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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
Disparities in Sexual Assault Crimes in Nome
Profiles
KNOM’s Tribute to Former Mayor Beneville
Nome Mayor James “Richard” Beneville reflects on a life of service in Western Alaska. In the fall of 2019 Richard sat down with KNOM to share his wisdom in this final interview.
Gambell Seamstress Keeps Knowledge of Traditional Siberian Yupik Sewing Alive
Published by Lydia Apatiki of Gambell, with support from Kawerak Inc., “Sivuqam Kelugwi: A St. Lawrence Island Traditional Sewing Curriculum” uses a symbiosis of technology and traditional knowledge to revitalize a forgotten art.
Profile: Update from Senator Lisa Murkowski on COVID-19, State of the State Economy, and Rural Alaska
Last week, Senator Lisa Murkowski spoke with KNOM Radio about COVID-19 stimulus money, the coronavirus pandemic, and issues relevant to the Bering Strait region.
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
NSHC Pauses Johnson & Johnson Vaccines
Norton Sound Health Corporation is pausing its use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine as a precautionary measure due to an extremely rare side effect of blood clotting that has occurred in a small number of patients nationwide.
Concerns About Accessibility Extends BSNC Vaccination Deadline
Bering Straits Native Corporation will still mandate employees receive vaccinations, but the corporation will lift the previous August 1st deadline amidst questions about accessibility.
Bering Straits Native Corporation Uses History to Inform Vaccine Mandate
Bering Straits Native Corporation will join other institutions around the country in requiring its employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by August 1st.
Environment & Climate
“Game-Changing” Study Uses Genetics to Study Beluga Whales
Researchers can now use the epigenetic information taken from beluga skin samples to determine their age.
Savoonga’s Vi Waghiyi Appointed White House Advisor for Environmental Justice
Savoonga’s Viola “Vi” Waghiyi is one of the 26 members chosen by President Biden and Vice-President Harris for the new White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council.
Diesel Fuel Spills at Savoonga Power Plant, Tundra and Sea Unaffected So Far
Operators at the Savoonga Power Plant are cleaning up between 15 and 20 thousand…