Morning Edition Extra

Added: 2026-05-16

[00:00:24]Good Wednesday morning. Thank you so much for joining us for the morning edition extra for starting off your morning with Alaska's new source.

[00:00:31]Starting us off, we have meteorologist Aaron Morrison who's going to give us a breakdown over what our weather is going to look like as we head into our Thursday, our Friday, and our weekend.

[00:00:43]Aaron, >> thanks Adeli. Still watching those breakup conditions across the state. You can see the latest breakup map for Alaska showing many areas of South Central, the interior, and southwest Alaska seeing some open rivers. Now, keep in mind, even though those waterways are becoming open, that you could still see some runs of ice uh make its way downstream out towards you uh uh Ruby along the Yukon, that break up front and jam is still at the mouth of the Yuki. And then as you head out towards Hughes, that ice jam is still in place. So, we're still seeing that flood warning out towards Hughes with no change in water levels. And then as you head out towards Tookac, we have seen that ice coming up the Took Sack with that water rising. Uh, in fact, we are going to continue to see that flood watch for areas of the Kuscrim River.

[00:01:26]Now, that flood warning uh for Stevens Village, that remains in effect until 4:30 a.m. Friday along uh the Yukon River. The public reported flooding on the Yukon River. Waters low uh water levels did rise uh 5T uh around midnight or shortly after midnight. Now, one thing to note with this, they don't know what's causing this, but it most likely is an ice jam. Uh and we're likely going to continue to see some issues with that through the rest of today. across the state. You can see numerous flood watches from the northeastern interior through the western interior and then out towards southwest Alaska along the uh Kusquim River which is still leading to some uh ice jam possible concerns and this remains in effect until 10 a.m.

[00:02:04]today. Uh we are seeing that ice jammed in the lower uh channel and just upstream of the Y. Now those temperatures this morning still chilly for many areas of the state. We're waking up 30s and 40s across Alaska along uh the slope where we've got those temperatures dropping into the single digits. And we're still holding on to some coastal rain uh for South Central as well as out towards southeast.

[00:02:24]Although the activity is kind of lightening up and we are going to see much drier conditions for the coast as the week draws to a close, but we'll still keep uh some scattered periodic rain showers around and we still can't rule out some isolated showers uh for inland areas of South Central. But we'll still continue to largely uh keep that trend of drier weather. Now, when it comes to the rainfall through the rest of this week, we'll see an additional inch or so uh through Prince Williams Sound. Uh you can see a lot lighter activity for coastal areas. And again, we can't rule out isolated activity for inland locations. I think that's way overdoing the rainfall that we'll see for inland areas. If we see anything, it'll only amount to about a few hundreds of an inch of rainfall. Uh temperatures today though will be warmer the farther north you live. That's where we'll also see a bit more sunshine. So, as you head Anchorage north, we'll see that sunshine. Uh and then south of the Anchorage, uh we're going to hold on to mostly cloudy to overcast skies. Those temperatures warming into the 40s and the 50s. Anchorage will chase those lower 50s for the foreseeable future.

[00:03:21]And again, largely dry, but we can't rule out some isolated showers throughout the week. Adeli, >> thank you so much, Aaron. And Air Force One made a brief but visible stop in Anchorage Tuesday as President Trump traveled to China for a high stakes economic summit. Charlie Fellows tells us from or tells us from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport about the president's Alaska refueling stop and what is ahead in Beijing.

[00:03:52]>> Air Force One passed right here through Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage Tuesday evening with President Trump on board to refuel for the second leg of his journey to China and an important highstakes summit with Chinese President Xiinping.

[00:04:10]It's a minor break from tradition for the president's travel plans, which typically involve a stop at Jbear rather than the public airport. The president has high hopes for his meeting with Chi.

[00:04:21]>> He's been a a friend of mine. He's been somebody that we get along with and uh I think you're going to see that good things are going to happen. This is going to be a very exciting trip. A lot of good things are going to happen.

[00:04:33]Trump has confirmed the summit will feature a quote long talk about the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has impacted both nations economies.

[00:04:42]However, he also said he doesn't consider China's help necessary.

[00:04:46]>> I don't think we need any help with Iran to be honest with you. They're defeated militarily and they'll either do the right thing or we'll finish the job.

[00:04:54]>> Charlie Fellows, Alaska's news source.

[00:04:59]The summit is scheduled for May 14th and 15th in Beijing after having been postponed from its original date in March.

[00:05:12]Prosecutors have dropped the final charge against a Wasilla teen accused in the deadly shooting of his friend. Court records show the misdemeanor weapons charge was dismissed one day after a grand jury declined to indict him on felony charges. Police say the 17-year-old shot 21-year-old Dominic Murray during a birthday party while the two were practicing self self-defense, gun self-defense, excuse me. Murray later died. ated the teen was originally charged as an adult with manslaughter, first-degree assault, and misconduct involving weapons.

[00:05:51]Alaska's new source is working to learn whether the felony charges could be refiled. We have reached out to the district attorney and defense attorney, but have not heard back. We will keep you guys updated.

[00:06:06]Fair. A Fairbanks man is dead and his significant other is being charged with murder after a weekend stabbing. Police say they responded to a home on Stewart Street Sunday morning and found 42-year-old Jonathan Wright with a stab wound to the chest. Wright died from his injuries. Audrey Sheldon has been charged with seconddegree murder and is being held at Fairbanks Correctional Center. She is represented by the public defenders office which has not responded to our request for comment.

[00:06:42]And last week a single engine plane crash near the Kick Glacier turned a day with friends into a life ordeath emergency. Jay's Bertrand shows us how Matt Punt survived and how his community is now rallying around his recovery.

[00:06:58]It was supposed to be a good day with friends, a flyin near the Kick Glacier.

[00:07:03]Food, planes, and people brought together by their love of aviation. But for Pat Donaldelsson, a close friend of the Punt family, everything changed in seconds.

[00:07:15]>> In a split second, a a really great afternoon with friends turned into a an amazing tragedy. Donaldson says Matt Punt was taking off from the picnic strip when his plane crashed in view of the people gathered there. He says the wreckage burst into flames and people ran toward it.

[00:07:33]>> The airplane crashed in view of everybody that was there, not far from where the crowd had gathered and turned into a sudden disaster and it was a fireball. They raced over there.

[00:07:43]>> Donaldson says bystanders lifted a wing, used a fire extinguisher and helped guide Matt out of the plane. Then an Alaskan Air National Guard rescue team that happened to be nearby arrived with medical supplies.

[00:07:56]>> Within 3 minutes of the crash, they were on scene with a full medical kit.

[00:08:01]>> Punt is now being treated in Seattle.

[00:08:04]Donaldson says he suffered burns over more than 60% of his body, a compound fracture, and other injuries. But even in the middle of that fear, his family has felt support from across the community. A crowdfunding campaign has raised more than $80,000 and friends are planning more ways to help.

[00:08:21]>> All of them are just so appreciative of the outpouring of prayer, um the outpouring of support.

[00:08:29]>> Donaldson says Matt's road to recovery will be long, but his friends say he is not facing it alone, and they are grateful to every person who ran toward the crash when seconds mattered. Jace Bertrand, Alaska's news source.

[00:08:48]The NTSB is investigating the crash and has not released a preliminary report just yet. We have more information about the community donation effort and how to help the Punt family on our website and our mobile app.

[00:09:02]And Alaska lawmakers are warning of an extraordinary and unprecedented energy crisis in rural Alaska.

[00:09:10]The warning came in a letter sent Tuesday to Alaska's congressional delegation.

[00:09:17]Lawmakers say the conflict in Iran is helping push fuel prices higher across the state. In parts of western and northern Alaska, fuel is already more than $17 a gallon and could soon approach 20.

[00:09:30]The letter asked for more federal help, warning higher fuel costs can drive up food, heat, shipping, and basic supplies. State lawmakers say relief plans are in the work, but may not be enough.

[00:09:45]>> If the worst case scenario actually plays out and fuel prices continue to increase um basically exponentially, you're looking at everything in Bush, Alaska in particular becoming so much more expensive that people are simply going to be able to afford not be able to afford the items.

[00:10:06]Senators Lisa Marowski and Dan Sullivan say they received the letter and are working with the administration and fuel suppliers. Representative Nick Beg has not returned has not returned our request for comment for more lawmaker reactions. You can visit our website or our mobile app and it's a big ask. of the Anchorage School Board has passed a resolution asking the legislature to increase the per student fund known as the BSA by $920.

[00:10:38]Members say if the money is approved by June 1st, they'll restore cuts to the classroom and stop the closure of three elementary schools. One school board member says one-time funding isn't enough.

[00:10:52]The priorities that we've identified are entirely programbased, which means they're going to be here this year if we put them back, and they need to be here every year after. Um, we can't solve that with a one-time funding solution.

[00:11:10]Not everyone is convinced the legislature has the will to increase the BSA for a second time or that it could happen in the remaining days of a of the session. But another school board member urged the public to get involved and try.

[00:11:26]When you look at this resolution, you can look and see what the exact impacts are to your schools, to the programs that you love, and you can take that to your representative of your district and say this is your responsibility.

[00:11:46]The Anger School District says it would be very difficult to change course midsummer and reopen schools planned for closure, but not impossible.

[00:11:55]And it was hands-on training for 19 car seat technician students with the Anchorage Fire Department.

[00:12:02]>> So whether it's a new vehicle or a new seat cuz seats are changing and vehicles are changing all the time. So safety standards update, seats update, there's new manufacturers, there's all kinds of things. So even if you think you got it figured out, you can still come on by and gain that confidence.

[00:12:22]The car seat safety check is this Thursday from 2 to 4 pm at the AFD training center located at 1150 Airport's Height Drive. No appointments are necessary. Bring your kids, car, and car seats. They ask that you leave your pets at home.

[00:12:42]And with that, we are going to take a very short break. When we come back, we are going to hit some of those national stories that are trending, such as the Bahamas update with that couple that was lost over at the Bahamas. We're going to talk about the World Cup and we're going to talk about um our So We Asked our So We Asked um streaming show. So stick with us. We'll be right back with those stories.

[00:16:26]Welcome back. We have an update now on the American woman who disappeared at sea in the Bahamas last month. Lynette Hooker was last seen with her husband who says she fell overboard during an evening trip. Their sailboat is now in the hands of US investigators. Christian Vaitas has been following the story since she vanished.

[00:16:48]>> So we thought we tried to be a sailboat today.

[00:16:51]>> The sailboat soulmate used by Lynette and Brian Hooker during their Bohemian journey has been seized by US Coast Guard investigators according to sources familiar with the probe into the missing Michigan mother.

[00:17:03]>> It's been kind of a rough week honestly.

[00:17:05]>> Carly Ellsworth, Lynette's daughter, posted this message over the weekend.

[00:17:09]The boat has moved by two men that neither of them are Brian.

[00:17:15]Never seen them before.

[00:17:17]>> CBS News has learned that two delivery captains loaded up the boat and left the Bahamas on Friday. Cindy Comtoys was anchored near the soulmate. She took these pictures and says the marina where it was mored requested the vessel be removed. On Saturday, once the sailboat reached US waters, it was seized by the Coast Guard. It now sits here at the Coast Guard station in Fort Pierce, Florida. Lynette Hooker has now been missing for over a month.

[00:17:43]>> It's the first Mother's Day without my mom. Um, it's pretty hard right now.

[00:17:50]>> Brian Hooker has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged with a crime.

[00:17:54]Coast Guard investigators say they are in the process of putting together their findings. I'm Christia Benavidas in Fort Pierce, Florida.

[00:18:05]>> With the World Cup With the World Cup coming up fast, law enforcement agencies across the region are joining forces for an unprecedented security effort to keep fans safe. One of the top concerns is human trafficking for sex or labor. Ted Greenberg takes a look at the highstakes strategy in New Jersey to combat it and how you can help.

[00:18:31]Like a match in motion, there's non-stop movement. And the FIFA World Cup this summer will add to that on an immense scale.

[00:18:40]>> I think there's a lot of unique aspects of this type of event. You don't just have, you know, a one day event like a Super Bowl.

[00:18:47]>> Millions are expected to crisscross New Jersey as soccer matches play out at Metife Stadium and across the Delaware River in Philadelphia. But authorities say those involved in human trafficking may try to blend in. A dedicated 50 member task force is preparing to combat the problem through a coordinated response among multiple agencies.

[00:19:09]>> We're all working not just to arrest the traffickers or identify the traffickers, but also the solicitors as well as our victims.

[00:19:16]>> These large international events draw criminals who plan to use humans to make money. New Jersey State Police and the FBI are also launching a joint public awareness campaign with bilingual outreach to places of greatest concern, including hotels, motel, rest stops, and entertainment districts.

[00:19:36]>> We need everybody out there looking around that if it does not feel right to you, it is probably not. And and that is something that you should be reporting.

[00:19:44]And >> this is the central hub. It's the area command center in Euing Township where state police and their partners from numerous agencies will work as one to monitor all aspects of World Cup activities and how they're impacting New Jersey along with neighboring states.

[00:20:00]>> From a safety and security perspective, this event is completely unprecedented.

[00:20:05]>> State police and the FBI say you can get ready for FIFA by programming these numbers into your phone right now. If you see anything that seems suspicious, they want you to call.

[00:20:18]>> It could happen right in front of you.

[00:20:20]And we want people to have that on the tip of their tongue or in their phone.

[00:20:24]>> A strategy of awareness and staying ahead of the wrong players in a sea of constant movement.

[00:20:45]Now, the Jesse Lee home opened in Seward in 1926. The orphanage and boarding school closed after the 1964 earthquake.

[00:20:53]The vacant buildings were torn down in 2020. Around the same time, the Jessie Lee Home cemetery was rediscovered after more than 60 years forgotten. Now, Eric Soul shows us how a local Alaskan Native tribe is stepping in to change that.

[00:21:10]Amazing grace, how sweet the sound echoing through what looks like a forest.

[00:21:20]But it's not a forest.

[00:21:22]>> For decades, hidden by time and overgrowth, Alaskan Native children who attended the Jessie Lee orphanage from 1926 to 1965 have silently been buried here with no recognition or markers. Members of the Kichek Native tribe in Seward gathered on missing and murdered indigenous people's remembrance day.

[00:21:43]>> About six years ago, I found out this was a burial site for the Jessie Lee home and you couldn't even tell.

[00:21:52]>> The boarding school is long gone. Tall trees measure how much time has passed.

[00:21:57]>> We came in the first year and got 27 loads of debris out. They've spent six years looking for the lost children in the Jesse Lee home cemetery.

[00:22:07]>> The only grave site is this one over here. And that was from a nurse that was working at the Jesse Lee home.

[00:22:15]>> The grave markers gone.

[00:22:17]>> At some point, somebody came in and removed those markers to protect them.

[00:22:22]But unfortunately, they didn't make a plot map.

[00:22:25]>> So they search. A couple of partnerships have helped. We've only got one part which is right over there that has been the LAR, the ground penetrating.

[00:22:35]>> Using metal detectors and LAR, they are starting to get an idea of how many children are buried here.

[00:22:41]>> I believe right now we're at 41 confirmed children in this area.

[00:22:46]>> Tiny plastic flags mark the locations.

[00:22:49]>> Please feel free to walk around and place them wherever you would like. And on this day, red carnations are added to let the lost know they are remembered.

[00:22:58]>> We might not ever know where each person is buried, but the goal is to know who is buried here.

[00:23:04]>> The hope is to turn this forgotten space into a place of healing.

[00:23:08]>> The maintenance represents so much more to us. It's a healing act of remembrance, stewardship, and honor.

[00:23:17]>> Working to find what once was lost.

[00:23:20]>> Now I'm found.

[00:23:22]Eric Soul, Alaska's news source.

[00:23:31]>> What really counts as a native plant?

[00:23:34]And is a weed just a plant with a bad PR? On this week's edition of So We Asked, native plant associate Elizabeth Blooming shares how Alaskans can bring more wild beauty into their own yards.

[00:23:47]from bees to portage poppies and why even the smallest seeds can make the big impact. Don't miss So We Asked every Tuesday night on Alaska's newource.com and available on Alaska's new source streaming services on demand on Amazon Fire, Apple TV, and Roku as well as our podcast.

[00:24:14]Now, here is a conversation between Tracy Sinclair and our Washington correspondent Emma Wolfers on what is going on in the government that you need to know about.

[00:24:23]>> The standoff between the US and Iran continues and President Trump isn't backing down on his threats. Our Washington correspondent Emma Wolfhost joins us. And Emma, what's the latest on this from DC?

[00:24:37]>> Well, Tracy, the ceasefire is still on really shaky ground. President Trump told reporters Tuesday, quote, "We have Iran very much under control. We're either going to make a deal or they're going to be decimated. One way or the other, we win." End quote. So, as you mentioned, really not backing down on those threats. And as we've been talking about, the key strategic waterway, the Straight of Hormuz, still remains closed off under Iranian control. On the other hand, the US is maintaining that naval blockade of all Iranian ports and diplomatic negotiations between the two appear to be at a standstill right now.

[00:25:12]An Iranian diplomat did uh release a statement on social media Tuesday writing, quote, "True peace cannot be built with a literature of humiliation, threats, and coercive score settling."

[00:25:23]End quote. We also know there's a big risk for this conflict breaking out once again more broadly in the Middle East region. And Tuesday, Israel sent Iron Dome air defense weapons as well as personnel to the United Arab Emirates.

[00:25:38]>> And the Labor Department reports that inflation surged in April to the highest level in three years. Do we know what's behind this jump?

[00:25:47]>> Yeah. The war in Iran, Tracy, we've seen drastic increases in energy prices and that has sent inflation skyrocketing to the fastest rate it's been at since 2023. The Labor Department reported Tuesday its consumer price index rose nearly 4% about 3.8% from April 2025 on a month-to-month basis. April prices rose 6% from March. Gasoline prices alone rose 5.4%.

[00:26:17]Inflation had been steadily dropping since its peak back in June of 2022, but uh the US and Israel attacked Iran the end of February and because of the closure of the straight of hormuz that sent those energy prices skyrocketing.

[00:26:34]Excluding food and energy costs, there is one positive note. The consumer core prices without energy and food rose just 4% from March to April last month. So that does suggest, at least for right now, the energy price jump isn't spilling over into other costs.

[00:26:53]>> And the cost of the war in Iran was a big topic on Capitol Hill on Tuesday as Defense Secretary Peak Hegsth faced questions from lawmakers about his 2027 budget. Emma, what came of this?

[00:27:07]>> Yeah, Hegathth made the case for the president's proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget. Hegs said the record spending is justified. Democratic lawmakers on the other hand called it, excuse me, called it a wasteful war with no end in sight. Now, as I said, a lot of push back from Democrats. the top ranking Democratic lawmaker uh for the House Appropriations Committee, Rose Deloro from Connecticut said, quote, "This administration has not presented Congress with any kind of clear o or coherent strategy week to week, daytoday, hour to hour. The rationale shifts." End quote. Uh Hegath was pressed about some basic operations in Iran, including that very short-lived military vessel escort plan through the straight of Hormuz. They called it Project Freedom. Hegathth wasn't really able to to answer those lines of questioning. We did get a new price tag for the war, though. The Pentagon said it's now up to 29 billion due to repairs and what they described as general operating costs. Important to note, Congress still has not approved the war in the first place.

[00:28:16]>> And finally, President Trump left for Beijing on Tuesday to meet with China's president. What did the president say before leaving? And what do we expect from this trip?

[00:28:28]>> Yeah, Tracy, President Trump told reporters he will talk about the Iran war with President Xi Jinping, but he also said he doesn't need any help with the conflict. Keep in mind, China and Iran are close allies and trading partners. Uh Iran uh China, excuse me, is the largest buyer of Iranian sanctioned oil. So, President G has some considerable leverage here and President Trump has trying to push him to get Iran to make some concessions to potentially end this conflict. But President Trump did say Tuesday trade would be the central issue of this trip. He said he spoke to Xi before uh heading off uh on his flight to Beijing and said both leaders are looking forward to the visit. The president added, quote, "He's been a friend of mine. He's been somebody that we get along with and I think you're going to see that good things are going to happen. End quote.

[00:29:16]So speaking very positively ahead of this very closely watched trip.

[00:29:22]>> Emma Wolfforce in Washington for us.

[00:29:24]Thank you.

[00:29:26]>> Thank you.

[00:29:27]>> And with that, we're going to take a very short break. When we come back, we're going to have some more stories for you. So stick with us. We'll be right back.

[00:31:46]Welcome back in. Pulmonary embolisms can happen when a blood clot travels to the lungs. They're uncommon but can quickly turn serious. In this aging untold extra Tisha Powell explains the risk, warning signs, and simple steps to help prevent them, especially before travel. The myth. Pulmonary embolisms, also known as pees, happen often on long flights. The truth, they're rare, but a PE can be life-threatening. So, know your risk, the warning signs, and how to lower your chances. Board certified physician Dr. Ray Rogers explains how pulmonary embolisms happen.

[00:32:24]>> It's where you have a blood clot that is formed um in the body and it's dislodged and makes its way to the lungs. So when we see that happen, it's it's it's pretty sudden and and depending on the location of where it lodges in the lung depends on pretty much your outcome.

[00:32:39]>> Many pees start as deep vein thrombosis, a DVT, often in the leg that breaks loose and travels to the lungs where it can block blood flow. Rogers says limited movement is a major risk factor, especially when other issues are in play.

[00:32:54]>> Any condition to where you're not really very mobile uh is a setup for that. and then certain medications uh making your blood thicker. Put that on top of injury to a vessel and the cascade of what's going on and the body starts releasing these um inflammatory cascades and clotting factors.

[00:33:13]>> Bigger clots can cause sudden shortness of breath or chest pain and can turn deadly fast. Treatment is often blood thinners and getting checked quickly matters. Risk can be higher after surgery or trauma, with a family or personal history, and with long periods of limited movement, including during travel. For prevention, Roger says keep blood moving.

[00:33:34]>> After every two hours, at least get up and move. Take a break, you know, 10 or 15 minutes if you can. Other strategies that you can use, you can use compression stockings. So those compression stockings are actually compressing so that it's blood flow is moving.

[00:33:47]>> Understanding your risk and taking preventative steps can make all the difference. Bottom line, keep blood moving. And if you're higher risk or can't move much, talk with your doctor before you travel. Tisha Powell, Alaska's news source.

[00:34:06]Americans spend a staggering 60 billion a year on supplements. Now, a trend is growing in social media called supplement stacking.

[00:34:16]followers take multiple supplements every day with the goal of boosting strength, energy, and even hair, nail growth. But medical experts warn that stacking comes with risks.

[00:34:27]The key is you need to ask yourself, what are you deficient in? If you have a deficiency, vitamins are super helpful and there's a role for them. But if you're not treating a deficiency, you could potentially develop toxicity too high a level. And actually, there are reports of different vitamins causing liver failure, the opposite of what you're looking to have happen as a result of too much.

[00:34:48]>> According to the CDC, some supplements are commonly needed for different parts of our life, including folic acid for pregnancy, calcium for bone health or women over 50, and men over 70, and B12 for older adults, and for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet.

[00:35:04]But always consult a doctor before taking any supplements.

[00:35:10]Now, sharpening your brain involves moving your body. New report finds nearly nine to 10 Americans say maintaining their brain health is very important, but even more people don't know how to do that. The Alzheimer's Association launched a six-step challenge to fight dementia. It includes reassessing daily habits, changing diets, challenging the mind, and increasing physical activity. The Alzheimer's Association says exercise supports blood flow and brain cell function and is linked to a higher cognitive function and lower risk of dementia. While genetics and age are significant factors for dementia, the association points to others can that can be controlled like sleep, hearing loss, smoking, and social engagement.

[00:35:55]>> There are things that you can do to make that actionable. Uh think about not only walking but maybe gardening or dancing doing something that you enjoy and increase that on a rout regular basis in order to build that momentum. You ultimately want to get to 30 to 45 minutes several times a week.

[00:36:19]Federal prosecutors announced on Tuesday that multiple criminal charges have been filed against the owners and operators of the Deli cargo ship. That's the one that slammed into and destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland in 2024. Six people were killed in the tragic accident. And the port of Baltimore, one of the busiest in the world, was shut down for months. On Tuesday, prosecutors say they charged Synergy Marine Synergy Marie Time and an employee named Cartith Nar with multiple charges including conspiracy and obstruction and lying to federal investigators. If found guilty, the parties can be liable for billions of restitution on top of a civil settlement settlement that's already been reached following the crash.

[00:37:07]And researchers at Oregon State University are tackling a very specific problem relating to space travel. How to grow food on the moon to help feed astronauts in the not tooistant future.

[00:37:17]And it turns out, just like the Matt Damon movie, The Martian, potatoes may be the answer. Joe Raineer has the story.

[00:37:26]>> This project is all about NASA's Aremis program which is taking place right here in Corvalis. They're focusing on a long presence on the moon. Researchers here are learning how to grow food in harsh moon conditions which is going to be critical for astronauts who are expected to land on the moon over the next several years.

[00:37:44]>> This is what I plan on harvesting today.

[00:37:46]Inside this lab at Oregon State University, David Handy, a space biologist, is tackling one of the biggest challenges of living on the moon. How to grow food where there's no real soil.

[00:37:57]>> On the moon, we have what's called regalith, which is basically a dirt that is completely lacking in any kind of biomatter.

[00:38:07]>> Unlike soil on Earth, the material on the surface of the moon contains none of the organic materials plants normally need to survive. So Handy and his team use a mix of crushed minerals and volcanic ash. So it would be similar to the Earth's surface.

[00:38:21]>> And so think of like a very fine silt that you end up with. And so it compacts a lot. It's electrostatically charged.

[00:38:30]So it tends to cling a lot. So what Handy and his team decided to do, >> we did an experiment where we simply added some worm compost and that by the time we had 30% by volume compost mixed in, the plants were identical to our earth soil controls.

[00:38:51]>> That experiment turned out dozens of spuds and they discovered adding compost made a huge difference. I thought it was a perfect uh crop to choose for different reasons. One, everybody eats potatoes. Um we eat them as French fries and many different ways.

[00:39:08]>> The second reason behind using potatoes for this NASA funded research project >> on Earth, it grows in pretty much every places on Earth. Different latitude, different altitude. There's just very few places where you can't grow potatoes. Now, they hope this experiment will be taking this team and this starchy veggie to new heights.

[00:39:30]>> And with that, we're going to take another very short break. When we come back, we're going to have some more stories for you. Stick with us. We'll be right back.

[00:42:47]Welcome back in. This week marks police week in Washington, honoring fallen soldiers who've died in the line of duty. Monday, a very special remembrance is was underway to celebrate loyal me loyal partners who have lost their lives. Molly Martinez has more.

[00:43:06]>> This is not your average memorial. While it honors duty, loyalty, and sacrifice, these are more than just heroes. They're man's best friend.

[00:43:17]The National Police Dog Foundation hosted the annual K-9 memorial service.

[00:43:22]It marks the end of watch for 23 police kines killed in the line of duty last year. One of them was Roxy, a Labrador who was in a car accident with her handler, Officer Jared Han.

[00:43:34]>> During that evaluation period, my wife Casey and I were by Roxy's side, trying not to leave her and giving her all the love and support we could. This was probably one of the most difficult times in my life, but I'm still grateful that we were there with her to her last breath. The emotional event also serves as a fundraiser to assist police departments in purchasing and training K-9 officers. For those who work alongside them, they're not just part of the team, they're part of the family.

[00:44:03]>> Roxy showed me what a true bond was all about between a K9 and her handler. She was my teammate and my best friend. I'll never be able to express how thankful I am for the years she and I had together at work and with our family at home >> in Washington. I'm Molly Martinez.

[00:44:30]The ground is shaking in the Swiss Alps and this time it's by design as re researchers triggered thousands of tiny earthquakes underground in a first of its kind experiment. The goal is to better understand how geological faults move and how to reduce the risks that come with drilling and other energy projects.

[00:44:50]We can put all sorts of instruments right inside of the mountain, right up close to the fault itself, and that's not really ever been done before.

[00:45:02]>> Scientists say the research could help make future underground operations safer by better understanding how to prevent unwanted seismic activities.

[00:45:15]And flowers are in bloom around our region. And for Mother's Day, florists are were hard at work. Abigail sex popped into some flower shops to see how business was this year.

[00:45:29]Diana Doll has always loved flowers. She used to have a larger flower farm at the Intervail, but now she runs a homebased flower shop, Queen City Flowers.

[00:45:40]For the two busiest business days for florists, Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, she rents this Burlington City Art Studio space for a few days as a pop-up shop.

[00:45:49]>> It's really lovely because people will say, you know, mom always liked this color or that flower or, you know, my favorite is.

[00:45:59]>> She's done the popup for five years and it's always been a success. This year though, her sales were cut in half.

[00:46:04]given the climate, the economic climate, I I anticipated it would be less.

[00:46:10]>> Um, and that's sort of been the my experience over the past year and a half or so.

[00:46:17]>> Even though sales were down, she still says things are going well for her business. And since she's semi-retired, she's okay with the lighter load.

[00:46:26]Over in Weightsfield, a new blooming business called Mad River Flowers, opened February last year. The owner, Kelly Akens, says this Mother's Day sales were higher than last year, and in general, May is a big month for her.

[00:46:38]>> Proms and graduations and weddings, so it's like it's like the kickoff of the big season.

[00:46:44]>> She had lots of phone orders ahead of time, like Queen City Flowers, but even saw some good foot traffic Sunday.

[00:46:50]>> Please help me. We've had a lot of those or I can't believe I waited this long.

[00:46:54]So yeah, there is definitely the last minute traffic, but it's great cuz we have tons of beautiful things here.

[00:47:01]>> For both florists, the joy comes from seeing the customers reactions.

[00:47:04]>> You know, they can see there was it was a little bit thoughtful. There was some thoughtfulness put into it. Um some intention.

[00:47:11]>> It's just so much fun and knowing, you know, that moms are going to be so happy because their families put some thought into what they wanted to bring them.

[00:47:20]>> And it's never too late to get your mom flowers. if you missed it today or if you just want to get her more. Both shops still have plenty of springtime flowers available. And you could also pick up some outdoor plants just in time for planting season. Reporting in Weightsfield, Abigail Saxs, Channel 3 News.

[00:47:38]And with that, we're going to take our last short break of the Morning Edition Extra this Wednesday morning. When we come back, we're going to have a story on those beagles that were rescued from a farm. We're going to have an update on how some of those beagles are doing. So, stick with us. We'll be right back.

[00:51:00]Welcome back to the Morning Edition Extra. A Metro Atlantis shelter is helping 20 beagles that were rescued from a controversial research facility.

[00:51:08]Joshua Skinner was there when two of them got fresh air for the first time.

[00:51:13]on this the good side.

[00:51:15]>> It's a brand new leash on life for these beagles.

[00:51:18]>> Hi guys.

[00:51:19]>> Two of the nearly 1,500 beagles rescued from Ridgeland Farms breeder and research facility in Wisconsin after animal rights activists raised concerns about potential mistreatment.

[00:51:31]And this is the first day of their lives to really be outside.

[00:51:36]>> Your first belly rub?

[00:51:39]You're not ready yet? Jennifer Seagull runs Bosley's Place, a neonatal dog rescue that doesn't usually deal with these elderly dogs.

[00:51:47]>> Jackie, she's a 5-year-old beagle. And then we have this senior mama >> who doesn't even have a name, just going by a number.

[00:51:55]>> C492.

[00:51:56]>> Seagull collected 20 dogs and brought them to Atlanta where they'll spend the next couple of weeks getting medical treatment.

[00:52:03]>> They all have yeast infections in their ears. They've all got torn up paws. Both dogs recently had puppies and had been heavily used for breeding. Now it's about getting them healthy enough to live the good life.

[00:52:14]>> We're going to find them amazing homes.

[00:52:16]They're going to be able to live a life that every dog deserves.

[00:52:19]>> Seagull says the 20 dogs should be available to adopt in about 2 weeks and that she's already been inundated with applications. Bosley's place is also taking donations to help cover the cost of rescuing and caring for the beagles.

[00:52:31]But for now, it's just about getting that afternoon nap in the sun. Patience and love is what they need right now.

[00:52:38]>> In Midtown, Joshua Skinner, Atlanta News. First, a replica of the famed 80s show Nightrider was caught speeding on a traffic camera in New York City.

[00:52:56]Typically, this isn't a big deal.

[00:52:58]Happens all the time. But this time around, the car in question is sitting inside a museum in Illinois. Officials with the museum say the car hasn't left the museum in years and the speeding ticket for 11 miles an hour over the speeding limit in the school zone can't possibly be theirs and have requested a hearing. Now the ticket probably belongs to a different replica car.

[00:53:23]Now check this out. It's almost like getting a postcard but from Mars. NASA's Perseverance rover snapped this selfie against the sweeping backdrop of Mars' western frontier. The sixth selfie it's collected since landing on Mars back in 2021.

[00:53:40]The fascinating part of this, it's actually 61 individual photos snapped over the course of an hour that were stitched together into one composite image. The Perseverance rover has been on Mars for just over 5 years now. And in that time, it's collected 27 rock core samples and traveled almost 26 miles, just shy of a marathon.

[00:54:08]It may not be a little speedster, but it has been consistent in his relentless exploration of the surface of Mars, setting back some incredibly vital data and studying images. just as this one.

[00:54:22]And now here's an interesting collab and it's all for you pickle lovers. Smoothie King is partnering with Grill's Pickles to be a first ever limited edition pickle smoothie. A bold flavor designed for those who love pickles so much they could drink them. Pickles apparently are one of the hottest ingredients in today's food culture and a lot of companies are looking for ways to jump on the pickle wagon, so to speak. The maximize and maximize the flavor of profile. Though for those that don't enjoy pickles, this probably has the absolute opposite effect and is chasing people away.

[00:54:54]And that wraps up the morning edition extra for this Wednesday morning. Thank you so much for joining us and for starting off your day with Alaska's new source. We'll see you again later today.

[00:55:03]Have a wonderful rest of your day.