Author: The Tundra Drums Staff
City planners are moving forward with designs for the Muldoon Transit Center, a new off-street public transportation facility that aims to make bus transfers safer and more efficient for Anchorage commuters. The proposed center, located in East Anchorage, would replace current on-street transfer stops that often create congestion and safety concerns. By moving bus transfers to a dedicated off-street location, the facility would provide better shelter, lighting, and accessibility for riders year-round. City officials say the Muldoon Transit Center could also include a connection to a new public library space, giving residents easier access to both transit and community resources…
The Holiday Aviation Art Contest is back at Fairbanks International Airport (FAI), inviting young artists from across Alaska to let their creativity take flight this holiday season. Children and teens are encouraged to design artwork inspired by aviation and winter, from planes and snowflakes to reindeer and northern skies. Submissions will be judged for creativity, originality, and connection to the theme of flight in Alaska. Selected masterpieces will be featured throughout the airport during the holidays, giving travelers a glimpse of local talent as they pass through Fairbanks. The annual event, hosted by FAI’s Airport Operations and Community Relations team,…
Two senior executives at the BBC have stepped down following widespread criticism over the editing of a documentary featuring former U.S. President Donald Trump and broader concerns about editorial bias at the broadcaster. Tim Davie, the Director-General of the BBC, and Deborah Turness, the Chief Executive of BBC News, announced their resignations on Sunday, citing the fallout from an episode of the flagship programme Panorama that included a controversial edit of Trump’s January 6, 2021, speech. The documentary allegedly spliced remarks from different parts of the speech to create a version of Trump’s words that omitted important context. Critics, including…
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…