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KNOM Update News
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Top News
Profiles
Richard and Debbie Atuk on Iñupiaq preservation
Richard Atuk and Debbie Atuk, father and daughter, are on a mission to revive Iñupiaq culture through language learning.
Shaktoolik community and archaeologist collaboration uncovers the past
Ongoing research is digging into the history of one of Alaska’s oldest archaeological sites.
Meet the Three Candidates Vying to be Nome’s Next Mayor
Nome’s 2020 Municipal Election is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6th. Although there are several seats up for grabs, only one has multiple candidates running for the same position: Nome’s Mayor.
Public Safety
Nome resident arrested in sexual assault case
Nome Police arrested Isaac Ozenna Sr. on May 4 on multiple charges of sexual assault of a minor and coercion.
Bun Hardy receives apology and three-quarters of a million dollars in sexual assault case settlement from City of Nome
The city, former police chief John Papasadora and former police officer Nicholas Harvey all signed the agreement by Monday, March 21st.
ACLU claims City of Nome is withholding information, Nome wants Hardy’s lawsuit dismissed
The Alaska Civil Liberties Union has requested the U.S. District Court of Alaska hold the City of Nome in contempt of court and pay attorney fees on behalf of Clarice “Bun” Hardy. Meanwhile, on January 21st the City of Nome asked the court to dismiss Hardy’s case altogether.
COVID-19
CDC reports racial disparity in COVID impact
A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (coauthored by a Department of Health and Social Services employee) found that Alaska Native people face disproportionate risks from COVID-19, compared to white residents in Alaska.
“We’re past the worst of it,” NSHC medical director says of COVID-19 pandemic
COVID-19 has entered its endemic phase in the Norton Sound and Bering Strait region, NSHC Medical Director Dr. Mark Peterson said. That’s where the virus exists at a fairly consistent level within a population as a part of everyday life.
Nome Common Council votes to keep current rules for sale of alcohol
The Nome Common Council at Monday’s meeting voted down a proposed ordinance that would have changed the legal hours to sell alcohol in the city.
Environment & Climate
New NOAA technology to study changing ocean ecosystem
NOAA plans to debut the Oculus Coastal Glider summer 2022 to study the Bering Sea.
Federal Subsistence Board makes regulation changes to Units 22 and 23
The FSB’s teleconference in April covered issues relevant to Units 22 and 23. Those topics included a decision to conserve Alaska hare in Units 22 and 23, a redefinition of Alaska hare, closures and rescinded closures in moose hunting, and a special action for musk ox permits.
Sea ice in dramatic decline for spring season despite ice pack around Nome
Sea ice extent in the Bering Sea has been up and down this spring. But within the last two weeks, sea ice models show a collapse of conditions.