Author: The Tundra Drums Staff
The Tundra Drums Staff
The Tundra Drums Staff is a team of writers and editors who are passionate about bringing you the latest and most reliable news from Alaska and around the world. We make sure each story is easy to understand, clear, and based on trustworthy sources. Our goal is to keep you informed with news that matters and helps you stay connected to the world.
International attention has turned to Israel after reports surfaced that 497 people from 46 countries were detained from the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian mission that sought to deliver aid to Gaza. The flotilla, which organizers described as a peaceful mission to challenge Israel’s blockade, was intercepted at sea earlier this week. Among those detained are citizens from the United States, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Malaysia, Greece, Tunisia, Brazil, Ireland, and dozens of other nations (see infographic). Critics and human rights groups have condemned the action, calling it an act of “global kidnapping,” while Israeli officials have defended the interception, claiming…
Alaska State Parks has officially opened applications for its 2026 Artist-in-Residence Program, inviting creatives from across the nation to immerse themselves in the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska while pursuing their artistic vision. The program offers selected artists the chance to spend up to five days in a state park cabin, surrounded by Alaska’s wild beauty. Whether painting, writing, photographing, or creating in any discipline, participants will be given space and time to draw inspiration directly from the land. Applications are now being accepted through October 31, 2025. In exchange for the residency, chosen artists will donate one original piece of…
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (Oct. 4, 2025) , A 23-year-old Alaskan mountaineer, Balin Miller, fell to his death earlier this week while climbing Yosemite National Park’s iconic El Capitan, according to multiple reports. Miller, originally from Anchorage, was live-streaming part of his climb when the fatal fall occurred on October 1. He was scaling a route known as Sea of Dreams, one of the 3,000-foot granite wall’s most challenging paths. Witnesses, including Yosemite photographer Tom Evans, said Miller had already completed the climb when his gear became stuck near the top. “He went down his lead line to clear it, but the…
This summer, Cordova faced a tough challenge when both of its garbage trucks went out of service during the peak of fishing season. The main truck required major repairs, and the backup vehicle was totaled in an accident, leaving the community without a way to handle daily waste collections at one of the busiest times of year To help, the City of Valdez stepped in. Working with Cordova’s Public Works Director Kevin Johnson, City Manager Nate Duval, and Valdez’s own Finance and Public Works teams, Valdez shipped one of its spare garbage trucks by ferry to Cordova. The loaner truck…
EL SEGUNDO, California, A major fire broke out Thursday night at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery, lighting up the sky over Los Angeles and prompting an intense emergency response. The fire erupted in the Isomax 7 jet fuel production unit, where fuel oil is converted into jet fuel. Flames and smoke were visible for miles across the South Bay area. Chevron confirmed that all personnel and contractors are accounted for, and no injuries have been reported. The fire was contained to a portion of the facility by early Friday. Nearby residents were urged to stay indoors as a precaution. A temporary…
The PGA Tour has formed a Future Competition Committee tasked with redefining its competitive format to better serve players, fans, and partners. Announced at a press conference at East Lake Golf Club, the nine-member committee is led by Tiger Woods and will conduct a complete review of how tournaments are organized, structured, and played. Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized that this is not about small tweaks, but significant change. The Tour is already undergoing other adjustments. For the 2025 season, it ended the decade-long absence from Trump-owned courses by planning a return to Trump National Doral in Miami for the…
Palmer Fishhook Road at Hatcher Pass is currently closed, according to Alaska State Parks and the Department of Transportation. Officials advised visitors to plan ahead and use alternate routes. The closure affects access to one of Southcentral Alaska’s most popular recreation areas. Hatcher Pass, located between Palmer and Willow, attracts visitors year-round for hiking, skiing, and sightseeing. State officials said updates will be shared as conditions change. Travelers are urged to allow extra time and remain cautious while heading into the area, especially during Alaska’s unpredictable fall season. Alaska State Parks thanked the public for their patience and emphasized that…
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced new operating hours for the Ship Creek Fisheries and Visitors Center, effective today. The center will now be open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will remain closed on weekends until spring. Visitors can take advantage of self-guided tours during regular weekday hours. Guided tours will also be available, but only when staffing allows. Those interested are encouraged to submit a request form through the official ADF&G website: Tour Request Form. The Ship Creek Fisheries Center, located near downtown Anchorage, remains a popular educational destination, offering insights into…
The Los Angeles Dodgers started their National League Wild Card series with a commanding win over the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night, September 30, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. The game began at 6:08 p.m. Pacific (9:08 p.m. Eastern) and was broadcast on ESPN with live streaming on Fubo. The Dodgers, reigning World Series champions and No. 3 seed, are chasing history as they aim to become the first team in 25 years to win back-to-back titles. Blake Snell delivered in his playoff debut for Los Angeles, holding the Reds’ bats in check while the offense, powered by Shohei Ohtani, Freddie…
Fairbanks, Residents of Fairbanks are preparing to cast their ballots in the upcoming local elections, scheduled for Tuesday, October 7. The Fairbanks Climate Action Coalition, along with other civic groups, has been urging residents to take part in the democratic process. Early voting is already underway, giving voters a chance to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day. Polling places will be open across the city, where residents will vote on local leadership and community issues. The coalition shared reminders on social media, emphasizing the importance of participation in shaping the future of Fairbanks. Local elections often decide matters such…
Anchorage, A fire at the Ravenwood Condominiums forced 45 residents to evacuate on Friday evening, leaving families displaced and pets lost. Anchorage Fire Department officials confirmed that while no residents were injured, two dogs and three cats died in the blaze. The fire is believed to have started on an exterior balcony before spreading, according to investigators. Emergency crews responded quickly and evacuated residents from the multi-unit building. Witnesses described thick smoke pouring from the upper floors as firefighters worked to contain the flames. The American Red Cross is providing shelter and assistance to displaced residents, ensuring they have access…
Alaska faces unique energy challenges, from the railbelt to remote fishing camps. In rural Alaska, where families face the highest energy costs in the country, the stakes are the difference between a thriving community and decline. Across more than 200 communities off the Railbelt, electricity costs $0.50 to $1.00 per kilowatt-hour, compared to a national average of about $0.17. Heating fuel regularly tops $6 to $10 per gallon once it is shipped or flown in. Transportation fuels, gasoline and diesel, are priced just as high, straining families, local businesses, and school districts alike. In some villages, annual household energy bills…
