Author: Nicole Thompson
Nicole Thompson
Nicole Thompson is known for her in-depth coverage of community events and issues. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy, she keeps her readers informed and engaged. Nicole's dedication to storytelling extends beyond the headlines.
On Thursday afternoon, a Bethel school lockdown incident occurred. Students reported seeing a man with a gun on the school grounds. Ebon C. Hill Intermediate School in Bethel initiated the lockdown around 1 p.m. as students claimed they saw the armed man. Students at recess told the staff they saw the individual showing a gun while standing on a nearby baseball field. Concerned for student safety, school administrators immediately contacted Bethel police, who arrived to investigate the situation. Law enforcement reviewed the school’s surveillance footage to identify the alleged suspect. Officers located a man matching the student’s description and took…
Eight residents of Chugiak sued in federal court on Monday, arguing that the character of their area is in danger due to a proposed tribal casino. In the Chugiak tribal casino lawsuit, the plaintiffs claimed that the Native Village of Eklutna’s planned casino would increase traffic, noise, and a decline in property values. The proposed 50,000-square-foot casino near Birchwood Spur Road includes 700 gaming machines, a bar, and a restaurant. Brian Holl, a plaintiff, emphasized that the casino’s development would disrupt the family-oriented atmosphere. “This has been a very abrupt circumstance for us and the neighborhood to understand that this…
Former Bethel police officer Jonathan Murphy faces a lawsuit in civil court accused of assaulting Bernard Mael after a December 2023 traffic stop. The victim, Mael, alleges that Murphy’s actions caused permanent brain damage, limiting his ability to live a normal life. The Bethel police officer lawsuit filed on December 6th details an alleged series of violent actions by Murphy, another officer, and the City of Bethel. During the initial stop, Murphy allegedly punched Mael twice, escalating the situation when Mael attempted to comply with commands. After Murphy and Officer Jonathan Bouma pursued Mael’s vehicle and crashed into a snowbank,…
Governor Mike Dunleavy wants President-elect Donald Trump to reverse Biden-era policies in Alaska that impact the economy and native lands. In a letter dated November 15th, Dunleavy demanded immediate action to repeal rules that he says hinder resource development. Dunleavy´s 27-page document, made public on Monday, lists suggested federal amendments to encourage Alaska´s development. The Governor requested an executive order to remove restrictions on Arctic National Wildlife Refuge oil drilling and the National Petroleum Reserve activities. Governor Dunleavy also sought Trump´s support for constructing a controversial 200-mile road to the Ambler mining district and reversing a ban on new roads…
According to recent testing statistics, more than half of Alaska’s children fell short of math and English Language Arts competence standards. The Alaska System of Academic Readiness (AK Star) evaluated approximately 68,000 students in the 2023-24 academic year. Results showed no improvement from the previous year. Only 35.5% of pupils in the Anchorage school district achieving competence in both courses. “We’re underperforming because we’re not meeting the standards set out, you know, by the State of Alaska, which was designed for Alaskan educators,” stated Deena Bishop from the Department of Education and Early Development. Bishop emphasized that early educational challenges,…
A city in the state of Alaska is grappling with an imminent natural gas shortage in Anchorage, a challenge decades in the making, as the city leader warned. Deputy municipal manager Mark Spafford described it as a “train that has been barreling toward the region,” needing urgent action. Experts predict a significant gas shortfall as early as 2027, threatening residents’ ability to heat homes and power businesses. Anchorage Assembly members recently convened to hear proposals addressing the crisis, focusing on the urgent need for immediate solutions. Policy advisor Nolan Klouda noted that utilities Enstar Natural Gas and Chugach Electric must…
Before launching Alaska’s legislative session in January, Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s education funding proposal was announced at a press conference. He provided little information at the conference, stating that the legislation was still in the early stages. Dunleavy, however, pledged that the legislation would combine increased funding with reforms to improve outcomes across public, charter, and correspondence schools. Alaska’s education system has faced criticism over stagnant funding levels, with the base student allocation remaining flat since 2017. Legislators’ temporary financial increases frequently come too late, forcing districts to fire employees and leaving instructors in a precarious situation. Last year, Dunleavy vetoed a bill that…
A federal court’s decision to block the proposed Alaska grocery store merger between Kroger and Albertsons received widespread approval on Tuesday. The $24.6 billion merger, which would create the largest grocery chain in US history, faced heavy scrutiny from regulators and local communities. US District Judge Adrienne Nelson issued a preliminary injunction after holding a three-week hearing in Portland, Oregon. State Senator Bill Wielechowski praised the ruling, emphasizing its importance for Alaskan rural communities with limited grocery options. “This has been a huge concern for a long time,” Wielechowski said. Local shoppers in Alaska also expressed relief. “I’m glad they…
Biden’s administration has finalized plans for an oil and gas lease sale in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Scheduled for January 9th, the sale will include 400,000 acres of the refuge’s coastal plain, the minimum allowed under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This decision has reignited the Arctic Refuge lease sale controversy, sparking opposition from environmental groups. Furthermore, the environmental advocates have vowed to fight the sale in court, emphasizing the potential risks to the fragile ecosystem. Erik Grafe of Earthjustice criticized the decision, calling oil drilling in the refuge “all risk with no reward.” He pledged ongoing…
A series of earthquakes in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands shook the region, with scientists identifying the activity as a “swarm.” The Alaska Earthquake Center reported nine quakes, each above the magnitude 5.0, striking near Adak, Amchitka, and Kiska islands. Among these tremors, the strongest measured 6.3 and occurred offshore at an 11-mile depth. No injuries or damage were reported immediately on Adak Island, the only inhabited island in the affected area, home to about 300 residents. The earthquake center clarified that the 6.3 quake posed no significant threat because of its offshore location and limited impact. Seismic activity intensified later in…
For-profit consultants make millions of dollars every year by charging veterans for assistance in submitting disability claims to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Federal law forbids non-accredited businesses from charging fees, but there are no criminal sanctions for infractions. Therefore, these tactics exploit Alaska’s veterans’ disability claim loophole. While some state lawmakers push for reform, attempts to regulate this shadow business in Congress have stalled. Within the last year, three states, Maine, New Jersey, and New York, passed legislation to stop the misuse of the veterans’ disability claim loophole. A law in Louisiana permits consultants to charge up to…
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued updated Alaska’s wastewater permits for six Southeast communities, requiring them to tighten bacteria controls. Haines, Skagway, Sitka, Wrangell, Ketchikan, and Peterburg must make significant improvements to reduce levels of fecal coliform and enterococcus bacteria entering marine waters. The EPA finalized for Haines, Skagway, Sitka, and Wrangell on Thursday, while Ketchikan and Petersburg expect their permits in early 2025. These revisions follow strict Alaska water quality regulations implemented in 2017 to safeguard water utilized for leisure and subsistence food gathering. Only 24 nationwide municipalities, including these six, discharge wastewater with basic “primary” treatment, which…