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KNOM Update News
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Top News
Disparities in Sexual Assault Crimes in Nome
Profiles
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.
Carol Seppilu: Running for Life
In the last ten years, Seppilu has been actively running all over the Nome area. Her love for running is fueled by a deeper purpose: to promote suicide prevention.
Public Safety
Legislator Seeks to “Rewrite” Alaska’s Consent Law, Speed Up Rape Kit Testing
Rep. Geran Tarr pre-filed House Bill 5 earlier this month which includes rape kit testing reform, further protections for underage victims of sexual abuse, and updates the state’s sexual consent law.
Emmonak Man Found Dead In His Home After Alleged Assault
After receiving a report at 3:25am on January 1st, Alaska State Troopers found 39-year-old Brian Agwiak of Emmonak deceased in his residence.
Alaska Criminal Justice System Continues to Disproportionately Affect Marginalized Populations
Within Alaska’s criminal justice system, the poor and vulnerable have experienced the greatest impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. KNOM reports on what those in the court system are saying about those affected.
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…