations to come.

[Ben Townsend]

Leaders from Revic Mission also plan to travel to Teller ahead of the public comment deadline to work together to oppose the proposed mine in Nome. I'm Ben Townsend.

[Casey Grove]

Winter in Alaska is just getting started and the cold icy days are here for the next several months. But that doesn't mean you need to struggle through them. For our new series Alaska Survival Kit, Alaska Public Media's Ava White set out to answer one very personal question. Is it possible to truly love the cold? The answer surprised her it's just past.

[Ava White]

3 o' clock on a Tuesday and 79 year old Maggie Wilkinson is leashing up her Sheltie Mariah.

[David Leslie]

Yeah, we'll go for a walk. Oh boy.

[Ava White]

We pile in the car and head to one of Maggie's favorite spots for a walk, the Kincaid Sand Dunes in West Anchorage. It's not deep winter yet, but it's chilly, cold enough that I can see my breath. Maggie sizes up my outfit with some concern that, to her credit, may be warranted.

[David Leslie]

Are you dressed warmly enough?

[Ava White]

I'm good. I'm a lifelong Alaskan, but I hate the cold. This year, though, I want to do more than just tolerate the winter. I want to savor it or at least find some enjoyment in it. So I asked residents how they've learned to love the Alaska cold and heard from almost 20 people who said to build snowmen, dress in layers and keep your body moving. The submission from Grace Bergey stood out. She grew up in Ohio, deeply unimpressed with winter. I just remember winter being very slushy and gray and I liked winter as a child. I've always loved Christmas. The rest of it was just sort of a suffer fest. She moved to Eco river about seven years ago, expecting to feel that same blah once winter hit. But instead she loved it. She says the snow here isn't just tolerable, it's enchanting. You get that sort of fairy tale effect where it piles up on the evergreens and it's light and fluffy and sparkly and everything gets sort of pastel and the sunrises are these beautiful pink skin and peachy corals. Grace says if I want to transform my relationship with the cold, I need to embrace those small details in day to day life. Like the way ice crystallizes and reflects off the sunlight or the way steam flows off a cup of coffee. Her advice? Slow down and embrace the little joys. She also finds ways to keep things fun in the winter. I think that was part of my winter epiphany. Just sort of connecting more to maybe who you are as a person and your creative hobbies, or reconnecting with family and friends and finding things you enjoy doing together. Talking with Grace made me realize that I've been missing out on the full winter experience for the last 24 years. Maybe I just need to shift my perspective. Back at the Kincaid Sand Dunes, Maggie's taking a page from Grace's playbook, examining one of her favorite trees.

[David Leslie]

It's like big corduroy and look at all the personality it has, all the character.

[Ava White]

Maggie has always loved the frosty months.

[David Leslie]

I am really a proponent of winter.

[Ava White]

I sometimes am irritating about the effusiveness.

[David Leslie]

Of my joy of winter, as I really do like it.

[Ava White]

For her, walking is much more than the movement itself, and she says it's extra soul nourishing during the long, dark winter months. And her advice is simple. Don't think about whether you want to get outside. Just go for is mental, physical, spiritual. It's a healing experience. Another tip for Maggie, don't be afraid to embrace the dark.

[David Leslie]

Walking in the dark is magical.

[Ava White]

And walking on the first snowfall, hearing.

[David Leslie]

It creak under your feet and knowing you're making the first footprints of the.

[Ava White]

Day, I just think the experience is so rich. We walk for over half an hour. The cold wind on my face turns my nose and ears bright pink.

[David Leslie]

Don't you feel better?

[Casey Grove]

Yeah.

[Ava White]

I was literally thinking this is such a great way to end a day. And I'm not just saying that. So a week later, I leave work and head to one of my favorite spots in town, the Alaska Zoo. I come here at least once a week. I'm an annual member. Again, I'm underdressed. I take a left, passing the seal, deer and musk oxen. I see the wolves. Callie and Lina. They're my favorite animals because they run with me in Anchorage. Really cold but almost enjoying it. I'm Ava White.

[Casey Grove]

This story is part of an ongoing series from Alaska Public Media called Alaska Survival Kit, where we help you make the most of living in the 49th state. The Anchorage School Board voted Tuesday against closing two elementary schools. Fire Lake elementary and Lake Otis elementary schools will remain open. The board's decision came after dozens of people provided public testimony for and against the closures. Since 2010, the district has closed five schools. Leticia Kragan is an English language learner teacher at Lake Otis Elementary, a Title 1 school. She expressed concern over moving Title 1 students to other schools that don't currently have those programs.

[Ava White]

For most of our Title I students, our school is one of the few stable places in their world. Closing Title I schools places the heaviest burden on the families least able to absorb it and least likely to speak up.

[Casey Grove]

The vote was a disappointment for students and staff at two charter schools that would have moved into the vacated school buildings, Eagle Academy and Rilkeschule German Immersion charter school. Eagle Academy special education teacher Emily d' Amico told board members that the current building the charter school uses in a strip mall isn't adequate.

[Ava White]

The constraint of our current building, the overcrowding the noise and the lack of the appropriate intervention space are now limiting our potential and compromising our ability to serve every student optimally.

[Casey Grove]

The board voted 43 to keep Fire Lake open and 6 to 1 to keep Lake Otis open. The old city bus made famous by the book and later movie into the Wild is still sitting in storage in Fairbanks. That's after it was airlifted off the Stampede Trail near Denali national park back in 2020. There was a plan to open it up to the public as early as this summer, but funding issues have pushed that opening further down the road. As Shelby Herbert reports for the Alaska Desk, that has not stopped people from making a pilgrimage to Fairbanks to try to see it.

[Shelby Herbert]

At a storage facility in central Fairbanks, Museum of the north curator Angela Lynn pulls a giant tarp off of bus 142. Gathered there are Missy Crum and her father family who are visiting from Oklahoma on what she calls their Alaskan dream vacation. Her brother Jared White is a devoted fan of into the Wild, a nonfiction book about the life of Chris McCandless leading up to his death inside the bus in 1992. Crumb says her brother's only wish for the trip was to see the bus, but there was a problem.

[Ava White]

So we started researching a little over a year ago and we got conflicting information and you know, is it on display? Is it not?

[Shelby Herbert]

Crum reached out to the museum and Learned that bus 142 is still in storage while the museum raises funds for the exhibit. Lynn says that's the most common question she and her co workers hear.

[Ava White]

I mean literally, I'd say every other person. I feel like every time I come and am like waiting to meet with somebody at the front desk and visitors come in. It's one of the first, first questions that they ask as they come up to pay admission. Oh, I heard the bus is here. Can we see that?

[Shelby Herbert]

Lynn says when she has the time, she's happy to bring especially determined visitors across town for a look, but she hopes that won't always be the case. The museum is trying to raise almost $400,000 to complete the exhibit, which will display some of McCandless's personal effects as well as an outdoor pavilion where people can view the actual bus for free. Lynn says fans have pitched in thousands of dollars to see it through. The rusty green and white city bus became well known as the place a 24 year old wanderer named Chris McCandless spent his final days after becoming stranded. His story is the subject of a book and a film that's moved fans all over the world. That's partly why the bus was airlifted to Fairbanks in 2020. Over the years, I multiple visitors became stranded or even died trying to reach the bus in its original location on the Stampede Trail. And while the bus no longer tempts people to take that risk, some negative sentiment remains. Not everybody loves the idea of the exhibit or what the bus represents, especially in Alaska.

[Ava White]

And the comments that people make can be super harsh. You know, one, why are we spending money? Why are we wasting money on this rusted out bucket? Why are we promoting this place where some guy died?

[Shelby Herbert]

Lynn says her team is already planning for acts of vandalism against the bus, which will be situated in a fenced in area outside the museum. That plan includes security cameras and floodlights.

[Ava White]

They, for whatever reason, in their own personal context, they don't like what that symbolizes and that's okay. But what we don't want to encourage or perpetuate is the destruction of historic cultural resources that represent really important stories to other people too.

[Shelby Herbert]

You know, to Jared White, the guy from Oklahoma, it means everything to be able to see and touch the real thing in a safe location.

[Casey Grove]

That to me he really bucked the system that he did his own thing. He wasn't controlled by what expectations people had for him in his life. It's a very inspiring story for people, especially when you get into the routines and ruts of your life. No, it made me really excited to be here.

[Shelby Herbert]

Karine McCandless is Chris McCandless's sister. She's advising the museum on how to best represent Chris and his story with the bus exhibit. She says Chris never reached his 30th birthday, but 30 years after his death, the emails and letters haven't stopped.

[Ava White]

A lot of people will tell me that Chris's story changed their life and of course you can't do that. But learning about him can certainly ignite that fuel that is within people, whether it has to do with actually getting out into nature more or whether it just happens to be getting out of a toxic relationship or leaving a job that they hate going to every day.

[Shelby Herbert]

Lynn, the museum curator, says she doesn't have an exact timeline for when the exhibit will be complete, but she's looking forward to the when the bus will be available for all to see. For now, bus 142 will stay under its tarp. Reporting in Fairbanks, I'm Shelley Herbert.

[Casey Grove]

And that's all for this edition of Alaska News Nightly. If you missed any of tonight's stories, we're [e-mail] and wherever you get your podcasts. We had reports tonight from Liz Ruskin in Washington, D.C. patrick Gilchrist and Shelby Herbert in Fairbanks, Eric Stone in Juneau, Ben Townsend in Nome, and Ava White and Wesley early in Anchorage. If you want to send us a news tip, question or comment, email [e-mail] Our audio engineer is Crystal Hyde. I'm Casey Grove, and good night. This is statewide news on Alaska Public Media.