Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

The Alaska Democratic Party (ADP) has announced the return of its Annual Holiday Auction, set to take place next month. The festive event will feature live and silent auctions offering a wide variety of items and unique experiences, including trips to Hawaii and Homer, along with other exclusive packages. Funds raised from the auction will directly support the ADP’s mission to elect Democrats across Alaska and strengthen its campaign infrastructure ahead of the next election season. Attendees can expect both in-person and virtual bidding opportunities, ensuring supporters from across Alaska can participate. Tickets are available now through the official event…

A minor has been charged as an adult with manslaughter in connection with a fatal shooting in Bethel. According to court documents, the victim, 57-year-old Gene Chaney Jr., was found seriously wounded by a shotgun blast early on November 1 after calling police to report a domestic disturbance. Shortly after Chaney’s initial 911 call, his partner reported that he was unresponsive. The suspect fled but surrendered several hours later at the local hospital parking lot without incident. The minor is being held at the Bethel Youth Facility in custody and faces trial in adult court. A preliminary hearing is scheduled…

The Bethel City Council has approved Ordinance 25-13, a new measure aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability throughout the community. The ordinance, effective January 1, 2026, prohibits businesses from providing single-use plastic carryout bags to customers at the point of sale under Bethel Municipal Code 8.12. To comply with the new law, local businesses may offer the following alternatives: The ordinance specifically states that biodegradable plastic bags are not allowed, as they can still harm the environment. In addition, the City Council reaffirmed that food vendors are prohibited from serving prepared food in polystyrene foam (Styrofoam™) containers. This…

Recovery efforts are underway across Western Alaska as Bethel continues to rebuild from the widespread damage caused by Typhoon Halong, one of the most powerful storms to strike the region in recent years. Residents, organizations, and local volunteers in Bethel have joined hands to assist neighboring communities, including Kipnuk, which suffered heavy storm damage. Efforts include delivering essential supplies, clearing debris, and helping with power restoration in affected areas. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) and local contractors are coordinating with municipal and tribal partners to repair infrastructure and restore road access. According to the department’s latest…

A Bethel man, John Japhet, has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for his role in a murder case that shocked the local community. The sentencing concludes a lengthy investigation and court process following the homicide that occurred in Bethel. According to court documents, Japhet was found guilty of second-degree murder after prosecutors presented evidence linking him to the fatal incident. The Alaska Department of Law reported that the judge cited the severity of the crime and its impact on the victim’s family in determining the sentence. The case has drawn attention across the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, where residents expressed…

The Bethel community is preparing for an evening of creativity and giving at the Ceramic Pottery Sale and Dinner on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center. The event, organized by local artists and community partners, will raise funds for several important causes: Guests attending the dinner will also enjoy a book reading by Alaskan author Don Reardon, adding a literary highlight to the evening. RELATED: Alaska Events The pottery sale aims to combine art, community, and compassion—helping Bethel residents contribute to meaningful causes while supporting local craftsmanship. Residents are invited…

Anchorage, Alaska — With colder temperatures returning across the state, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is reminding drivers to slow down and remember one key winter driving tip: BARFF, Bridges and Ramps Freeze First. As winter conditions develop, bridge decks, ramps, and overpasses tend to ice up earlier than other parts of the roadway, even when the rest of the road appears dry or clear. This happens because air circulates above and below these elevated structures, causing them to lose heat faster than the ground. DOT&PF advises all motorists, from new drivers to experienced Alaskans, to…

A magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck 48 kilometers east-southeast of Fox River on October 30, 2025, shaking communities across Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake occurred at a depth of 60 kilometers, producing brief but noticeable shaking in nearby towns including Homer, Anchor Point, and Kasilof. No significant damage or injuries have been reported. However, local monitoring networks continue to track aftershocks that may follow in the coming days. Seismologists emphasize that Alaska remains one of the most seismically active regions in the world, located along the boundary of the Pacific and North American tectonic…

Hatcher Pass, Alaska, Archangel Road in Hatcher Pass is now closed to vehicles for the winter season, according to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF). The road will reopen for winter recreation such as snowmachining and skiing once there is enough snow cover. Alaska State Parks will share updates when conditions are suitable. Hatcher Pass remains open for visitors, but drivers are asked to respect road closures and stay off restricted areas until official notice. For updates, visit Alaska State Parks or check 511.alaska.gov for current road conditions. News Source: Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

What was once a perfectly straight stretch of the Richardson Highway now bears visible scars of one of North America’s most powerful earthquakes. On November 3, 2002, a magnitude 7.9 earthquake along the Denali Fault ripped through central Alaska, violently reshaping the landscape in seconds. The fault rupture caused the ground to move up to eight feet (2.4 meters) horizontally, bending and displacing sections of the highway that had once run in a straight line through the rugged interior terrain. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Denali Fault event remains one of the largest strike-slip earthquakes ever recorded…

NVIDIA Corporation and Nokia Corporation announced on October 28, 2025, a strategic partnership aimed at developing next-generation AI-native mobile networks and establishing America’s leadership in telecommunications infrastructure. Under the agreement, NVIDIA will invest $1 billion in Nokia, acquiring approximately a 2.9 % stake in the Finnish company through a directed share issuance at $6.01 per share. The collaboration will focus on key initiatives including: In a statement, NVIDIA Founder and CEO Jensen Huang said: “Telecommunications is a critical national infrastructure, the digital nervous system of our economy and security. Built on NVIDIA CUDA and AI, AI-RAN will revolutionize telecommunications, a…

President Donald Trump said Friday that reports claiming he has decided to launch military strikes inside Venezuela are inaccurate. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Florida, Trump addressed questions about a story published by the Miami Herald, which reported that his administration had decided to target Venezuelan military facilities and that an operation could occur soon. When asked whether the reports were true, Trump responded, “No.” A reporter then followed up, asking whether a decision had been made on military action in Venezuela. Trump reiterated, “No, it’s not true.” The comments directly contradict earlier speculation that…