Morning Edition Extra

Indexed: 2026-05-15

[00:00:05]Good Friday morning everyone. Thank you so much for joining us for the Morning Edition Extra this Friday morning. And um we're heading into our weekend now.

[00:00:15]It's going to be Saturday tomorrow. So let's get a check of the weather forecast with meteorologist Aaron Morrison.

[00:00:23]>> Thanks Adeli. We are going to be seeing uh ongoing quiet weather for most of South Central the next couple of days.

[00:00:28]Of course, we are waking up to some cloud coverage, but sunshine will make a gradual return. We continue to monitor those breakup conditions across the state. This is the Buckland River. An update uh for that as we continue to see those ice jam concerns shifting into western Alaska. This video coming in from Dennis Jones. And you can see bankto bank uh with that run of ice. So, we could be talking about potential ice jam concerns for Buckland as we uh continue to see breakup shifting west.

[00:00:54]Now, as far as the latest conditions, you can see many areas of the state uh seeing some mostly open to open waterways. Now, keep in mind, even though they are open, we could still see some runs of ice. Uh we've got flood watches and warnings still in effect from Yukon Flats to the middle Yukon Valley out towards the interior Kusquim Delta along the Kusquam River at Tookac.

[00:01:12]We are seeing that ice jam is in place.

[00:01:14]Water remains high. And then as you head out towards it, Tano along the Yukon, river levels are up significantly with banktobank ice. And then Galina, you are on watch for an ice jam as well uh downstream near Bishop Rock. And we're also seeing the mouth of the Yuki River uh kind of leading to some jam concerns as well. Meanwhile, as you head out towards uh southwest Alaska, out towards the Kusquin Delta area, you can see this is a photo coming in from Bethl. Kind of ominous looking when it comes to those flood waters as well as some flooding or the fog potential that we do have. Dean Swope sending in this video or that photo. And of course, the flood warning for the interior Kusquin Delta remains in effect through 900 p.m. this evening.

[00:01:54]Uh that ice jam is located on the Kusquin River. You can expect more flooding expected until that ice jam releases and the water level continues to be about 3 feet above action stage and those water levels continue to steadily climb. So, numerous watches and warnings. Of course, we've only got that one watch as you head out towards uh parts of the middle Yukon Valley. And then we've got that flood warning out towards southwest Alaska. And then as you head out towards Stevens Village along uh the Yukon where we continue to see those ice jam concerns as well.

[00:02:22]Meanwhile, across the state, these temperatures this morning, 11 degrees in 48 in Fairbanks, 44 degrees in Juno. Our cool mornings are still with us, but the afternoons, that's where we kind of get that trade-off and those winnable conditions to get outdoors and soak up that sunshine with 50s and 60s from South Central through the interior. Even out west, we are warming into the 40s and 50s. This is our next storm system.

[00:02:45]Widespread rain and windy conditions building into uh the illutions throughout the day. That will eventually spread east into coastal south central.

[00:02:52]We've also got some scattered showers as well as um some snow mixing in with that for southwest Alaska as we welcome in the weekend. But the bulk of that moisture is expected to build into South Central as well as southeast through early uh through uh the weekend and early next week. So, be prepared for return to wetter conditions. Now, like we typically see, heaviest rain will stay near uh co coastal areas, but we can't rule out some isolated to scattered showers for inland areas of South Central as we welcome in our Sunday and Monday. It'll be very kind of hit or miss in activity with those showers for inland locations. Uh, as you can see, we'll largely stay on the dry side with most of that rain staying confined to the coast. But thankfully, we are largely dry today. Uh 50s uh looking likely for many areas outside of the coast which will stay in the 40s and some sun for uh some sun to be expected for some. If you live in the valley, you'll likely hold on to a bit more cloud covers today if not overcast skies as you head out towards the Alaska range or the foothills of the Talita mountains out towards Taquitina and Trapper Creek.

[00:03:55]There's those chance for showers arriving into your Sunday and Monday.

[00:03:58]Daily highs though staying in the 50s.

[00:04:00]Adeli, >> thank you. Erin, and our top story this morning, a Palmer man is being charged with terroristic threatening and assault after officers say he rammed his car into the front entrance of the Wasilla Police Department. It's a story we first told you about Wednesday on our live streaming app. And now, Lauren Maxwell walks us through the dramatic security video. Right before 5:00 p p.m.

[00:04:28]Wednesday, police security cameras capture the vehicle entering the parking lot of the Wasilla Police Department.

[00:04:34]The driver crosses to the south side of the building where police say he drove around several concrete barriers before popping up on the lawn and heading straight for the lobby, becoming wedged inside the building's Arctic entry.

[00:04:50]Police say the driver, now identified as Thomas Dalvo II of Palmer, was wearing a mask when he produced a can of bear spray from inside the car and tried to spray an officer in the lobby. It had no effect. Dalvo was taken into custody, but not before police say he made threatening statements and assaulted another officer who was attempting to assist him. During the arrest, officers noticed what they called unusual wires inside the car leading to a switch on the dashboard that prompted a large multi- agency response that included the Anchorage Bomb Squad. No explosives were found and eventually the vehicle was cleared and towed away. Lauren Maxwell, Alaska's news source.

[00:05:39]Police say there were two people in the lobby when this happened. Neither of them were seriously injured. D. Salvo was arraigned in the Palmer courthouse Thursday on a number of charges including terroristic threatening in the first degree.

[00:05:56]>> And a guilty verdict was returned Thursday in the murders of Shayla Agaruk and Bobby Delo. Mario Jackson was convicted on all six counts after prosecutors said surveillance video showed the shooter near the Red Cross building in downtown Anchorage.

[00:06:13]Investigators also pointed to travel in video, an electric scooter, ammunition, and phone evidence. Jackson took the stand and denied killing either victim. Jurors rejected that defense. His sentencing is scheduled for October 2nd.

[00:06:32]A California man identified as the leader of an Alaska drug trafficking organization has been sentenced to 15 years in prison. Court documents say Tyrone Hampton moved to Alaska from Southern California in 2022.

[00:06:49]Investigators say Hampton and others began selling drugs like heroin and fentanyl. One of the locations they committed the crimes was in a Wasilla apartment. After a lengthy investigation, Hampton was linked to the crimes and he pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering. Five codefendants also pleaded guilty. They received varying sentences up to 15 years.

[00:07:15]The Alaska dive search rescue and recovery team is looking for a missing man in Juno. Juno police identified him as Benjamin Steppen Steetin, excuse me.

[00:07:28]He was reported missing back on June 26th of last year. The case is being handled as a criminal investigation.

[00:07:36]Investigators think he may have gone near the water downtown the night he went missing. If you know any information, call the Juno police.

[00:07:55]Police say they arrested the man who was wanted for crashing a truck into downtown Anchorage's Pelmen restaurant last year, hurting an employee. Denny Tommpkins tells us why he was a no-show in court Thursday and what's next as he faces multiple charges for the high-speed crash.

[00:08:18]That was April 20th, 2025. A little after 3:00 in the morning, according to Anchorage Police, a blue Dodge Ram APD says was going upwards of 80 m an hour, slamming straight into Pelini restaurant. I was actually surprised how many people stopped by and told us that they uh they miss us and would help if we needed help.

[00:08:36]>> That was employee Lester Hayes in July of 2025. At the time, restaurant staff told Alaska's news source one employee inside lost partial vision in one eye.

[00:08:46]On video, we see the driver that morning was able to run away, leaving behind a mess. It's been more than a year. The restaurant rebuilt and reopened. Robert Miller was accused of crashing the truck and a warrant was put out in June of 2025. Now, since then, Miller has avoided being taken into custody. Until now, when Miller was scheduled to face a judge on Thursday in this very room, but he refused to show. We are told it's been rescheduled for Friday.

[00:09:15]APD says Miller did not own the truck driven in the crash. Inside the vehicle, investigators say they found cocaine, fentanyl, and blood that matched Miller's DNA. But it was not this crash that led to Miller's arrest. On Tuesday, APD responded to a shoplifting call on the Old Seward Highway where they say they found the 43-year-old. He's now facing several charges, including assault, reckless driving, drug misconduct, and leaving the scene of a crash police say caused more than $100,000 in damage. Pelini owners declined to comment. But last year, Hayes said he felt the community support.

[00:09:50]>> I'm just happy to be back in here serving. Uh, feels like I'm back at home now. There's a few things that need to change going and then it'll it'll feel a little bit more like home.

[00:09:58]>> Danny Tomkins, Alaska's news source.

[00:10:16]At the capital, state lawmakers rejected Steven Cox as Alaska's attorney general, but he won't be leaving. Oh, excuse me for the audio. He won't be leaving the Dun Levy administration moments after lawmakers voted against Cox's confirmation. Governor Mike Dunley has now appointed him as counsel to the governor. Deny said Cox's legal and policy experience will help advise him on key issues facing the state. That same experience was criticized by lawmakers who voted against his appointment. Cox's first day on the job was Thursday. According to the governor without Cox with Cox out as AG, Governor Dun Levy tapped 14year department of law employee Corey Mills, who was most recently a deputy AG to serve as acting attorney general.

[00:11:13]The tano chief's conference is raising new concerns about flooding in interior communities after disaster declarations for Hughes and Chil Chilkit earlier this week. Both communities have seen homes and local infrastructure damaged by ice jams and river flooding.

[00:11:31]As TCC helps coordinate recovery, they warn other villages are also at risk.

[00:11:37]This includes a flood advisory for Ruby, flood watches for Galina and Fort Yukon, and flooding concerns for Stevens Village.

[00:11:46]A gaming hall on the outer edges of Anchorage is expanding by nearly 5,000 square feet while still facing legal battles. The Chin Game Gaming Hall just added 89 new gaming machines, a bar, and space for a food truck, and staff say the expansion creates 38 new jobs. The hall holds a class 2 gaming license, meaning they can't have table games or sports betting, only machines. The native village of Alutna owns the land the hall is on. In the past, neighbors have voiced opposition and the hall has been subject to two lawsuits. We will have more coverage on the new expansion at a later date.

[00:12:32]And don't forget today Anchorage commuters commuters can trade four wheels for two and avoid those higher gas prices as it's bike to work day with more than 80 groups 80 groups set up around town in the morning to cheer on cyclists and hand out treats. Anchorage Mayor Suzanne Lefran says she plans to pedal to work.

[00:12:56]Then for your ride home from 4 to 6 pm, more than 40 afterwork stations will keep the ride home rolling with treats and plenty of applause. So if you're not participating, be aware of bicyclists on the road and be safe.

[00:13:14]And Rabbit Creek Shooting Park is back in its busy season as more Alaskans head out to brush up on their shooting skills. Georgina Fernandez takes us to the range where hunter educators say no matter how experienced you are, practice is key.

[00:13:31]Out on the range, it's that time of year again.

[00:13:36]>> I think it's a lot of people just getting back outside and knocking the rust off.

[00:13:40]>> People hone in sharpening their marksmanship after a long winter.

[00:13:45]>> We all want to use firearms, go out, enjoy the outdoors, and come back safe, right? And the way to do that >> in right here, you just have to push it back and then push this down.

[00:13:55]>> There you go.

[00:13:56]>> Is by practicing and taking hunter education courses.

[00:14:00]>> It's great to come in cuz we don't want to carry a firearm out there if we're not proficient with it, right? So, it takes training, it takes practice, it takes repetitiveness, and that's why I think the range is so busy in the spring months.

[00:14:11]>> And before you touch a real gun, educators recommend you start off by using a dummy firearm like this. Now, this allows folks to gain muscle memory and learn how to safely operate a gun before transitioning to the real thing.

[00:14:25]Right now, educators say, is the time to brush up on those skills and review the big four safety rules, like keeping your firearm unloaded until you're ready to use it. One of the biggest causes for firearm incidents is guns going off in vehicles, whether that's a truck, car, a boat, an ATV, >> and taking the time to practice hitting your target.

[00:14:48]>> Cuz if you shoot one here, one here, one here, you don't really have an idea where your point of aim versus your point of impact is.

[00:14:56]>> And why is that so important?

[00:14:58]>> Because when you're out in the field, you know, you want to make clean, ethical shots on game. Uh that's why it's very important to come practice.

[00:15:05]Practice makes perfect and out here perfect means coming home. Georgia Fernandez, Alaska's news source.

[00:15:20]All right, we're going to take a very short break. When we come back, we're going to talk about some of those big national stories, including um Trump's visit to China, the Senate resolution, and the Hunter virus. So, stick with us.

[00:15:31]We'll have those updates when we return.

[00:18:43]Welcome back in. President Trump is on Air Force One on his way home from China after beginning today with another round of talks with President Xiinping.

[00:18:52]Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the two countries found common ground on the war in Iran, but that President Trump did not ask China for help in ending the conflict. Alex Bar has more details.

[00:19:06]>> President Trump given a ceremonial sendoff from China this morning to cap a summit mixing pageantry and thorny politics.

[00:19:14]>> We've made some fantastic trade deals, great for both countries. Uh he's a man I respect greatly, become really a friend.

[00:19:23]>> The president praising Chinese leader Xihinping. And while there's no sign of a breakthrough on a comprehensive trade deal, he suggested Boeing would sell China 200 jets.

[00:19:34]>> It was sort of like a statement, but I think it was a commitment >> and teased potential business with other American CEOs who joined the trip.

[00:19:41]>> One thing I think that we we're going to make a deal on. He's they've agreed they want to buy oil from the United States.

[00:19:47]The president acknowledged China wants to keep buying oil from Iran, propping up their economy, but said Beijing won't give Thrron military equipment and offered help with a deal.

[00:19:59]>> We feel very similar in Iran. We want that to end. We don't want them to have a nuclear weapon. We uh want the straits open. China is Thrron's most powerful ally, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio told NBC's Tom Yamis the president didn't ask for help ending the war.

[00:20:18]>> We're not asking for China's help. We don't need their help.

[00:20:21]>> Secretary Rubio also weighing in on Taiwan, the island's self-governing democracy that China's communist government claims as its own and that the US sells weapons to to deter Chinese aggression.

[00:20:33]>> US policy on the issue of Taiwan is unchanged as of today. that as a Chinese spokesperson warned, if the issue is mishandled, the countries could collide or even conflict, pushing the relationship into dangerous territory. A stark reminder of the remaining challenges in a critical and complicated relationship. From here, the US trade representative said the US and China would set up a board of trade to work toward reducing some tariffs. And President Trump has invited President Xi to visit Washington in September. in Washington. Alice Bar, NBC News.

[00:21:18]>> On Thursday, the US Senate voted unanimously to pass a resolution that would withhold senators pay during a government shutdown.

[00:21:27]The Senate resolution, which would only apply to the Senate, passed by voice vote, meaning no roll call vote was needed. decision to pass this by voice vote comes after the Senate voted Wednesday unanimously 99 to zero to advance the bill. The bill states that quote during any period in which a government shutdown is in effect, Secretary of the Senate shall disperse and hold any payments otherwise required to be made with respect to such according to the bill. the senators.

[00:22:02]According to the bill, the senators would be retroactively paid after a shutdown ends.

[00:22:11]And the CDC says over three dozen Americans are being monitored for potential exposure to the haunt virus.

[00:22:17]Among them, seven people who left the Dutch cruise ship before the outbreak was declared and more than a dozen people who were exposed during travel.

[00:22:26]Jared Hill has the latest on their condition as officials are monitoring their situation.

[00:22:31]>> A hospital in Nebraska, the center of haunt virus monitoring in the US. There are 18 passengers from the MVHandas cruise ship under watch. Seven who returned home before the outbreak was officially called Thursday. We learned 16 people in the US may have been exposed on flights with one symptomatic patient. Their precise travel routes and current locations aren't clear. As patients are being monitored around the world, reassurance from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control >> based on the whole genome sequencing that is available to us suggest that there are no indications that this virus is acting any different from the known virus circulating in some regions of the world.

[00:23:10]>> Back in the States, Dr. Steven Kornfeld, a passenger who helped take care of sick patients on the cruise ship, has been transferred from bioontainment to quarantine at University of Nebraska Medical Center. He has been retested and has tested negative by PCR on two different occasions.

[00:23:26]>> Fellow passenger Jake Ross Marin has already been in quarantine for days. We have a dresser and a fridge.

[00:23:36]>> He'll stay the full 42 days.

[00:23:38]>> I was supposed to go to my cousin's wedding in Italy and unfortunately I won't be making that. So I feel terrible, but it's the right decision.

[00:23:47]As of now, none of the passengers quarantining in Nebraska are symptomatic. Jared Hill, CBS News.

[00:24:03]All right, we're going to take another very short break. When we come back, we're going to have a few watching your wallets and we're going to be talking about some tips and tricks um on how to save money and be financially responsible, especially if you have any upcoming graduates for high school or college where they're going to start heading into the real world and they're going to learn how to manage their money. So, some habits are very important. Stick with us and we'll tell you those habits.

[00:27:38]Immigration has been a hot topic for the past year and now scammers are turning their attention to people who are trying to do it legally.

[00:27:49]>> [music] >> Law enforcement is sending out a warning about scammers who target people looking for assistance with immigration issues.

[00:27:59]Tonight, you're going to hear from one police chief who is investigating a case in his area as he shares what you should know to help protect your money and your personal information. It's a shame that [music] this working mother of two who was trying to do the right thing to become legal in this country is now scammed out of close to $7,000 [music] her identity and god knows what else.

[00:28:20]>> Keith Connley is the police chief in Kennor, Louisiana. He says a woman came in after responding to a Facebook ad by someone claiming to offer immigration related legal help. And for the last year, he's been taking her money, giving promises of citizenship, work visas, social security numbers, not just for her, but for her two children as well.

[00:28:42]>> Connley says investigators believe the deception went even further. At one point she [music] was introduced by a Zoom call to a gentleman who was dressed up like a border patrol officer with the outer carrier had a banner behind him that that uh displayed the officers [music] uh likeness and logo and uh things of that nature to give her the impression she was actually talking to a US Border Patrol agent who made promises again assertions for money um but also captured her biometrics that he said he needed uh for the process. [music] Investigators identified a suspect in Florida, arrested him, and brought him back to Louisiana to face lots of charges, including bank fraud and theft.

[00:29:22]The Federal Trade Commission says only attorneys and people accredited by the US Department of Justice who work for recognized organizations can give immigration legal advice. The FTC also warns people not to sign blank immigration forms or forms that have false information. You can also check your state bar to see whether someone is licensed to practice law. And be cautious if someone asks for payment over social media or gift cards, wire transfers, or through payment apps.

[00:29:53]>> No government agency takes money over the internet. No government agency [music] is going to ask for gift cards.

[00:29:58]No government agency is or banking uh industry uh branch, a banking branch, loaning institution. Nobody's going to conduct business uh in that manner. So that's a red flag. You can report immigration scams to local law enforcement, your state consumer protection office, and the Federal Trade Commission. And rest assured, the government says reporting these kinds of scams will not affect your immigration application or petition. With this watching your wallet, I'm Sasha Bray.

[00:30:29]And your new graduate leaving high school or college, they are stepping into the real world now. And their money habits are about to matter now more than ever. In this next Washing Your Wallet, consumer investigator Rachel Depa shows you the simple moves new grads can make to get their finances in order. If you have a student about to graduate high school or college, there may be some money moves to help them make or at least think about. John Kieran, the managing editor at the personal finance company Wallet Hub, says it's really important for a student to have their own bank account and to know how to use a debit card. Help them practice budgeting. You all should also at least become an authorized user on a parents credit card if you're not already. This will help you start building credit. Um, and it will give you a a way to pay for emergency expenses if they come up.

[00:31:21]>> Kieran says that card access would only be for emergencies and not to say buy the entire dorm pizza. He also says teach them how to set up automatic payments for any bills. You should also help them start saving for an emergency fund. Aim to set aside at least 10% of your take-home pay. And if a company offers a 401k plan, teach them how to use it and make sure they don't leave free money on the table if the company offers a match. Teaching them to be frugal and to live below their means could instill the lifelong skill of saving money. With this watching your wallet, I'm Rachel Depa.

[00:35:33]Welcome back in. Artificial intelligence is now going underwater and climate.

[00:35:38]Scientists say it could help save coral reefs before it's too late. Researchers in Massachusetts, excuse me, let me take out that audio.

[00:35:49]So researchers in Massachusetts have developed an AI powered robot named Cury that uses sound and cameras to pinpoint the busiest and healthiest part of the reef faster and cheaper than human dive teams.

[00:36:04]>> Cury would listen to the reef to try to figure out where the most acoustic activity is. Um that would guide Cury toward one of these hotspots. Um, and then Cury would able to use its cameras, uh, and do a mapping mission to, you know, map exactly how many fish there are.

[00:36:21]>> Scientists say the robot's recordings give biologists a clearer map of where to focus future research. The bot is still in the early stages of development, but the team hopes it will soon become part of real missions.

[00:36:36]And it started out as a class project and it soon turned into a deep bond between a group of engineering students in Indiana and a Navy veteran. Tom Powell shares how a new a new bow designed just for him is raining reigniting excuse me his passion for archery.

[00:36:55]>> All right team good morning.

[00:36:57]>> Chester Evott is working with these engineering students in person for the first time.

[00:37:02]>> All right. Are we are we ready to start going forward?

[00:37:05]>> They've collaborated virtually for months. Chester at his home in Montana and Ava, Cooper, Andrea, and Jake at Try University. They've formed quite a bond.

[00:37:16]>> As a father that's raised four kids, I'd be proud to call any one of them my own.

[00:37:22]>> To understand where the problem started, we have to go back to the Gulf War.

[00:37:27]Chester was shot in the arm. Then another injury three years ago made things worse. I'd lost most of the use of my left arm. I can't hold anything in it. I can't shoot my bow.

[00:37:37]>> The trying team went through one design after another, but their resolve never weakened. They knew this was important.

[00:37:44]>> Military runs very deep in my family, like most people from the Midwest, and uh it means a lot to me.

[00:37:49]>> Oh, we got two Allen wrenches.

[00:37:51]>> Using 3D printed parts, they created a device that attaches to his back. It really needs to just hold it up for him and kind of be that skeleton that he can.

[00:38:03]>> All right, now's the time. Let's watch him test it out.

[00:38:06]>> Everybody in this game?

[00:38:07]>> Yep.

[00:38:08]>> Here we go.

[00:38:09]>> Months of determination leading to this moment of freedom.

[00:38:13]>> Oh my goodness. How's it feel?

[00:38:16]>> Alive.

[00:38:17]Life-changing.

[00:38:19]It They're giving me back something that was took from me. War may have robbed him of the use of his arm, but teaming up with these students helped him regain his faith.

[00:38:29]>> With all the negativity going on in the world, >> here's a prime example of our future.

[00:38:45]>> All right, team.

[00:38:50]Pro women's hockey is on the way to Las Vegas. The Professional Women's Hockey League announced this week it's expanding to Sin City. It represents the league's first team in the American Southwest. Support from the NHL's Vegas Golden Knights will help get the women's team up and running quickly.

[00:39:07]The Las Vegas women's squad will hit the ice for its inaugural season later this year. Local officials say since the men's team arrival in 2017, youth hockey in Nevada has surged. That's especially true among girls and women to the tune of a 600% increase. 600.

[00:39:26]The new team doesn't have a name yet, but its colors will be green and gold.

[00:39:36]And now, check this out. This is a large sinkhole in New York. This is on the Long Island Expressway. The sinkhole is approximately 10 ft in diameter and 8 ft deep.

[00:39:46]You can see a car got stuck in the hole for a moment. How unfortunate is that?

[00:39:51]Oh wow. And the right and center lanes of the westbound expressway are closed while crews work to repair it. So hopefully no one else will get stuck in a sinkhole there um and they'll be able to patch things up.

[00:40:12]And that wraps up the morning edition extra for this Friday morning. Thank you so much for joining us today and for starting off your day with Alaska's new source. We'll see you again later for more streaming, more content, and we'll see you again at noon as well. So stick with us. We'll we'll be back later. Have a wonderful day and a great weekend.