Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

Israel is advancing a controversial proposal to impose the death penalty on Palestinians convicted of carrying out deadly attacks, a move that has sparked intense debate both domestically and internationally. The proposed law, backed by members of Knesset and promoted by far-right officials, would make execution the default punishment for certain attacks classified as terrorism. Supporters argue the measure could act as a deterrent and prevent future violence. Under the proposal, Palestinians tried in military courts could face execution within a short timeframe after conviction, with limited opportunities for appeal or clemency. The legislation represents a significant shift, as Israel…

Donald Trump said he wants the United States to secure access to Iran’s oil as tensions in the Middle East continue, while a government shutdown is causing growing disruptions for travelers across the country. The comments come amid ongoing friction between the U.S. and Iran, with rising concerns over energy supply routes and oil prices. Trump indicated that control over oil resources could play a role in future negotiations as geopolitical tensions remain high. At the same time, domestic challenges are affecting Americans’ daily lives. The federal government shutdown has led to staffing shortages at airport security checkpoints, creating longer…

Police in Anchorage are developing a new pre-arrest diversion program aimed at reducing repeat offenses by addressing the root causes of low-level crime before individuals enter the criminal justice system. The initiative, led by the Anchorage Police Department (APD), would allow some individuals accused of minor offenses to avoid arrest and prosecution by voluntarily participating in support programs such as treatment, counseling, or social services. Police say the goal is to break the cycle of repeated arrests by focusing on underlying issues like substance abuse, mental health challenges, and housing instability. Instead of immediately entering the court system, eligible individuals…

More than 1,000 people gathered in downtown Juneau on Saturday for the latest nationwide “No Kings” protest, joining a wave of demonstrations across the United States opposing the policies of President Donald Trump. The rally took place at Overstreet Park, where residents braved cold conditions to participate in what organizers described as the third round of coordinated protests held nationwide. Demonstrators carried signs, chanted, and listened to speakers during the roughly hour-long event. Participants said the protests are aimed at pushing back against what they view as increasingly authoritarian actions by the Trump administration. Issues raised during the rally included…

Eleven rehabilitated bald eagles have been released back into the wild in Southeast Alaska, marking a major milestone in wildlife recovery efforts led by the Alaska Raptor Center. The release took place as part of the center’s annual Spring Eagle Release, where birds that had recovered from serious injuries were returned to their natural habitat. According to officials, the eagles had originally been rescued from the wild with conditions ranging from lead poisoning to gunshot wounds. Avian Director Jennifer Cedarleaf said handling and releasing the large birds is physically demanding, but the effort is worthwhile. She noted that eagles are…

Alaska is moving forward with plans to develop an earthquake early warning system, according to scientists and officials from the Alaska Earthquake Center and the U.S. Geological Survey, marking a significant step in improving public safety in one of the most seismically active regions in the U.S. Researchers at the Alaska Earthquake Center confirmed that work is underway to expand the ShakeAlert system into Alaska. The system, already operational in states like California and Oregon, detects early seismic waves and sends alerts before stronger shaking arrives. Experts involved in the project say the system relies on a network of seismic…

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities is introducing new avalanche control technology along the Seward Highway to improve safety and reduce costly winter closures. The system, called Remote Avalanche Control Systems (RACS), uses fixed installations that allow crews to trigger controlled avalanches remotely. This reduces the need for manual explosives work, which often requires closing the highway and placing workers in hazardous conditions. The Seward Highway is one of Alaska’s most critical routes, connecting Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula, and is frequently affected by avalanches in mountainous sections such as Turnagain Pass. These events can shut down traffic…

Rapidly warming ocean conditions in Alaska are creating new food safety risks, as harmful bacteria and toxins begin appearing in waters once considered too cold to support them. Scientists say rising temperatures are allowing bacteria such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus, which can cause serious illness from contaminated seafood, to survive and spread in Alaska waters. Previously, the state’s cold environment limited such threats, but that is changing as ocean temperatures increase. Researchers also report that harmful algal toxins are showing up in new areas of the marine food chain. These toxins can accumulate in shellfish and other seafood, posing health risks…

A mother and her 7-year-old son were killed after an 18-year-old driver crashed a vehicle into their home early Sunday morning, according to police. Police said Barbara Rocha and her son, Alex, were asleep in a bedroom when the vehicle slammed into their house shortly before 3:30 a.m. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Police identified the driver as 18-year-old Gracie Yates, who was arrested and charged with two counts of criminally negligent homicide. Jail records show bonds totaling $29,000. A neighbor, who was awakened by the crash, described the impact as severe and said the incident has shaken…

A contract dispute over the management of Anchorage’s city-owned ice arenas is costing taxpayers thousands of dollars each day, according to findings presented to the Anchorage Assembly. Assembly members stated that disagreements between the municipality and private operators have resulted in financial losses, including unpaid fees and operational gaps. The issue came to light during a recent review, which highlighted weaknesses in contract enforcement and oversight. Assembly members warned that the longer the dispute continues, the more public funds will be lost. The city is now reviewing agreements and considering next steps to resolve the issue and prevent further financial…

Notice is hereby given, on January 4, 2018, the State of Alaska (State) finalized an application with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for a Recordable Disclaimer of Interest (RDI) pursuant to section 315 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 as amended (43 U.S.C. 1745), and the regulations in 43 CFR Subpart 1864, which authorize the BLM to issue an RDI. The BLM case file for the RDI application is AKAK106538743 / AA-93604. The RDI application includes the eligible submerged lands for the following land description: The BLM is seeking additional information related to the waterbodies…

Alaska residents have just days left to apply for the 2026 Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), with the application deadline set for March 31. The PFD program provides annual payments to eligible Alaskans from the state’s oil revenue fund, making it one of the most widely accessed financial benefits in the state. Officials remind residents that each individual must submit a separate application, including children, and that applications can be completed online through the state’s MyAlaska system. Applicants who are unable to sign electronically can still file online and submit a signed form by mail. Paper applications are also available…