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.
President Donald Trump’s sweeping executive order, signed on Monday, aims to expand the resources, reigniting economic and environmental debates. Trump’s Alaska resource development order includes increased oil drilling, mining and logging. Alaska’s Governor, Mike Dunleavy, also submitted a request for this after Trump’s election. The order calls for new oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, removing Biden-era restrictions on the National Petroleum Reserve, and reversing bans on logging in Alaska’s temperate rainforests. Alaska’s Republican leaders hailed the plan as critical for reviving the state’s economy, with Senator Dan Sullivan declaring, “It is morning again in Alaska.” Governor Dunleavy…
On Monday, President Donald Trump issued an executive order renaming Denali in Alaska to Mount McKinley, reigniting a heated debate. Trump ordered the renaming of Denali to honor President William McKinley, whom he called a leader who bolstered America’s economy with tariffs. Trump argued that McKinley’s contributions deserved recognition through this renaming effort. The name change quickly drew criticism from Alaska’s senior Republican senator, Lisa Murkowski. She insisted the mountain must retain its Alaska Native name, Denali, meaning the high one. Murkowski illuminated its cultural significance, noting that it had been the name of the Koyukon Athabascans for thousands of…
An unvaccinated Alaska resident tested positive for measles after returning from an international trip from Seattle to Anchorage. State health officials confirmed the case and issued a public health alert on Thursday. The patient developed symptoms during the flight to Seattle and later traveled to the Kenai Peninsula. South Peninsula Hospital in Homer first admitted the individual on Monday with classic measles symptoms like fever, cough and facial rash. On Tuesday, they were transferred to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage and isolated for treatment. Lab results confirmed the measles diagnosis by Wednesday. Officials expect the patient, whose identity remains…
Oversight reports highlight ongoing challenges in Anchorage’s winter emergency shelters, including food shortages, bedbug infestations, and limited transportation access. The city enlisted Restorative Reentry Services (RRS) to monitor compliance and improve shelter conditions, but issues persist. Homeless clients in city shelters have reported insufficient food despite a $1.7 million contract to provide three daily meals for 530 residents. According to RRS reports, meal portion sizes and quality fall short of federal standards. Clients staying at Alex Hotel have expressed hunger, often requesting additional food. While the health department addressed these concerns with food contractors ESS Support Services Worldwide, challenges remain…
The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities announced Friday that Dave Bronson, former Anchorage mayor, will manage Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. With over 40 years of aviation expertise, Bronson’s career spans military and commercial aviation roles across Alaska and the United States. Bronson, a former B-52 pilot in the US Air Force, also flew commercially for Northwest Airlines and Delta. While serving in the Alaska Air National Guard, he held roles as a maintenance officer and C-130 pilot. These positions ultimately helped him in earning the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Furthermore, the state highlighted his extensive aviation background…
Anchorage reacts to the Gaza ceasefire deal, in addition to cautious optimism. Members of Anchorage’s Muslim and Jewish communities voiced enthusiasm for a possible peace agreement for Gaza. US, Qatar, Hamas, and President Joe Biden’s negotiators reported progress on a ceasefire deal on Wednesday. The agreement may go into force on Sunday despite not being approved. According to the local community leaders, the news calls for vigilance but also brings hope. Anchorage Lawyer Heather Barbour said, “We’re ecstatic. It’s great news. It’s long overdue.” She further stated that this decision gives people a glimmer of hope after all the devastation…
College campuses across the US have hosted large protests over the Israel-Hamas war. This included the protests at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Amid the ongoing unrest Anchorage students react to the Gaza ceasefire, expressing diverse emotions. On Wednesday, Israel and Hamas reached an agreement to pause fighting in Gaza temporarily. The ceasefire, expected to begin Sunday, remains uncertain as mediators finalize the details. 21-year-old Kenan Metzger said he was happy that the violence had temporarily stopped. “I mean, ultimately, it’s a great thing that bullets will not be fired anymore. No matter the outcome after that, it’s a good…
A powerful windstorm swept through Anchorage on Sunday, leaving thousands of residents without power and causing widespread damage. The hurricane in Anchorage disrupted power lines, uprooted trees, and partially collapsed a pedestrian bridge over the Seward Highway. The storm also caused over a dozen planes to divert, impacting air travel statewide. The National Weather Service reported wind speeds strong enough to impact power lines, topple trees, and disrupt air traffic. Meteorologist Tracen Knopp confirmed temperatures reached over 40°F, unusual for this time of the year. Steven Wood, an Anchorage resident, witnessed his neighbor’s roof peel off and fly toward his…
The Senate is renewing its push to reinstate Alaska’s public pension system, hoping to address workforce challenges. Senator Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, introduced Senate Bill 28, designed to replace the pension system eliminated in 2006. This early introduction signals a strong focus on pensions, education and energy issues in the 34th Alaska Legislature. In addition to the pension bill, legislators pre-filed 76 bills and five draft constitutional amendments last Friday. Proposed measures include free meals for public school students, a ban on foam food containers and restrictions on cellphone use in schools. Despite the influx of bills, the prior legislature saw…
The Alaska seafood industry’s task force unveiled draft recommendations addressing challenges such as collapsing fisheries, workforce shortages, and rising operational costs. During a recent two-day hearing in Anchorage, task force members reviewed proposals aimed at revitalizing the state’s struggling seafood sector. The recommendations range from local initiatives such as community cold storage facilities to international efforts including enhanced marketing campaigns for Alaska fish. Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak emphasized the urgency of the task highlighting the January 21st report deadline. Representative Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak expressed optimism stating “We can hit the ground running because we’ve got some good solid ideas.”…
The Alaska Legislature prioritizes energy issues again this year, including efforts to address Cook Inlet’s natural gas shortage. Incoming House Speaker Bryce Edgmon announced potential follow-up legislation to modernize the Railbelt’s utility systems during resource forums. House Bill 307 passed last year established a unified transmission system and incorporated renewable energy sources into Alaska’s energy portfolio. Federal funding of hundreds of millions of dollars will aid energy diversification and infrastructure upgrades across the state. Royalty relief for Cook Inlet producers will likely resurface after falling in the last legislative session. Representative Andy Josephson emphasized reconsidering reduced royalties, arguing the minimal…
The Anchorage Assembly has revived discussion on implementing a proposed 3% Anchorage municipal sales tax, sparking widespread debate this week. At the first meeting of 2025, members passed two separate ballot measures for the April 1st election while postponing a final tax decision. One ballot measure seeks voter approval for a $3 million tax levy to fund new police vehicle acquisitions across Anchorage. The second measure, valued at $3.5 million, proposes a similar levy for replacing service fleet vehicles. To justify these measures, Assembly members emphasized operational efficiency due to minimal individual taxpayer costs. Both require a majority vote to…
