Author: The Tundra Drums Staff
President Donald Trump has appointed Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy to a seat on the United States Arctic Research Commission, marking a significant development in U.S. Arctic policy and leadership. Details The appointment places Gov. Dunleavy on the U.S. Arctic Research Commission, a federal body that advises the president and Congress on Arctic research priorities and policy. Officials say the role takes effect immediately. Notably, this is the first time a sitting governor has been appointed to the commission, underscoring Alaska’s significant role in Arctic affairs. The commission is responsible for setting national priorities for Arctic research, including environmental studies, resource…
A new fundraising report shows Democrat Mary Peltola significantly outraising incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan in Alaska’s closely watched 2026 U.S. Senate race, signaling growing national attention on the contest. Details Mary Peltola’s campaign raised nearly $9 million in the first quarter of 2026, far surpassing the roughly $2.1 million raised by Sen. Dan Sullivan during the same period. Despite the fundraising advantage, Sullivan still maintains a financial edge overall, with about $7.5 million cash on hand, compared to approximately $5.6 million for Peltola. The race is shaping up as one of the most competitive Senate contests in the country as…
The Republican-led U.S. Senate has once again rejected an effort to limit President Donald Trump’s authority to conduct military strikes against Iran, highlighting deep divisions in Congress over the ongoing conflict. Details In a closely watched vote, the Senate rejected a Democratic-led resolution aimed at requiring congressional approval before continuing U.S. military action in Iran. The measure failed by a 47–52 vote, marking the fourth time this year lawmakers have attempted and failedt o curb Trump’s war powers related to the conflict. Only one Republican, Senator Rand Paul, supported the resolution, while most Republicans backed the president’s authority to continue…
The Alaska House has passed its version of the state operating budget, including a proposed $1,500 Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) and a boost in education funding, setting up the next phase of negotiations with the Senate. Details Lawmakers in the Alaska House approved a state budget that includes a dividend of about $1,500 per eligible resident, following intense debate over higher payout proposals. Earlier in the process, some lawmakers pushed for a much larger dividend of around $3,800. However, that proposal was dropped after failing to secure enough support, particularly due to concerns over funding gaps and the need for…
The closely contested Midtown Anchorage Assembly race is on track to trigger a recount, with candidates separated by just a few dozen votes as ballot counting continues. Details In the race for Anchorage Assembly District 4 (Midtown), candidate Janice Park has taken a narrow lead over Dave Donley after additional ballots were counted. Recent updates show Park ahead by approximately 22 votes, a dramatic shift from election night when Donley initially led by nearly 90 votes. Given the extremely small margin, the race is expected to qualify for an automatic recount under Anchorage election rules. Significance This is one of…
U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the U.S. Navy to block ships attempting to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz, marking a major escalation in tensions with Iran following failed peace talks. Details Trump announced that the U.S. would immediately begin intercepting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, effectively creating a naval blockade of one of the world’s most critical shipping routes. He stated that: The move comes after high-level negotiations between the U.S. and Iran collapsed without agreement. Importance The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important energy chokepoints in the world, handling around 20% of…
Major cruise companies operating in Alaska are avoiding one of the state’s most popular scenic excursions to Tracy Arm following a massive landslide that continues to pose safety risks. Details Cruise lines have removed Tracy Arm fjord from many 2026 itineraries after a massive landslide in August 2025 sent debris crashing into the water near the South Sawyer Glacier. The event triggered a tsunami-like wave that surged across the fjord, though no injuries were reported at the time. Despite the absence of casualties, the area remains unstable, with ongoing risks of rockfalls and additional landslides. As a result, major cruise…
Tensions in the Middle East are rising again as a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran shows signs of breaking down, while violence in Lebanon continues and high-stakes negotiations approach. Details A temporary ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran remains under strain as both sides prepare for critical peace talks in Islamabad. U.S. officials, led by Vice President JD Vance, are set to meet Iranian representatives, but major disagreements persist. Iran has demanded that any agreement include a halt to Israeli attacks in Lebanon and additional security guarantees. At the same time, military activity has continued: Significance The…
Popular YouTube creator MrBeast has announced plans to film a new challenge video in Alaska, with his team actively recruiting local participants for the project. Details MrBeast’s production team revealed plans to film an upcoming challenge video in Kotzebue, Alaska, and is currently searching for local participants to take part. According to a casting call shared by the team, they are looking for: The casting announcement suggests the challenge may involve travel, though specific details about the video have not yet been disclosed. Importance MrBeast is one of the most influential digital creators in the world, with over 476 million…
A Division I–bound junior Olympian in riflery highlighted the first round of Alaska’s high school senior signings, as student-athletes across the state committed to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Details High school seniors across Alaska officially signed letters of intent to compete in college athletics, marking a key milestone in their athletic and academic journeys. Among the standout athletes was a junior Olympian in riflery, who is set to compete at the Division I level, bringing national-level recognition to Alaska’s high school sports scene. The signing period included athletes from multiple Anchorage-area schools and various sports, showcasing…
Students in Anchorage will return to classrooms earlier than usual for the 2026–27 school year, following district officials’ approval of a schedule change that shifts the first day of school forward by one week. Details The Anchorage School District has adjusted its academic calendar, moving the start of the 2026–27 school year up by approximately one week. Under the revised schedule: District officials said the adjustment is part of broader efforts to better structure the school calendar and align academic schedules. Impact on Students Shifting the start date has several impacts on students, families, and staff. An earlier start can:…
Anchorage, Alaska: We pay tribute this week to the life and works of George Plafker, a geoscientist integral to understanding Alaska’s earthquake hazards, who passed a week ago. Plafker published over 70 peer-reviewed studies, most of which were on Alaska topics from the Gulf to the Brooks Range. He was on the ground right after the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake, covering hundreds of kilometers to catalog evidence of emerged intertidal creatures that indicated seafloor uplift. Plafker’s work on the 1964 quake helped define subduction zones as the sites of the largest earthquakes, providing key evidence to support plate tectonic theory.…