Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

As the world watches athletes compete in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy, Alaska has its own spirited representatives right at home, two 3.8-gram ermines at Alaska Zoo who are unofficially representing the state as tiny mascots of the Games. Milli and Noob Noob, diminutive but fierce carnivores native to Alaska, have captured local attention for their energetic personalities and Olympic “spirit.” Despite weighing less than a nickel, ermines are skilled predators with keen speed and sharp incisors — traits zookeepers say make them a fitting symbol of the determination and agility shown by Olympic athletes. Zookeeper Annie Snow…

A small earthquake was recorded near Talkeetna on February 17, 2026, according to data from the Alaska Earthquake Center. The seismic event was measured at a magnitude of 2.0 and occurred at a depth of nearly 20 miles beneath the surface. The quake’s epicenter was located approximately 27 miles east of Talkeetna, placing it within a broad region of Alaska that experiences frequent low-magnitude seismic activity. The event was not large enough to cause damage and may not have been felt by residents in surrounding areas. Alaska is one of the most seismically active states in the U.S., regularly experiencing…

A Soldotna mother and her three children, including two minors, were taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents this week, prompting concern from religious leaders, immigration advocates, and state lawmakers over the handling of the case. The family, identified as Sonia Espinosa Arriaga and her children ages 5, 16, and 18, were reportedly detained Tuesday morning after arriving at their home in Soldotna. According to family attorney Lara Nations, the mother and two minors were held at an Anchorage hotel by immigration agents and were “not free to leave” before being flown out of Alaska and deported…

Wildlife enthusiasts hoping to witness Alaska’s iconic brown bears in their natural habitat have only days left to enter the lottery for guided bear viewing permits at the world-famous McNeil River State Game Sanctuary. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) reminds applicants that lottery entries must be submitted before midnight on March 1 through the ADF&G Online Store. Each year, a limited number of permits are issued, allowing small groups to participate in guided bear viewing sessions at one of the most renowned bear-viewing locations in the world. Located along the west side of Cook Inlet, McNeil River…

Alaskans looking to enter the construction and roadway safety field will have an opportunity this spring to earn their ATSSA Flagging Certification through Northern Industrial Training (NIT). Northern Industrial Training is hosting two upcoming certification classes designed to prepare participants for safe and effective traffic control operations on Alaska’s highways and work zones. The first session will take place March 13, 2026, at the Palmer Campus, followed by a second session April 24, 2026, at the Anchorage Campus. The training follows the nationally recognized curriculum developed by the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA). Upon completion, participants receive certification valid…

The annual Su Dog 300 sled dog race is set to return the weekend of February 21, bringing teams and fans together for one of the Mat-Su Valley’s premier mid-distance mushing events. The 300-mile race will once again test mushers and their dog teams across challenging winter terrain, with the finish line expected to draw crowds as competitors complete the demanding course. Adding to the festivities, organizers have announced a Soup Contest at the finish line on Monday, February 23. Community members are invited to submit their best homemade soups for judging. Contestants can register online at sudog300.org/soup-dog, and entries…

Travelers looking to get a head start on spring adventures can now redeem points for global trips through Alaska Airlines’ newly expanded Atmos Rewards Global Getaways program. The airline’s loyalty program announced that Mileage Plan members can use their points for vacation packages and experiences around the world, including flights, hotels, and activities. The offering is part of Alaska Airlines’ effort to give customers more ways to redeem rewards for memorable trips beyond traditional flight redemptions. Atmos Rewards Global Getaways includes curated options in popular destinations, with travel ideas tailored to different interests — from beach escapes to urban explorations…

The Eastern Interior Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Council has announced its upcoming public meeting, set for March 3–5 at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge. The council will convene each day beginning at 9:00 a.m. (AKST) to review a range of issues affecting subsistence users in the Eastern Interior Region. Key agenda items include developing proposals to change Federal subsistence fish and shellfish regulations and reconsidering Federal wildlife proposal WP25-75 with newly proposed modifications. Council members will also discuss additional matters related to subsistence harvest, wildlife management, and regulatory priorities in the region. The meeting is open to the public, and officials encourage…

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made a high-profile visit to Hungary this week, publicly affirming U.S. support for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán just weeks before the country’s parliamentary elections scheduled for April 12, 2026. The visit underscores the close ties between the United States and Hungary, particularly through the leadership of former President Donald Trump. At a joint press conference in Budapest, Rubio praised Orbán’s long tenure and leadership, describing U.S.-Hungary relations as entering a “golden era” and emphasizing that Trump is “deeply committed” to Orbán’s success in the April vote. Rubio also highlighted new bilateral agreements, including a…

Anchorage’s expanding mobile health initiatives are helping ease the demand on police, firefighters, and emergency medical crews by providing targeted care for non-emergency situations, according to recent local coverage. The programs, including mobile crisis teams and community outreach units, are designed to meet residents where they are with specialized support for mental health, substance use, and other health-related concerns that don’t require a traditional 911 response. These units pair clinicians and trained professionals with first responders to address issues more effectively and keep emergency crews free for true emergencies. One such effort being highlighted includes a pilot project by the…

In a new opinion published by The Washington Post, an Alaska native argues that the state’s economy and population trends have been hindered by federal environmental regulations that delay or block resource development projects critical to local jobs and infrastructure. Written by energy policy analyst Sarah Montalbano, the piece recounts her personal decision to leave her hometown of Wasilla for opportunity elsewhere, noting that regulatory “green tape” and prolonged permitting battles have discouraged investment in Alaska’s natural resource sectors. Montalbano highlights long-sought projects such as the Ambler Road, which would provide access to mineral reserves in Alaska’s Northwest Arctic Borough,…

Alaska House Republicans sharply criticized the majority’s decision to temporarily set the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) at zero in the latest draft of the state operating budget, escalating tensions in the Legislature’s budget negotiations. The draft budget, released by House Finance Committee leaders, currently contains no funding for the 2026 PFD, a longtime annual payment many Alaskans rely on. Republicans argue that zeroing out the dividend, even temporarily, undermines stability and fails to respect the spirit of the state’s fiscal framework. Republican members of the House Majority Coalition raised concerns that excluding the dividend from the initial budget draft sends…