Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

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…

The Anchorage Municipal Assembly is moving forward with a proposal that would prohibit residents from feeding wild animals, including birds of prey, within city limits, as officials respond to increasing concerns over public safety and wildlife behavior. The proposed ordinance, AO 2026-53, is scheduled for public hearing and would create a new section in municipal code banning the intentional feeding of wildlife such as bears, moose, and predatory birds like eagles. Rising Human-Wildlife Conflicts Prompt Action The measure is aimed at reducing dangerous encounters between humans and animals in residential neighborhoods. Feeding wildlife, whether deliberate or accidental, can cause animals…

State biologists are projecting a significant decline in Alaska’s commercial salmon harvest for 2026, with total catches expected to fall well below last year’s levels, largely due to a sharp drop in pink salmon returns. According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s annual forecast, the statewide commercial harvest is expected to reach about 125.5 million fish, a steep decrease from over 197 million salmon harvested in 2025. Pink Salmon Decline Drives Overall Drop The primary reason behind the reduced forecast is a major decline in pink salmon, the most abundant species in Alaska’s fisheries. Biologists estimate that around…

Two former Israeli prime ministers, Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, have announced a political alliance aimed at challenging current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the country’s upcoming elections. The move marks a significant shift in Israel’s political landscape, as opposition leaders seek to consolidate support against Netanyahu’s long-standing leadership. Opposition Leaders Form Unified Political Front Bennett and Lapid confirmed they will merge their respective parties into a single political bloc, aiming to present a stronger and more unified challenge in the next national vote. The alliance, expected to run under a joint platform, is designed to overcome fragmentation within Israel’s…

U.S. immigration authorities are facing scrutiny after an Indian national was mistakenly placed on the wrong Alaska Airlines flight during a deportation process, leading to delays and renewed concerns about enforcement procedures. The incident, which occurred at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in 2025 but has only recently come to light, involved a 25-year-old man who had agreed to leave the United States and return to India voluntarily. Mistake Sends Passenger to Alaska Instead of New York According to reports, immigration agents intended to put the man on a flight from Seattle to New York, where he would connect to an international…

Survivors of the devastating 2025 remnants of Typhoon Halong are entering a new phase of recovery, as hundreds of displaced residents begin transitioning from temporary shelters and hotels into longer-term housing. Alaska State officials confirmed that 165 households, representing more than 680 people, have now moved out of Anchorage hotels and into temporary housing arrangements, marking a significant milestone in ongoing recovery efforts. Transition From Shelters to Housing In the months following the storm, many evacuees were initially housed in emergency shelters and later in hotels across Anchorage. The shift into temporary housing provides: Officials say the transition has been…

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have reached a major integration milestone, transitioning to a shared passenger service system designed to deliver a more seamless travel experience for customers across both carriers. The transition, completed this week, brings Hawaiian Airlines onto the same reservation and operational platform already used by Alaska Airlines, marking a key step in the ongoing integration of the two airlines following their merger. What the New System Means for Travelers The shared passenger service system acts as the backbone for airline operations, connecting booking platforms, mobile apps, loyalty programs, and airport systems. With the transition, passengers can…