Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

Juneau received more than six inches of snow overnight, with an additional one to two inches expected throughout the day, according to weather forecasts. Winds are predicted to range between 15 and 20 miles per hour, with gusts reaching up to 40 miles per hour, contributing to reduced visibility and challenging travel conditions. Crews from the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) have been actively responding since early morning, clearing and plowing roadways across the area. While major routes have been plowed, officials report that road surfaces remain icy. DOT&PF is urging motorists to exercise caution and allow…

December 15, 2025 DR-4893-AK MA-003 FEMA News Desk: (425) 487-4610 ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The State of Alaska and FEMA have extended the application deadlines for their Individual Assistance programs to Feb. 20, 2026, for Alaskans impacted by October’s West Coast Storms. Survivors are encouraged to register for both State and FEMA Individual Assistance programs to maximize their recovery benefits. For more information on State of Alaska aid, visit https://ready.alaska.gov/IA or call 1-844-445-7131 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. For more information on FEMA assistance, call the Alaska Call Center at 1-866-342-1699 from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-3 p.m.…

The scheduled chair yoga class has been cancelled for today following extreme cold conditions. Organizer Marsha made the decision early this morning after reviewing the temperature and determining that it would be unsafe and impractical for participants to travel or engage in physical activity outdoors. The cancellation prioritizes the comfort and well-being of attendees, particularly given the weather conditions across the area. Residents are encouraged to remain indoors and stay warm until temperatures improve. No further changes or rescheduling details have been announced at this time. Also Read: Yoga Mat vs Carpet: Which Surface is Best for Your Yoga Practice?…

Bark in the Park returned this past weekend as a successful Alaska community event, bringing together dog owners, families, volunteers, and animal advocates for a day focused on outdoor recreation and pet adoption. Hosted by Alaska State Parks in partnership with the Mat-Su Trails Association, the event highlighted Alaska’s strong connection to its trail system while promoting responsible pet ownership and local animal adoption efforts. Attendees enjoyed a lively atmosphere filled with dogs, community interaction, and local vendors, all set against the backdrop of Alaska’s scenic parklands. Organizers credited the event’s success to the collaboration of volunteers, partner organizations, participating…

The Dalton Highway remains closed as of Saturday as crews continue responding to severe winter weather, blizzard conditions, and ongoing avalanche risk across the North Slope. According to the latest roadway update, conditions remain dynamic, and travel is not advised. Officials say intermittent closures are expected to continue as crews work to restore safe travel conditions. Atigun Pass Update Atigun Pass was closed overnight due to deteriorating weather. One lane has since been temporarily opened to allow existing traffic to move through the pass. Once vehicles have cleared the area, the roadway will be closed again for avalanche mitigation operations.…

A viral social media post circulating on Monday has sparked global attention after claiming that a civilian intervened during a violent incident near Bondi, allegedly preventing further casualties. However, Australian authorities have not confirmed the details described in the post. The widely shared post praises a man identified as Ahmed al Ahmed, claiming he confronted and disarmed an attacker during chaos at the scene before being injured himself. The post further alleges the presence of multiple attackers and the use of firearms. As of publication, New South Wales Police have not released any official statement confirming these claims, including the…

Alaska State Parks has issued a winter storm update following significant overnight snowfall in the Fairbanks region. Approximately 9 inches of snow accumulated across the area, prompting the National Weather Service to continue a Winter Storm Warning through 1:00 a.m. AKST on Saturday. Blizzard conditions are expected to persist. Forecast details indicate: Officials warn that travel throughout the region may be treacherous and potentially life-threatening, especially as blowing snow and ice reduce visibility and roadway stability. Alaska State Parks Impact — Fairbanks & Delta Areas All state park facilities in the Fairbanks and Delta areas remain unplowed, including parking areas,…

Rise & Represent Alaska has announced an upcoming information session for residents interested in becoming more involved in shaping the state’s future. The session will be held on December 30, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., and registration is now open. The organization, which focuses on community engagement and leadership development, is inviting Alaskans to learn more about its programs and opportunities during the event. The session aims to provide an overview of Rise & Represent’s mission, community initiatives, and ways participants can contribute to decision-making efforts in their local areas. Alsio Read: Trump Administration Layoffs Hit Alaska Public Lands Residents are…

A recent social media post from Earthjustice highlights the organization’s concerns regarding a proposal by the Trump administration to revise how the Endangered Species Act (ESA) defines “harm.” According to the visual statement released by Earthjustice, the proposed revision would alter the interpretation of harm by excluding habitat destruction from the definition. The group says such a change could impact how protections are enforced for threatened and endangered wildlife. The post suggests that removing habitat destruction from the harm definition could allow an increase in industrial activities in areas crucial to vulnerable species. Earthjustice argues that damage to a species’…

A national climate and energy advocacy organization has released a social media graphic drawing attention to rising utility costs. The image, posted by Climate Power, states that utility prices have increased by 13% under former President Donald Trump. The post features a winter scene of snow-covered vehicles and roadways, alongside the caption, “Happy holidays, right?” The organization did not include additional context or data sources within the graphic itself. Climate Power frequently publishes digital content focused on energy costs, climate policy, and environmental issues. The post is part of an ongoing series in which the group highlights economic and energy-related…

Anchorage, AK (Dec 11, 2025) — Tom Begich issued the following statement today in response to the Governor’s early release of FY2027 budget highlights: “I appreciate the Governor releasing his intentions early. But once again, he is signaling a full Permanent Fund Dividend without addressing how we will fund the basic services Alaskans count on. The dividend matters because it helps many families make ends meet. But it has to be part of a responsible plan, not something that forces cuts to schools, public safety, or healthcare.” A Responsible, Transparent Fiscal Approach The preliminary outline does not yet show how…

December 12, 2025DR-4893-AK NR-008FEMA News Desk: (425) 487-4610Email: fema-r10-newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Under the direction of United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, FEMA has obligated over $3 million in emergency housing funds to support Alaskans displaced by severe storms, flooding, and remnants of Typhoon Halong, October 8-13, 2025. The assistance, provided under FEMA’s Public Assistance program, includes $2,971,062 for non-congregate sheltering. Non-congregate sheltering allows displaced survivors to stay in hotel rooms. This form of sheltering offers survivors privacy as they work toward their long-term recovery. The assistance also includes $410,565 for congregate or group sheltering. Local and Tribal governments,…