Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is requesting public feedback on proposed changes to aircraft access and permitting at the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary. The department has opened a stakeholder survey to gather input on potential operational adjustments related to visitor access. The survey, available through January 23, 2026, invites stakeholders to comment on whether the use of wheeled airplanes should be allowed at the sanctuary’s bear viewing program. ADF&G is evaluating whether expanded aircraft access could help accommodate low tide conditions and improve entry options for permit holders. According to the department, considerations include: McNeil River…

The Klondike Highway has reopened as of 11:00 a.m. on December 9 after avalanche mitigation efforts were completed by Yukon Highways and Public Works. The roadway had been closed earlier in the day to allow crews to conduct controlled avalanche mitigation in an area prone to winter slide activity. Officials temporarily restricted travel to ensure the safety of motorists while work was underway. Transportation authorities in both Alaska and Yukon continue to monitor conditions along the route, which frequently experiences winter hazards due to terrain and weather patterns. Also Read: Rescuers Attempt to Reach Site of Deadly Heli-Skiing Avalanche Residents…

As temperatures drop across the region, local officials are advising residents to take preventative measures to reduce the risk of frozen or burst water pipes during the winter season. Homeowners and businesses are encouraged to keep a small, steady flow of water running from indoor faucets to maintain circulation. Closing crawl space vents, ensuring proper pipe insulation, and confirming that heat tapes are plugged in and functioning are also recommended. Outdoor hose bibs should be turned off, hoses disconnected, and exposed areas properly insulated. According to the City and Borough of Juneau, these small steps can prevent significant water damage…

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is reminding the public that the first presentation of the 2025–2026 Winter Wildlife Series will take place this Thursday at 7 p.m. The virtual lecture series, hosted by the Division of Wildlife Conservation, is free to attend and open to residents across the state. The opening session, scheduled for December 11, 2025, will focus on Alaska’s Wild Wood Bison. Wood Bison Biologist Tom Seaton will present updated information on wood bison herds in Alaska and discuss plans for future releases in other regions of the state. The talk is part of ADF&G’s…

A traffic signal outage is affecting the intersection of Egan Drive and Vanderbilt Hill Road on Tuesday, prompting officials to remind drivers to follow all-way stop procedures until repairs are complete. City crews have been dispatched to troubleshoot the malfunctioning signal. While the light remains dark, motorists are required to treat the intersection as an all-way stop under Alaska traffic regulations. Drivers approaching the intersection should: Also Read: Airport & Lathrop Signal Hit, Intersection in Flash Mode Until Next Week Officials are asking the public to remain patient and give roadway crews adequate space as they work at the site.…

The start of the bushfire season in southern Australia has been marked by the deaths of two firefighters and the destruction of an estimated 40 homes, according to emergency authorities monitoring multiple active fire zones across the region. The fatalities occurred as crews responded to rapidly moving fires intensified by hot, dry, and windy conditions. State emergency agencies reported that the loss of homes and the scale of early-season activity reflect a heightened threat level heading into the summer months. In response, Australia’s national aerial firefighting fleet is now fully engaged. The National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) confirmed that 161…

Dec. 8, 2025DR-4893-AK NR-006FEMA News Desk: (425) 487-4610fema-r10-newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The deadline to apply for federal help is rapidly approaching for Alaskans who suffered losses in areas affected by the severe storms, flooding, and remnants of Typhoon Halong, Oct. 8-13, 2025. You have until Dec. 22 to apply for help from FEMA. That is just two weeks away. Ways to apply: Survivors are encouraged to register for both State and FEMA Individual Assistance programs to maximize their recovery benefits. Also Read: State & FEMA Assistance Teams to Visit Fairbanks Dec. 1–3 for Storm Recovery Support To apply for state…

The U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative majority appears ready to support former President Trump’s controversial firing of an FTC commissioner, in a decision that could reshape presidential power over independent federal agencies. On December 8, the Court heard arguments in the case, Trump v. Slaughter, challenging the legality of Trump’s March 2025 dismissal of Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, a Democratic-appointed FTC commissioner, before her term was scheduled to end. Lower courts had ruled the dismissal unlawful under longstanding law that limits removal of independent-agency commissioners. The case centers on a 1935 precedent, Humphrey’s Executor v. United States, which bars the president from…

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued a coastal weather reminder as heavy snow is expected to impact communities across the region. The agency is urging boat owners to monitor snow accumulation on vessels and ensure that bilge pumps are functioning properly to prevent significant damage. According to DEC, consistent monitoring can reduce the risk of vessels sinking at the dock, a situation the agency refers to as “Sunk At Dock” or SAD. Snow load and unchecked water buildup remain common factors in wintertime vessel incidents throughout Alaska. Officials noted that when a vessel sinks, the owner is…

Residents across the region are invited to participate in virtual public open houses this month as part of the ongoing update to the Southeast Alaska Transportation Plan (SEATP). The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities is seeking community input to guide long-term transportation priorities in the region. Two virtual meetings will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the following times: Access to both sessions will be available through Zoom, with meeting links posted on the official project website: The open houses are designed to allow attendees to join at any point during the scheduled hours. Participants will…

The local café Hello Darlin’ announced that it is closed today as high winds continue to impact the Matanuska-Susitna region. In a public notice issued Tuesday, the business stated that the decision was made out of caution for both staff and customers as the area experiences unsafe wind conditions. The message read: “Hello Darlin’ is CLOSED today due to the extreme winds. Stay safe, Mat-Su, we’ll see you tomorrow!” According to the National Weather Service, parts of the Mat-Su Borough are currently under a high wind advisory, with strong gusts creating hazardous travel conditions and intermittent service disruptions across the…

A volunteer search organization in Alaska says it continues to face challenges when communities request help locating missing people, citing gaps in the state’s assistance system that often delay or prevent an official response. According to the group, villages and rural communities contact them several times a year seeking help with searches. However, volunteers must direct families and local leaders to go through official channels before they can deploy. This process is necessary to secure transportation support, reimbursement for operational costs, and coverage for personnel and equipment. But in many cases, communities later report that assistance has still not arrived,…