Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (Nov. 6, 2025) The Alaska Earthquake Center recorded around 300 seismic events across the state this past week, including a magnitude 5.4 earthquake that struck on October 30 between Seward and Homer. Thousands of Alaskans, even those 100 miles away, reported feeling the tremor, which lasted 10 to 40 seconds depending on distance, depth, and ground type. Thankfully, there were no reports of damage following the event. According to the Alaska Earthquake Center, magnitude five or higher quakes are not unusual for the Kenai Peninsula, which typically experiences around 10 such events each year. The closest monitoring stations…

The ongoing federal government shutdown is now disrupting U.S. air travel on a large scale, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered major airlines to reduce flight operations at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports. The move is in response to air traffic controller staffing shortages and safety concerns. On Friday, November 7, 2025, starting early in the day, airlines canceled at least 700 flights as part of the initial 4 % reduction directive. Some carriers have indicated the cuts may escalate to 6 % early next week and could reach 10 % or higher if the shutdown continues.…

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Anchorage Bowl, extending southeast through Portage and Whittier, in effect until 6 a.m. Friday. Residents and travelers are being urged to use extra caution as road conditions are expected to deteriorate through the evening and overnight hours due to snow accumulation and freezing temperatures. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) advises drivers to reduce speeds, allow extra time for travel, and check 511.alaska.gov for real-time road updates and traffic alerts. A separate advisory remains in place for the Kenai Peninsula and Turnagain Pass, set…

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is reminding residents across the state to remove pumpkins and fall decorations from their yards to help prevent unwanted moose encounters. Officials say that while pumpkins are a popular autumn decoration, they can attract moose into neighborhoods looking for an easy meal. Once drawn in, moose may linger around homes, creating potentially dangerous situations for both people and animals. “Pumpkins are tempting treats for moose, but they can cause digestive problems and increase the risk of harmful encounters,” the department said in a recent advisory. “They are not a natural food source…

Bethel’s Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center hosted its semiannual community resource fair on November 4, expanding its mission this year to include residents displaced by Typhoon Halong. Formerly known as Project Homeless Connect, the event has been renamed Project Resource Connect to reflect its broader reach and to reduce stigma for those seeking help. “We wanted the event to feel open and welcoming to anyone who might benefit from community resources,” said Theresa Quiner, director of the Kuskokwim Consortium Library, one of the lead organizers. Project Resource Connect is part of a statewide initiative that provides residents with access to multiple…

The Alaska Democratic Party (ADP) has announced the return of its Annual Holiday Auction, set to take place next month. The festive event will feature live and silent auctions offering a wide variety of items and unique experiences, including trips to Hawaii and Homer, along with other exclusive packages. Funds raised from the auction will directly support the ADP’s mission to elect Democrats across Alaska and strengthen its campaign infrastructure ahead of the next election season. Attendees can expect both in-person and virtual bidding opportunities, ensuring supporters from across Alaska can participate. Tickets are available now through the official event…

A minor has been charged as an adult with manslaughter in connection with a fatal shooting in Bethel. According to court documents, the victim, 57-year-old Gene Chaney Jr., was found seriously wounded by a shotgun blast early on November 1 after calling police to report a domestic disturbance. Shortly after Chaney’s initial 911 call, his partner reported that he was unresponsive. The suspect fled but surrendered several hours later at the local hospital parking lot without incident. The minor is being held at the Bethel Youth Facility in custody and faces trial in adult court. A preliminary hearing is scheduled…

The Bethel City Council has approved Ordinance 25-13, a new measure aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability throughout the community. The ordinance, effective January 1, 2026, prohibits businesses from providing single-use plastic carryout bags to customers at the point of sale under Bethel Municipal Code 8.12. To comply with the new law, local businesses may offer the following alternatives: The ordinance specifically states that biodegradable plastic bags are not allowed, as they can still harm the environment. In addition, the City Council reaffirmed that food vendors are prohibited from serving prepared food in polystyrene foam (Styrofoam™) containers. This…

Recovery efforts are underway across Western Alaska as Bethel continues to rebuild from the widespread damage caused by Typhoon Halong, one of the most powerful storms to strike the region in recent years. Residents, organizations, and local volunteers in Bethel have joined hands to assist neighboring communities, including Kipnuk, which suffered heavy storm damage. Efforts include delivering essential supplies, clearing debris, and helping with power restoration in affected areas. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) and local contractors are coordinating with municipal and tribal partners to repair infrastructure and restore road access. According to the department’s latest…

A Bethel man, John Japhet, has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for his role in a murder case that shocked the local community. The sentencing concludes a lengthy investigation and court process following the homicide that occurred in Bethel. According to court documents, Japhet was found guilty of second-degree murder after prosecutors presented evidence linking him to the fatal incident. The Alaska Department of Law reported that the judge cited the severity of the crime and its impact on the victim’s family in determining the sentence. The case has drawn attention across the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, where residents expressed…

The Bethel community is preparing for an evening of creativity and giving at the Ceramic Pottery Sale and Dinner on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center. The event, organized by local artists and community partners, will raise funds for several important causes: Guests attending the dinner will also enjoy a book reading by Alaskan author Don Reardon, adding a literary highlight to the evening. RELATED: Alaska Events The pottery sale aims to combine art, community, and compassion—helping Bethel residents contribute to meaningful causes while supporting local craftsmanship. Residents are invited…

Anchorage, Alaska — With colder temperatures returning across the state, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is reminding drivers to slow down and remember one key winter driving tip: BARFF, Bridges and Ramps Freeze First. As winter conditions develop, bridge decks, ramps, and overpasses tend to ice up earlier than other parts of the roadway, even when the rest of the road appears dry or clear. This happens because air circulates above and below these elevated structures, causing them to lose heat faster than the ground. DOT&PF advises all motorists, from new drivers to experienced Alaskans, to…