News

OPERATION POLAR DAGGER— Three Blackhawk helicopters approach the USS John Canley, a newly commissioned expeditionary mobile base ship, in Nome’s roadstead on Tuesday, July 30. Their presence is part of the weeklong NORAD drill called “Operation Polar Dagger”, conducted in the Bering Sea.

US Dept. of Defense drops new Arctic Strategy

Last week, the U.S. Department of Defense released a new Arctic Strategy. Updating the last plan from five years ago, it outlines a series of actions for the federal government to take around the...

Swans gather at Bonanza Channel in this file photo taken in May.

DEC denies tribe's request for IPOP hearing

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation on Monday denied a request for a public hearing on the state permit it is considering issuing to IPOP LLC. The Village of Solomon tribal government...

BIRDS EYE–A view of Stebbins school ruins removal, done by Tapraq Rock, a local contractor in Stebbins.

Stebbins remains steadfast in rebuilding after school fire

Three weeks after the tragic fire that razed the Tukurngailnguq School and teacher housing in Stebbins to the ground, the community proves their resilience and resolve in the face of tragedy. With...

FISHING— Charles Okpealuk sets a net at Grantley Harbor on July 18, as his son Zayne looks on. ADF&G opened the Port Clarence district for subsistence fishing, after an unprecedented closure.

First ever subsistence fishery closure at Port Clarence causes hardship at Teller, Brevig

After experiencing an unprecedented closure of subsistence salmon fishing, the Port Clarence district, including Teller and Brevig Mission, is now open for fishing. The Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game...

City Manager Glenn Steckman resigned from his job to take a position in Cambridge, MD.

City manager resigns, effective September 1

Nome’s City Manager Glenn Steckman announced his decision to resign from the job to the public today, July 24. The resignation is effective September 1. Steckman said in an interview with the Nome...

BERM BOOST – FEMA announced last week that Shaktoolik is set to receive nearly $6 million to improve their community berm, on which two local boys are shown walking on top of in its current state

Shaktoolik races against time and bureaucracy to rebuild protective berm

On Friday, July 12 Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, announced over $100 million in funds approved to help Alaska communities rebuild infrastructure and public buildings damaged during ex...

HELLO CENTRAL— The Beneville family came to Nome to place a headstone at Richard Beneville’s gravesite. Pictured are Shelly Pawlikowski, Leslie Absher, Susan Beneville, Michael and his son Maverick Beneville and Derrick Beneville.

Beneville family unveils headstone at Richard Beneville’s gravesite

Under grey skies with the lightest of rains, dozens of Nomeites and Beneville family members gathered at Belmont Point Cemetery on Wednesday, July 10 at 5 p.m. for the unveiling of the headstone at...

State agencies seek comments on IPOP mining permits

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Natural Resources seek comments on the controversial proposal by IPOP LLC, a Nevada-based outfit with no mining background,...

WE’RE FOR MARY— Nomeites gather to question and support Alaska’s first Native congresswoman Mary Peltola, right, at Milano’s Pizzaria on Tuesday, July 2, 2024.

Congresswoman Mary Peltola whistlestops in Nome

Last week, Nomeites young and old packed into the front room of Milano’s Pizzeria to have an opportunity to meet, talk and listen to the first Alaska Native woman elected to Congress, Mary Peltola....

Polaris owner pleads guilty to tax evasion

Tina Yi, owner of the former Polaris Hotel and Bar, pleaded guilty last week to federal charges of evading taxes on income she earned from the business. Yi, now living in Anchorage, was the sole...