Author: Nicole Thompson

A renewable energy company has signed an agreement with Homer Electric Association, advancing the development of Alaska’s largest solar farm project. This deal sets the stage for substantial solar energy development in the state. Jenn Miller from Renewable IPP reports that the solar farm at Puppy Dog Lake in Nikiski will have a capacity of 45 megawatts. This project will significantly boost Alaska’s solar energy production, nearly tripling the current output from rooftop installations and existing farms. The ambitious project will power nearly 9,000 households on the Peninsula, making it over five times larger than Renewable IPP’s previous Houston project.…

Police charged an Anchorage man with murder on Sunday after discovering a victim dead from a stab wound inside a West Anchorage apartment. Authorities arrested 33 year old Cecil A. Skipper and charged him with first-degree murder. Officers apprehended Skipper at the scene, a residence on West 32nd Avenue near Turnagain Street. According to an official police statement released online, Skipper directly reported the incident to dispatch. Skipper cooperated with the authorities orders to vacate the flat as soon as they arrived on the scene. State court records indicate that, as of Sunday night, authorities had not yet submitted the…

On Saturday morning, members of the Samoan community in Anchorage will assemble in front of the downtown offices of the Anchorage Police Department for a significant ceremony known as a march for Easter Leafa. The Samoan community march for justice will bring together Samoan leaders, community partners, and concerned people, all dressed in white as a sign of peace and harmony. This week, police officers shot and killed 16-year-old Easter Leafa. The march comes after the horrific event that occurred earlier this week. The scenario became more serious, as stated by the Anchorage Police Department, after Leafa, who had threatened…

In an Alaska Troopers assault case, authorities charged two State Troopers on Thursday. Authorities mistakenly informed Officers Jason Woodruff and Sgt. Joseph Miller that they were apprehending Garrett Tikka, wanted for not completing his 10-day sentence for driving with a suspended license. On May 24, the agents approached an SUV connected to Garrett Tikka in the Kenai Peninsula hamlet of Soldotna. However, the Alaska Attorney General’s Office has filed charges, claiming that Ben Tikka, his cousin, was the person inside the car. This misidentification led to a violent incident in which Ben Tikka suffered severe injuries. He suffered from an…

A power outage in Alaska occurred on Monday afternoon, resulting in the loss of electricity for tens of thousands of individuals in Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley. At 5:30 p.m., maps of power disruptions indicated that up to 45,000 individuals in Anchorage and 24,000 in the Mat-Su region were without electricity. Fortunately, the majority of individuals were able to regain access to their electricity by 7 p.m. Only twelve residences were still anticipating the resumption of service. According to Chugach Electric and Matanuska Electric Association, two Alaskan power companies, the extensive power outage in Alaska may have been the result…

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,…