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.
During a routine patrol in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, the US Coast Guard saw a Russian ship operating within the US exclusive economic zone. About thirty miles southeast of the Amukta Pass, the US Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley discovered the vessel on Monday. The Coast Guard helicopter personnel from Air Station Kodiak spotted the ship. According to the statement, the Russian tanker traveled through international waters. However, it remained within the United States Exclusive Economic Zone, 200 nautical miles from the US coast. The Russian ship continued east, and the Coast Guard followed its movements even though they were not…
A glacier blowup caused flooding in Juneau, Alaska, damaging over 100 homes. The flooding resulted from an outburst from the Mendenhall Glacier, which began Monday and caused water levels to soar up to 16 feet by Tuesday. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported in the city of about 31,000 people. Originating from the Suicide Basin of the Mendenhall Glacier, the glacier blowout began on August 1 when the lake filled and subsequently overtopped the glacier. This event coincided with a stormy July that saw double the average precipitation. Consequently, water from the lake started pouring into the Mendenhall River by…
Hello there, you two, the handsome men and women of Bethel! Everyone knows how harsh the climate is here. Further, the atmospheric conditions characteristic of winter are very similar to those in the desert—cold and very dry, and our skin and hair pay the price. Do not stress that I have some incredible beauty tips that will give you glowing skin regardless of whether you are outside or inside. Let’s dive in! Hydration is Key Before going to the juicy part, let me tell you about the importance of water. The human skin and hair require moisture to be healthy.…
Kristen Faulkner from Alaska made history on Sunday by becoming the first American to win a gold medal in Olympic road cycling since the success of Connie Carpenter and Alexis Grewal in 1984. By executing a definitive finishing maneuver, Faulkner emerged victorious in the race, characterized by many individual attacks. At the 155-kilometer mark of the 158-kilometer race, Faulkner caught up to the leading trio consisting of Marianne Vos, Blanka Vas, and Lotte Kopecky. Faulkner’s assault temporarily caused her rivals to hesitate, enabling her to achieve triumph. With a look of shock, she triumphantly crossed the finish line fifty-eight seconds…
Funding for domestic and sexual assault in Alaska programs has increased, but some believe the amount is still insufficient. Declining federal support over the years has created a significant budget gap. Meanwhile, state financing has remained static for seven years. This year, the state allocated $3.7 million to the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, which distributes funds to local organizations. Previously, CDVSA had relied on COVID relief and interim funds to fill the gap. Although the recent budget boost aims to support these crucial programs, critics argue it doesn’t address the growing demand. Brenda Stanfill, head of the…
It has been stated by the Fairbanks Police Department that the town of Fairbanks, Alaska, is in mourning after the loss of a second person who drowned in the Chena River this summer. Witnesses reported seeing a man, subsequently determined to be 42-year-old Elia Ansaknok, plunge into the Chena River on July 19. This was the most recent event known to have taken place. Friday was the day when the body of Ansaknok was found after a week of intensive search operations had been conducted. In describing her uncle, Lauren Ansaknok, his niece said he was the kindest and most…
On Wednesday, American and Canadian fighter aircraft seized two Russian and Chinese nuclear bombers off the coast of Alaska. According to the Pentagon, this is the first time this has happened. It was stated on Thursday in a press conference by Lloyd Austin these interactions were “not a surprise.” The said aircraft did not enter the US airspace and was off the coast for about 200 miles. Two Russian TU-95 bombers and two Chinese H-6 bombers were caught flying in international space; they were intercepted by NORAD forces from the US and Canada. Austin stated, “We closely monitored these aircraft,…
Residents of Bethel and surrounding areas, particularly those in the housing subdivision, are advised of an upcoming water supply interruption. The city will be temporarily cutting off water services on August 2nd and 3rd to facilitate the installation of a new water connection for the Ayaprun School. Water interruption will commence on August 2nd and is expected to be restored on August 3rd. However, there may be a slight delay in full water pressure restoration. It’s important to note that water supply disruptions have occurred in the past due to infrastructure upgrades and maintenance. The city is committed to minimizing…
After 78 years of out-of-pocket medical bill payments, 103-year-old World War II veteran Louis Gigliotti from Anchorage, Alaska, has finally gotten his veterans benefits. Known by most as “Jiggs,” Gigliotti was a surgical technician during the war but was not aware of the advantages he would have as a veteran. Melanie Carey, Gigliotti’s caregiver for around ten years, found the error when she started helping him with his medical bills. She found out that despite possessing a Veteran Administration card, he had been paying for his treatment out of pocket. “I don’t think he understood that being a veteran has…
The search for a missing plane bound for Yakutat was called off late Monday evening after exhaustive efforts by the U.S. Coast Guard and partner agencies. The aircraft, a 1948 Beechcraft Bonanza owned by longtime Haines pilot Sam Wright, was carrying Yakutat residents Hans Munich,Tanya Hutchins, and Sam Wright himself. It was last tracked near Mount Crillon at the southern end of the Fairweather Mountain Range. The three individuals departed from Juneau on Saturday, but the plane never reached its destination. Wright, along with Munich and Hutchins, who own Coastal Air Service, were reported overdue that evening. Both Wright and…
Joshua Kelly-Morris, a 24-year-old Bethel resident, has been sentenced to 7 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter. The charge stemmed from a fatal fight in a Bethel home in 2022 that resulted in the death of 21-year-old Ian Makaily. According to legal authorities, Kelly-Morris was initially charged with first-degree murder. Details surrounding the fight remain unclear, but witness statements allege Kelly-Morris and Makaily were heard arguing downstairs before Kelly-Morris informed others upstairs that Makaily was dead. Based on these statements, Bethel police apprehended Kelly-Morris. As part of a plea agreement, Kelly-Morris pled guilty to the lesser charge of…
Residents of Bethel are being warned by the local police department about a phone scam involving a person posing as a police officer. Reports have surfaced of an individual identifying themselves as “Deputy Chris,” using various last names, and making calls that appear to originate from Bethel’s courthouse. The scammer claims to have urgent legal documents that require immediate attention. Residents have also reported on social media that the caller accused them of property crimes and demanded they account for their whereabouts. This scam in Bethel is part of a wider trend of police impersonation scams across Alaska, with similar…
