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 has become a trusted voice in reporting on both local and global news.
State scientists in Alaska found more than 100 dead fish in Sherman Creek, downstream from the Kensington Mine, in August. Seven months later, Coeur Mining, the mine’s operator, and state authorities have not determined why the fish died off. Lab testing on creek samples and mine effluent showed no evidence of pollution, according to a November letter from Coeur Mining. However, watershed ecologist Chris Sergeant hypothesized that contamination might have entered the creek prior to testing. The sergeant emphasized the crucial need to regularly sample the water near mining operations. On August 8, mine workers used RocKracker, an explosive linked…
Alaska officials are pushing to continue the controversial predator control program in Western Alaska despite a recent court ruling deeming it unconstitutional. On Friday, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game submitted an emergency request to the state Board of Game, seeking authorization to extend the program for a third year. The intensive management program aims to restore the declining Mulchatna Caribou Herd, which has plummeted from 200,000 animals in 1997 to just 13,000. Officials argue that predator control is essential to rebuilding the herd, which is a critical food source for dozens of rural communities. Since the program began…
A proposed bill in Alaska’s Legislature seeks to restructure the Alaska Board of Fisheries, ensuring fair representation across all fishing sectors. House Bill 125, introduced by Rep Nellie Jimmie, D-Toksook Bay, would assign specific seats for commercial sport and subsistence harvesters and designate a spot for a scientific representative. Under the bill’s provisions, two members would represent each sector, while the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) would nominate subsistence representatives. Meanwhile, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration would propose nominees for the science seat. This structure is intended to elevate the voices of rural communities dependent on subsistence fishing and…
Before US Senator Dan Sullivan spoke to the Legislature on Thursday, dozens of protestors had gathered outside the Alaska State Capitol. Signs denouncing executive overreach government budget cuts and the senators alleged protestors carried inaction. Growing dissatisfaction with Sullivan and the Trump administration’s policies seemed to be the reason for the protests. Deborah Craig, a longtime Alaskan resident, voiced concerns about federal agencies being dismantled by the Department of Efficiency (DOGE). Craig argued these changes harm vulnerable groups like veterans, women, and people with disabilities. As Sullivan entered the house chamber, protestors fell silent, holding their signs as he walked…
A potential eruption of Mount Spurr, located 75 miles west of Anchorage, has prompted municipal officials to upgrade their activation status to level two. Mayor Suzanne LaFrance emphasized the importance of keeping residents informed and prepared. The Office of Emergency Management will shift from “normal operations” to “response incident monitoring.” This means responding agencies can take coordinated action to prepare for a possible eruption. Meanwhile, the Alaska Volcano Observatory has indicated that an eruption is likely, but uncertain, within the next few weeks or months. As the city prepares for a potential eruption, residents are advised to stay informed and…
A US District Court decision on March 13 ordered the temporary restoration of thousands of federal employees; however, some sacked federal employees reinstated by court order are still in limbo as agencies place them on paid administrative leave. On Monday, employees from agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) received letters confirming their reinstatement. However, the letters stated they would be on paid non-duty until legal proceedings are concluded. A NOAA employee who wished to remain anonymous expressed frustration with the situation. According to US Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, some workers received back pay without receiving official notice…
US Senator Lisa Murkowski criticized Trump for dismissing federal employees and suspending federal payments, calling the moves destructive and unnecessary. In her annual speech to Alaska lawmakers, she criticized the administration’s approach to government downsizing. In Alaska, probationary employees were ordered to be reinstated after a federal judge declared their terminations unlawful. Meteorologists, federal land managers, and fisheries biologists were affected. In the meantime, more than $1 billion in federal funding, including investments in renewable energy, is still in limbo. Murkowski told legislators she supports a smaller government but opposes the administration’s indiscriminate approach. She said federal workers face job…
A police officer fatally shot a suspect in a police shooting after a man fired an assault rifle at law enforcement. Alaska State Troopers reported that officers responded to a 911 call at 10 pm Sunday about a man threatening his family with a firearm. Troopers identified the suspect as 34-year-old Brett George, who allegedly put on body armor and armed himself with an assault rifle before fleeing in a vehicle. His family members managed to escape the home when the authorities arrived. Approximately half a mile from the house, a Wasilla police officer tried to pull George over, but…
Alaska lawmakers have called on Congress to fix the funding crisis for rural schools after federal aid expired earlier this year. On Monday, the House passed a resolution with a 35-4 vote urging Congress to reinstate the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act of 2000. The act that Congress failed to renew provided over $12 million to Alaska´s rural school districts. The funding loss has hit schools in timber-dependent communities, increasing financial strain. House Resolution 5, introduced by Representative Jeremy Bynum, R-Ketchikan, demands that Congress not only reinstate but permanently fund the program. “This has a significant impact…
China’s government is investing $40 billion to boost consumer spending and revive its economy. The plan includes childcare subsidies, increased wages, and better-paid leave. Additionally, a $41 billion discount program covers various products, from household appliances to electric vehicles. President Xi Jinping has made boosting consumption a priority for 2025. The government aims to increase domestic demand and reduce reliance on exports. However, this requires a cultural shift from saving to spending. Chinese households have a high savings rate, with 32% of disposable income saved in 2024. This mindset is deeply ingrained, and changing it will be challenging. Furthermore, the…
Alaska politicians are advancing a resolution reaffirming Canada’s sovereignty and longstanding cross-border connections amid trade tensions and annexation threats. House Joint Resolution 11, which highlights Alaska’s strong historical economic and cultural ties to Canada, is currently being considered by the state legislature. In his testimony to the Alaska House Resources Committee, Premier Ranj Pillai emphasized the value of collaboration. In light of growing international tensions, the resolution’s bipartisan sponsors, notably Representative Chuck Kopp, aim to reaffirm Alaska’s dedication to Canadian sovereignty. Lawmakers revised the resolution to highlight Alaska’s reliance on Canada for trade emergency aid and infrastructure partnerships. The changes…
Alaska nonprofits assisting domestic violence victims may close shelters this summer due to federal grant uncertainty raising concerns statewide. Many domestic violence shelters depend on federal grants, but funding disruptions have placed these crucial services at risk. Randi Breager, executive director of Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis (AWAIC), warned that financial instability could force service reductions. Her organization, which helps victims in Anchorage, remains funded through June, but future grant applications have vanished from government websites. The Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women removed grant listings last month, intensifying financial concerns for organizations. AWAIC relies on federal funds…
