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.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Friday an important tariff decision easing retaliatory duties on US products but maintaining critical sector tariffs. Carney stated that Canada will remove 25% levies on US consumer goods in accordance with the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, effective September 1. The government intends to establish free trade for most goods while continuing to defend key industries. He emphasized that tariffs will remain on US steel, aluminum, and autos, reflecting their economic importance. Talks with Washington continued as Carney spoke with President Donald Trump by phone on Thursday, their first conversation since missing a trade deadline. Trump…
On Thursday, Anchorage residents witnessed a significant law enforcement operation as federal agents and police surrounded the Chelsea Inn in Spenard. The Chelsea Inn FBI investigation involved Anchorage Police Department officers, FBI agents, and additional agencies working under a federal narcotics search warrant. FBI spokesperson Chloe Martin confirmed that specialized law enforcement units, including multiple SWAT teams, executed the operation alongside Anchorage police partners. Martin said the evidence response team was on scene collecting materials as the operation continued throughout the morning. She clarified that there was no indication of immediate danger to residents and that the investigation posed no…
Alaska’s Attorney General Treg Taylor announced his resignation effective August 29, notifying Department of Law employees in an all-staff email. The resignation positions Taylor to enter Alaska’s increasingly competitive 2026 gubernatorial race, where Governor Mike Dunleavy cannot seek reelection. Taylor, appointed in 2021 after his two predecessors resigned in scandal, quickly became known for aligning with Republican and Christian conservative causes. His potential candidacy would join a crowded Republican field that already includes former Revenue Commissioner Adam Crum and Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom. Also filing are former Sen Click Bishop, state Sen Shelley Hughes, Mayor Edna DeVries, podiatrist Matt Heilala,…
The United States and European Union finalized Thursday’s agreement to cap tariffs on pharmaceuticals, lumber, and semiconductors at 15%. President Donald Trump previously threatened tariffs as high as 250% on pharmaceuticals and 100% on semiconductors, raising concerns across European industries. The new US-EU trade deal tariffs announcement comes after months of uncertainty. It provides businesses with clarity while signalling stability in transatlantic economic relations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the agreement, calling it a victory for member states, industries, and overall global trade stability. The framework rolls back tariffs on unavailable natural resources, aircraft parts, and generic…
The Anchorage Education Association entered tense discussions with the school district this week after last year’s contract expired. The Anchorage teacher contract negotiations remain ongoing, with union president Corey Aist warning that prolonged delays make working conditions increasingly difficult for educators across the district. Aist explained that early bargaining resolved many non-financial issues productively, yet financial disagreements on pay and benefits remain significantly harder. He emphasized Anchorage’s lack of competitiveness in compensation, pointing to high annual turnover rates and consistent educator resignations as clear evidence. The union’s latest counterproposal seeks higher pay, more substantial health benefits and compensation for teachers…
Santos, the Australia-based oil company leading Alaska’s Pikka Project, extended merger discussions with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company this Friday. The Santos ADNOC merger talks began months ago and were expected to conclude, but both sides announced negotiations will now continue for four weeks. Santos confirmed that collaborative discussions and final due diligence remain ongoing, yet the parties have not finalized acceptable binding agreement terms. The potential $18.7 billion deal values Santos shares at $5.76, though stock prices fell 3.5% to reach a five-week trading low. Investors are concerned that the extended timeline could undermine momentum, though analysts believe…
The Kremlin dismissed speculation of imminent Putin-Zelensky summit talks even as US President Donald Trump renewed calls for negotiations. On Monday, Trump met Vladimir Putin in Alaska last week and welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky alongside seven European leaders at the White House. The president admitted that resolving the war remained difficult and conceded that Putin might not genuinely seek peace despite suggesting openness during conversations. Although initially advocating a three-way summit, Trump pivoted, now proposing that Zelensky and Putin should meet directly without his participation. He said he would join later if necessary but preferred watching developments unfold first,…
As students return to classrooms across Alaska, officials urge families to prioritize school road safety through simple but essential reminders for children. Authorities emphasize that parents should discuss safe walking practices, particularly for kids traveling to and from school buses during busy mornings. Children must always look in both directions before entering the roadway, ensuring vehicles stop before continuing across intersections or marked pedestrian crossings. Safety officials encourage students to stay as far toward the road’s edge as possible when sidewalks remain unavailable. Experts remind families that children should make direct eye contact with drivers before crossing, which increases safety…
The Alaska State Medical Board will vote Friday on whether to formally oppose gender affirming treatments for minors, escalating statewide political debates. This decision follows a March letter to the board to pursue its initiative to restrict such controversial medical practices. Board members appointed by Gov Mike Dunleavy are scheduled to vote on Friday at 8:30 a.m. in Anchorage. Agenda documents show members plan to consider resolutions opposing gender affirming care for minors and also statements challenging late-term abortion procedures. Board critics argue members are targeting a tiny population, as fewer than 100 Alaskan children receive gender affirming care annually.…
Alaska took a significant step toward potential drug reform as officials certified a psychedelic ballot initiative seeking voter approval in 2026. Lt Gov Nancy Dahlstrom confirmed last Thursday that she approved a proposed statewide measure allowing organizers to begin required signatures immediately. The Alaska Natural Medicine Act initiative is sponsored by a nonprofit group, Natural Medicine Alaska, which advocates for regulated psychedelic access. This act proposes decriminalizing the personal use of specific natural psychedelics for adults over 21 while establishing a supervised therapeutic framework. Supporters say the measure would regulate substances including psilocybin, ibogaine, mescaline, excluding peyote and dimethyltryptamine, also…
After months of negotiations with US intelligence officials and senior political leaders, the British government has withdrawn its controversial UK Apple backdoor demand. US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard confirmed on Monday that Britain dropped the global access requirement to encrypted Apple data. Gabbard said she worked alongside President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance to reach a deal protecting American citizens’ private data. Prime Minister Keir Starmer traveled to Washington for meetings with Trump and European allies, focusing mainly on Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia. While confirming cooperation with the US, a British government spokesperson declined to…
A proposed Alaska LNG marine mammal rule could allow companies developing a natural gas pipeline to take marine mammals in Cook Inlet. The rule submitted July 29 by 8 Star Alaska, an Alaska Gasline Development Corporation subsidiary, seeks a five-year authorization. If approved, the rule would permit incidental harassment of marine mammals during construction, though officials stressed no fatalities are expected. Current law prohibits taking marine mammals unless companies secure federal authorization for specified activities within designated areas, tied directly to specific projects. Governor Mike Dunleavy confirmed Friday that he updated President Donald Trump, predicting forward momentum on the long-delayed…