Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

Alaska officials and communities are observing Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Day on May 5, highlighting the ongoing crisis of violence disproportionately affecting Alaska Native communities. Gov. Mike Dunleavy issued a proclamation recognizing the day, emphasizing that all Alaskans deserve safety and justice while acknowledging that missing and murdered Indigenous persons represent a serious and ongoing concern in the state. Acknowledging a Statewide Crisis The proclamation notes that Indigenous people, particularly women, are overrepresented among victims of violence in Alaska, reflecting a broader national issue affecting Native communities. Across the United States, Native Americans and Alaska Natives experience significantly…

Alaska lawmakers narrowly failed to override Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of a sweeping election reform bill, falling just two votes short during a joint session of the Legislature on Monday. The override effort required 40 votes, but lawmakers secured only 38, allowing the governor’s veto to stand and halting the proposed changes to Alaska’s election system. Close Vote Ends Override Attempt The election bill had previously passed the Legislature with bipartisan support, reflecting years of work to update Alaska’s voting system. However, under Alaska law, overriding a gubernatorial veto requires a two-thirds majority of the full Legislature, a threshold lawmakers…

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be extended by three weeks, as diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent renewed conflict in the region. The extension follows high-level talks at the White House involving Israeli and Lebanese representatives, with U.S. officials aiming to create more time for negotiations toward a longer-term agreement. Ceasefire Extended After Diplomatic Talks Trump confirmed the extension after hosting envoys from both countries, stating that the truce originally set for 10 days would now continue for an additional three weeks. The ceasefire was first implemented on April 16 as part…

Thursday evening, April 30, Candidate for Governor Shelley Hughes announced retired U.S. Air Force veteran Brigadier General Blake Gettys of Eagle River as her Lieutenant Governor running mate. Brig. Gen. Blake Gettys is a longtime Alaska resident and former commander of the Alaska Air National Guard’s 176th Wing. Over the course of his military service, […] The post Hughes Announces Retired Air Force General as Running Mate appeared first on Must Read Alaska.

The Alaska Legislature has approved a major bill to revive a public pension system for state and local government employees, sending the measure to Gov. Mike Dunleavy for a final decision. The legislation, known as House Bill 78, passed both chambers this week, marking the first successful effort in nearly two decades to restore a defined-benefit pension option in Alaska. A Major Shift in Alaska’s Retirement Policy If signed into law, the bill would allow public employees to choose between the current defined-contribution retirement system and a newly created pension-style plan. Alaska closed its traditional pension system to new employees…

Alaska Airlines is expanding its regional footprint in Washington state with new service to Wenatchee, strengthening air connectivity for a growing Central Washington market. The airline announced plans to add flights to Pangborn Memorial Airport, marking a notable expansion into a city that has historically had limited commercial air service. New Route Targets Regional Demand The Wenatchee route is expected to improve travel options for residents and businesses in Central Washington, offering more direct connections to Alaska Airlines’ primary hub in Seattle. Currently, Wenatchee has limited airline service, with regional flights connecting passengers primarily within the state. Pangborn Memorial Airport…

Alaska Airlines could soon introduce free high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi on its flights, a move that would significantly upgrade onboard connectivity and align with a growing trend across the airline industry. The airline is in the process of rolling out SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet across its fleet, with early deployments already underway and broader availability expected in 2026. Free Wi-Fi Could Become Standard for Passengers Reports indicate that Alaska Airlines is exploring offering complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi, particularly for members of its loyalty program, as part of efforts to enhance the passenger experience. The airline has previously confirmed plans to introduce fast,…

The Anchorage Assembly has selected Anna Brawley as its new chair following the city’s recent municipal election, marking a leadership shift for the governing body as it begins a new term. The reorganization came during the Assembly’s first meeting after the April election, where members voted internally to appoint new leadership positions, including chair and vice chair roles. Leadership Change Following Municipal Election The Anchorage Assembly, a 12-member legislative body responsible for city governance, elects its chair from within its ranks after each election cycle. The chair serves as the presiding officer, overseeing meetings, setting agendas, and acting as a…

ANCHORAGE, Alaska —Welcome to your seismic update from across the state for the week of April 29, brought to you by the Alaska Earthquake Center, where we monitor ground shaking 24-7. Over the past week, we recorded about 600 earthquakes. The largest was a magnitude 5.5 on April 25, south of Akutan, and five earthquakes were felt. Previously, we highlighted the research that Earthquake Center scientists and graduate students presented at the annual Seismological Society of America Conference. It was also an opportunity to gain insight into the most relevant new advances in seismology.  Incorporating fiber optic cables into seismic…

Alaska Airlines has officially entered the transatlantic market, launching its first-ever nonstop flight between Seattle and Rome, marking a major milestone in the airline’s history and global expansion strategy. The inaugural flight departed Seattle on April 28, establishing the first direct air connection between the Pacific Northwest and Italy’s capital. A Landmark Expansion Into Europe The new route represents Alaska Airlines’ first step into European travel, transforming Seattle into a growing international gateway. The airline will operate daily seasonal service through late October 2026, connecting Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport. Flights are operated using a Boeing…

The U.S. Department of Labor is seeking a federal court order to compel access to a gold mine near Fairbanks after inspectors were reportedly denied entry during safety checks. The request, filed through the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), asks a federal judge to require the mine operator to allow inspectors on-site to carry out legally mandated safety inspections. Dispute Over Inspection Access The mine operator has refused to permit entry for inspectors, prompting the unusual step of seeking a court order. Under U.S. law, MSHA inspectors are authorized to conduct regular inspections of mining operations to ensure compliance…

Anchorage police have identified a body discovered earlier this month as a 19-year-old woman who had been reported missing in January, investigation continues to examine the circumstances surrounding her death. The body was found on April 20 in the Spenard neighborhood, prompting a death investigation. The remains were later confirmed to be those of the missing teenager, who had last been seen shortly after arriving in Anchorage in early January. Missing Since Early January Police said the teen arrived in Anchorage on January 6 and was staying at a residence in the city before she disappeared the following day. She…