Author: The Tundra Drums Staff
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) has completed work on the traffic signal at the intersection of Tongass Avenue and Jefferson Street, officials confirmed. According to DOT&PF, crews repaired vehicle detection systems and adjusted signal timing at the intersection. The improvements are expected to allow the signal to operate more efficiently, with reduced wait times for vehicles traveling from Jefferson Street. Transportation officials said the changes were made to improve traffic flow and safety at the busy intersection. DOT&PF will continue monitoring the signal to ensure it functions as intended and to determine whether additional adjustments are…
Superior Court Judge Daniel Doty on Tuesday sentenced Moses Blanchard, 25, to 60 years in prison with 20 years suspended for his role in the 2023 murder of Lincoln “Bingo” Peratrovich, 80. Court records show that in March 2023, inflammatory accusations against Peratrovich were circulated on social media. Following those posts, Peratrovich was assaulted at his home in Klawock by Blanchard and co-defendants Blaise Dilts and Gonzalo Sanchez. Peratrovich later died as a result of the injuries he sustained during the attack. Blanchard’s sentence reflects his involvement in the fatal assault. Co-defendant Blaise Dilts was sentenced earlier this year in…
Dec. 17, 2025 The World’s Geophysicists Gather What’s Shaking Alaska?! Here is your weekly seismic update from the Alaska Earthquake Center for the week of December 17, 2025, where earthquake activity is monitored 24 hours a day. Over the past week, Alaska recorded about 1,300 earthquakes. Around 1,000 of these were aftershocks from the powerful magnitude 7.0 Hubbard Glacier earthquake that struck on December 6. Also Read: What’s Shaking Alaska?Weekly Earthquake Summary (December 10, 2025) Scientists say these aftershocks are now slowly decreasing in number and strength, which is normal after a large earthquake. Most of the recent aftershocks have…
The City of Fairbanks Public Works Department says it continues to work diligently throughout the winter season to keep city roads clear and safe, emphasizing that snow removal operations are carefully planned but remain dependent on changing weather conditions. According to Public Works officials, snow removal efforts prioritize main roads, emergency routes, and key public areas to ensure that essential services can operate without interruption. Once those areas are cleared, crews shift their focus to residential neighborhoods. Officials note that severe weather or additional snowfall may require schedule adjustments. Residents are reminded that city code requires adjacent property owners to…
The annual Whittier Harbor Cleanup is set to return on February 7, bringing together divers, volunteers, and community members for a coordinated effort to remove debris and improve the condition of the harbor. Organizers confirmed that the cleanup will once again take place in Whittier this year and is open to anyone interested in helping, regardless of diving experience. While certified divers and free divers will be working in the water, non-diving volunteers are also needed to assist with a variety of tasks on land. These include moving recovered items to a central collection area and supporting logistical operations throughout…
Community members still have an opportunity to support local animal adoption efforts following this past weekend’s Bark in the Park event, as the event’s online silent auction remains open. Organizers announced that the auction continues to accept bids for a variety of donated items, with proceeds benefiting animal adoption initiatives and community partners involved in the event. Officials say every bid contributes directly to supporting animals in need and strengthening local adoption programs. Residents who were unable to attend the event in person, or who wish to continue supporting the cause, can browse auction items and learn more about dogs…
An Anchorage jury on Tuesday convicted Adam Darius Pringle, 43, of Murder in the Second Degree and Manslaughter in connection with the March 2022 killing of Keenan Wegener, 27, following a jury trial in Anchorage Superior Court. Evidence presented at trial showed that Pringle and co-defendant Daniel Alex Rocero, 48, assaulted Wegener inside an East Anchorage residence. Prosecutors said the two men beat Wegener with an eight-pound metal sledgehammer, stood on his neck and chest, and later placed his body inside a large plastic storage tote. Wegener died from asphyxia and blunt force trauma, according to testimony. Officers with the…
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) announced that the highway was reopened at 6 p.m. Saturday following the completion of avalanche control operations. DOT&PF crews conducted avalanche mitigation work earlier in the day to reduce the risk of snow slides and ensure safe travel conditions. Once the operation was completed and the area was assessed, officials cleared the roadway for traffic. Also Read: Dalton Highway Remains Closed Saturday Due to Severe Weather and Avalanche Risk Motorists are advised to continue exercising caution while traveling through the area, as winter conditions may still be present. DOT&PF encourages drivers…
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Anchorage Field Office is warning Alaska residents about an increase in fraud schemes involving scammers who impersonate law enforcement officers or government officials. According to the FBI, the scams typically involve unsolicited phone calls in which callers falsely claim that the recipient has an outstanding warrant, missed jury duty, or other legal issues. The scammers then demand immediate payment or request sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers or banking details, in order to resolve the alleged problem. The FBI emphasized that legitimate law enforcement agencies and courts do not contact individuals by…
Anchorage Animal Care and Control (AACC) is hosting a Holiday Adoption Event this Saturday at the Mt. View Petco, offering residents an opportunity to meet adoptable pets during the final weekend of holiday shopping. The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., featuring dogs currently available for adoption through Anchorage Animal Care and Control. Organizers say the goal is to connect animals in need of permanent homes with families looking to add a pet during the holiday season. A festive highlight of the event includes an appearance by “Santa Paws,” adding a seasonal atmosphere while promoting animal…
The Trump administration is once again pursuing regulatory changes that could significantly alter how the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is implemented, reigniting debate over environmental protections, wildlife conservation, and federal oversight. According to policy documents and advocacy group analyses, the proposed changes would revise how federal agencies interpret and apply key provisions of the ESA, a landmark law enacted in 1973 to protect threatened and endangered plants and animals and the ecosystems on which they depend. Critics of the proposal argue that the changes could weaken protections for species by limiting habitat safeguards, narrowing the scope of environmental reviews, or…
The U.S. House of Representatives is preparing to vote on legislation known as the SPEED Act, a bill that has sparked concern among environmental groups and public policy advocates over potential reductions in public participation during federal project approvals. According to critics of the legislation, the SPEED Act could significantly streamline environmental review and permitting timelines for large infrastructure and energy projects. Opponents argue that while the bill aims to accelerate development, it may do so by limiting opportunities for public comment and legal review, particularly in cases involving private or corporate-backed projects on public land. Environmental organizations, including The…