Author: The Tundra Drums Staff
Schools in the Juneau School District will be closed on Monday, Jan. 5, the district announced. District officials did not provide additional details in the initial notice. Families and staff are encouraged to monitor official district communications for updates regarding reopening plans or further schedule changes. Also Read: ASD Shuts Down All Schools Thursday After Overnight Weather Creates Unsafe Roads The closure affects all Juneau School District schools.
The Alaska Department of Law has joined its Alaska HIDTA law enforcement partners in the statewide “Catch and Detain” campaign aimed at disrupting and prosecuting drug trafficking activity. Officials said prosecution of drug trafficking crimes remains a top priority, with the campaign focusing on identifying traffickers, stopping distribution networks, and strengthening coordinated enforcement across Alaska. Authorities are encouraging the public to assist by reporting suspected drug trafficking. Tips can be submitted directly to the Federal Bureau of Investigation at https://tips.fbi.gov/home. Residents can also provide information through the AKTips app or online at akhidta.org. Officials note that tips can be submitted…
Alaska public safety officials are urging residents and travelers to immediately report any signs of suspected human trafficking. Authorities say indicators may include individuals who do not have control over their travel documents, appear restricted in their movement or communication, struggle to explain travel plans, or are involved in non-genuine relationships, particularly those involving a parent or guardian. Also Read: What Is Public Interest Law And Why It Is Important? All You Need To Know About Officials stress that the public should not attempt to intervene. Instead, anyone who observes concerning behavior should contact authorities right away. For immediate assistance,…
The Alaska State Council on the Arts and the Alaska Arts & Culture Foundation have announced plans to host the Alaska Statewide Arts and Culture Convergence in Anchorage on April 16–17, 2026. The two-day gathering will bring together artists, cultural leaders, educators, nonprofit organizations, and community advocates from across the state to share ideas, strengthen collaboration, and highlight initiatives shaping Alaska’s arts and culture sector. Organizers say the event is designed to support statewide connection and knowledge-sharing while addressing both urban and rural perspectives. As part of the conference program, submissions are now open for the Spotlight Series, a featured…
Severe winter weather has led to multiple large vessels sinking in the Juneau harbor, highlighting the growing impact of extreme cold, heavy snow, and ice accumulation across Southeast Alaska. Harbor officials confirmed that prolonged freezing temperatures, combined with snow loading and ice buildup, have contributed to vessels taking on water and sinking at their moorings. The incidents occurred as the region continues to experience harsh winter conditions that have strained marine infrastructure and increased safety risks for boat owners. Authorities are working to assess damage and monitor affected areas within the harbor. Officials have not released full details on all…
Anchorage health officials are reminding residents that it is not too late to get vaccinated against influenza, emphasizing that the flu shot remains one of the most effective ways to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Medical experts note that even as influenza viruses evolve and new variants circulate each season, vaccination continues to provide meaningful protection. According to McLaughlin, people who receive the flu vaccine often retain partial immunity against infection and, more importantly, are significantly less likely to experience serious complications. “Historically, even when there are new variants of influenza that are circulating, people who are vaccinated tend…
Outdoor users in the Hatcher Pass area are being urged to use extra caution after a conibear trap was reported set close to a parking area in the western portion of the pass. According to information shared by a local trapper and bird hunter, a hunter recently encountered a conibear trap located approximately 30 feet from a parking pullout between the Grubstake Gulch and Lucky Shot Mine. During the encounter, a dog approached the trap but was called back before coming into contact with it. The trap is believed to be legally set, as trapping season is currently underway. However,…
The The Alaska Center has announced it is hiring for two positions as it works to advance clean air and water, healthy communities, and a just, clean energy future for Alaska. The organization is currently seeking a Climate & Clean Energy Program Manager, a leadership role focused on guiding advocacy efforts and community-driven campaigns that promote equitable climate and clean energy solutions statewide. The position is hybrid and based in Anchorage, Eagle River, or the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, with required in-person work. The salary range for the role is $60,000–$65,000, depending on experience, and includes competitive benefits. The Alaska Center is…
The Alaska Occupational Safety and Health is reminding employers that exposure to freezing conditions can quickly lead to hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related health hazards if proper precautions are not taken. To reduce risk, employers are encouraged to move tasks indoors whenever possible and limit outdoor exposure during the coldest periods. When outdoor work is unavoidable, officials recommend providing warm, sheltered break areas and scheduling frequent warming breaks to help workers maintain safe body temperatures. Special attention is being urged for youth workers, who may be more vulnerable to cold stress. Employers are advised to ensure younger employees receive adequate…
The first major meteor shower of the year, the Quadrantids, is set to reach its peak activity, offering skywatchers a dramatic but challenging start to the 2026 stargazing season. The Quadrantids are known for their short-lived yet intense peak, with ideal conditions sometimes producing up to 120 meteors per hour. These meteors are often fast, bright, and capable of creating colorful fireballs that streak across the sky. This year, however, viewing conditions come with a notable challenge. The shower’s peak coincides with the first full moon of 2026, a supermoon, whose brightness is expected to wash out many of the…
A widespread Extreme Cold Warning and Cold Weather Advisory is in effect through the weekend for a large portion of Alaska, as dangerously cold air settles across the state and pushes windchill values to life-threatening levels. According to the National Weather Service, many communities are expected to experience windchills ranging from 40 to 70 degrees below zero, particularly across Interior and northern regions. Prolonged exposure to these conditions can lead to frostbite in minutes and significantly increase the risk of hypothermia. Meteorologists say the extreme cold is being driven by a strong Arctic high-pressure system, allowing dense, frigid air to…
The Chesapeake Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating Janiyah Levita Ann Mumford, a 14-year-old girl who has been reported missing from Chesapeake. According to police, Janiyah was last seen on December 30, 2025. Authorities say every hour is critical as officers continue active efforts to determine her whereabouts. Janiyah is described as a 14-year-old female. She was last seen wearing a pink and black cheetah-print bonnet, a black coat with a brown fur hood, green joggers, and black shoes. Police noted that her hair is red and black. Anyone who has information about Janiyah’s location is…