780AM / 96.1FM - We're KNOM. Yours for Western Alaska.
KNOM Update News
For more stories from Nome or your community, tune in to 780 AM / 96.1 FM weekdays at 7am, 8am, 9am, noon, or 5pm to hear KNOM Update News.
Top News
Profiles
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.
Nome-Beltz Teacher Receives STEM Grant for Research Lab Kits, to Develop Young Scientists
Dr. Anthony Husemann, a full-time science teacher at NBHS, received $5000 in grant money to serve as a mentor for Nome students to be able to conduct science research independently, as well as to develop STEM projects.
Public Safety
Red Fox Rabies Outbreak in Nome
The head of Alaska’s Wildlife Disease and Health Surveillance Program confirms that the City of Nome has a higher than normal case count of rabies in the red fox population.
Nome’s Public Safety Commission Approves New Use of Force Policy
Nome’s Public Safety Advisory Commission convened this month to discuss the drafted use of force policy. After several cancelled meetings due to COVID-19, and failing to make quorum, the commission did meet on Monday for the first time since October of 2020.
Trial for Teller Man Could be Scheduled Soon as Jury Trials Resume in Nome
Nome courthouse staff confirm Bradley Gene Okpealuk was arraigned this morning and his case now moves onto a trial. In-person jury trials resumed in Nome earlier this month.
COVID-19
Bering Strait Region mourns first COVID death
The Norton Sound and Bering Strait region is currently experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases. NSHC identified 15 new cases in the region Oct. 13, bringing the total number of active cases in the region to 117.
Medical director says “it’s business as usual” at NSHC
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services on Oct. 2 activated crisis standards of care for 20 of the state’s 31 health care facilities, including Norton Sound Health Corporation.
NSHC now operating under crisis standards of care
The State Department of Health and Social Services on Oct. 2 activated the crisis standards of care for Norton Sound Health Corporation along with 19 other state health care facilities.
Environment & Climate
Bering Strait shores collect more foreign marine debris but still no solution
For the second year in a row, Bering Strait residents are finding foreign debris on their shores — and are still looking for the source.
Walrus bone research to inform marine wildlife protection
Scientists researching walruses investigate bones as a method of measuring the impacts of the changing environment. This type of research on bones may open the door for more understanding and protection of marine wildlife.
Alaska Fisheries Science Center appoints first tribal research coordinator
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association hired its first tribal research coordinator for the Alaska Fisheries Science Center.