Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

A series of community events is taking place across Anchorage as part of Winter Bike Fest, a month-long celebration of winter biking culture featuring films, races, group rides, and social gatherings. Organizers say the festival is designed to bring together riders of all experience levels who bike year-round in winter conditions. Events are scheduled throughout the month at multiple locations across the city. The Anchorage Health Department will participate in select events, offering free bike locks, lights, and reflective safety items while supplies last. Also Read: Sitka WhaleFest 2025: When and Where Can You Attend this Fest? A full schedule…

The U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will host a joint public open house to gather feedback on the Federal Subsistence Management Program. The event is part of a limited review being conducted by the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture and serves as a public scoping opportunity to help inform that review process. The open house will take place on Feb. 3, 2026, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. (AKST) at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Office, located in the Gordon Watson Conference Room at 1011 E. Tudor Road. Officials said members of…

The Anchorage Health Department will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, officials announced. All Anchorage Health Department offices and services will be unavailable during the holiday closure. Regular operations are expected to resume the following business day. Also Read: Anchorage Health Department Announces Two-Day Thanksgiving Closure Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and seek urgent needs through appropriate emergency or alternative services while offices are closed

The Klondike Highway is open as of Saturday, Jan. 17, though driving conditions remain difficult, transportation officials said. Motorists are urged to use caution and check 511.alaska.gov for the most current road conditions and updates before traveling. Also Read: Klondike Highway Closed Due to Blizzard Conditions and Avalanche Hazard Officials thanked drivers for their patience and understanding as conditions continue to be monitored.

The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities said it is actively monitoring flooding along the Richardson Highway in Valdez, including Dayville Road and Hazelet Avenue, as crews work to address affected areas when conditions allow. DOT&PF crews are opening drainage channels through snow berms to move water into roadside ditches. Officials said heavy snow depth has so far prevented confirmation of whether culverts beneath the Richardson Highway that drain to the ocean are open. At this time, DOT&PF believes drains along Hazelet Avenue are frozen. The department is coordinating with the Tazlina District to bring a steam truck to…

Authorities are warning the public about a phone scam targeting members of USAA, which primarily serves military service members and their families. According to officials, scammers are posing as USAA representatives and calling from phone numbers that closely resemble official USAA numbers, differing by only a few digits. Callers often already have personal information and ask victims to confirm details, making the calls appear legitimate. The scammers typically claim there is suspicious activity on the account and then instruct victims to transfer money to a cash transfer app or third-party account for “security” purposes. Officials stressed that banks and financial…

A small commuter plane carrying four people landed short of the runway at Merrill Field Airport Friday afternoon, but no injuries were reported, the National Transportation Safety Board confirmed. The Beechcraft King Air, flying from Soldotna Municipal Airport to Anchorage, was carrying two pilots and two passengers when it landed just short of runway 16, the NTSB spokesperson said. The aircraft’s nose gear collapsed during the landing, causing it to slide onto the runway surface. The plane is registered to an address in Soldotna associated with the Missionary Aviation Repair Center, a nonprofit organization that supports aviation operations in remote…

The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities announced it will conduct aerial mapping along the Haines Highway from mileposts 11 to 21 this weekend, Jan. 17–18, following unprecedented snowfall and a large avalanche cycle in the region. Officials said the mission is for data collection only, not avalanche mitigation. A helicopter equipped with LiDAR (laser imaging) will survey terrain to help avalanche specialists analyze recent slide activity. Residents may see the aircraft flying grid-like patterns at lower altitudes as it scans slopes. DOT&PF emphasized that the survey will not require road closures or traffic holds. The goal is to…

A widely shared Instagram reel has been circulating paying tribute to Scarface, the famed lion from Masai Mara National Reserve, who was beloved by wildlife enthusiasts around the world. According to social media posts, Scarface, known for his distinctive facial scar and longevity in the wild, died of natural causes at about 13 or 14 years old. Scarface became an iconic symbol of strength and survival in Kenya’s wildlife community, frequently featured in documentaries, photographs, and visitor footage over the years. The tribute reel highlights his legacy and the impact he had on conservation storytelling. Also Read: Anchorage Animal Care…

State transportation officials have confirmed that a photo circulating online showing a large avalanche blocking the Richardson Highway near Thompson Pass is not current. According to Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, the image dates back to 2014 and is from an event known as “Damalanche.” The photo does not reflect present road conditions. Rob Mattson of the DOT&PF Thompson Pass crew said he traveled through the pass approximately 30 minutes prior to the update and confirmed the roadway was clear and open. Also Read: Southcoast Update: Active Weather Continues to Affect Roads and Avalanche Conditions Officials are reminding…

Schools in Bethel will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, according to the Lower Kuskokwim School District. District officials said all classes, school activities, and related programs will not be held for the day. Families, students, and staff are encouraged to plan accordingly and ensure students remain safe during the closure. Also Read: Juneau School District Schools Closed Monday, Jan. 5 The district advised parents and guardians to continue monitoring official LKSD communication channels for any updates regarding reopening plans or schedule changes. Additional information will be shared if conditions change or further closures are required.

An Alaska-based dive rescue organization announced it has received a donation of an unserviceable aluminum aircraft frame from Sutton Aircraft Salvage to support training operations. While thanking the donor, the group said it is still seeking additional assistance to support both training and mission response needs across the state. For training purposes, the organization is looking for an unserviceable or older aluminum boat, with or without a cabin, no longer than 24 feet, and without a motor. For mission response, the group is seeking a building or land available through a long-term lease or donation. The site must allow 24-hour…