Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

French President Emmanuel Macron warned on Friday that Israel could face sanctions if it fails to address the Gaza starvation crisis. During a visit to Singapore, Macron said France cannot ignore the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, which aid agencies now describe as catastrophic. Standing beside Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Macron declared that Israel’s actions have made conditions in Gaza untenable on the ground. He emphasized that the world must not remain passive as Palestinians continue to suffer from extreme hunger and lack of necessities. Macron suggested that France could target Israeli settlers with sanctions, increasing the pressure on…

Japan supports the Alaska LNG project as its top trade officials prepare to attend a major energy summit in Anchorage next week. The Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference, taking place June 3-5, will draw representatives from the US, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan to discuss energy projects and strategic partnerships.  Japan’s Vice Minister for International Affairs, Takehiko Matsuo, will represent the country at the event, Trade Minister Yoji Muto confirmed during a press briefing on Friday. The conference follows a meeting scheduled by US officials for June 2 led by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Energy Secretary Chris Wright. Although Matsuo’s…

The Alaska education funding disparity issue could cost the state $81 million after it failed an equity test earlier this month. Federal officials notified Alaska’s education department on May 16 that the state did not meet the disparity test requirements. This test ensures a fair funding gap between the highest and lowest-funded school districts nationwide. Alaska receives Impact Aid from the federal government each year to support districts with non-taxable land, such as tribal areas and military bases. However, the state can only reduce its funding by deducting this aid if it passes the disparity test. Bryan Zadalis, spokesperson for…

A 61-year-old man from Alaska pinned by a boulder in a freezing creek survived three terrifying hours with help from his wife and rescuers. Kell Morris was hiking with wife Jo Roop near Godwin Glacier south of Anchorage when disaster struck on a rocky creek bed. The couple, avoiding holiday crowds, chose a remote trail behind a prison in Seward lined with massive boulders deposited by glaciers. Morris slipped down an embankment and landed face-first in icy water when a boulder rolled down and trapped him. Despite the crushing weight, rocks beneath him bore the impact, sparing him serious injury…

A federal judge has upheld the Alaska intoxicating hemp product ban, ruling that the state’s 2023 regulations do not violate the Constitution. On May 23, Magistrate Judge Kyle Reardon issued the decision granting summary judgment to the state in a lawsuit filed by the Alaska Industrial Hemp Association.  The association sued in 2022, aiming to overturn new rules imposed by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources regulating intoxicating hemp items. These products, commonly sold in gas stations and convenience stores, contain trace THC levels but can’t be concentrated to cause intoxication.  Under Reardon’s ruling, only licensed marijuana retailers can legally…

Nearly a year after their disappearance, a Texas family boat found in Alaska revealed a heartbreaking discovery in Kachemak Bay. Officials confirmed Wednesday that divers recovered three sets of human remains from the sunken 28-foot aluminum vessel. The recovery followed a renewed private search launched this April by three Alaska-based companies, including one specializing in underwater sonar detection. In early May, searchers detected the vessel 180 feet below the surface just off the coast of Homer. Divers from Alaska’s Department of Public Safety descended on Tuesday and Wednesday, successfully retrieving the remains. Authorities transported the bodies to the State Medical…

Another false social media post claiming a deadly couple murdered three female police officers is now circulating in the Anchorage, Alaska, Facebook group. The hoax mirrors earlier versions shared across other groups, falsely warning that a serial killer duo is preying on residents. The post warns of “ANTONIO BAGLEY,” describing a 35-year-old serial killer, and “DIAMOND CANNY,” a 30-year-old burglar. It claims the pair are armed, dangerous, and responsible for killing three female police officers in Anchorage. The message urges residents to lock their doors, be wary of strangers, and call the police if they see the suspects. However, the…

Glenfarne Alaska LNG LLC has selected Worley to lead the engineering and finalization of costs for the LNG pipeline project. This work includes updating prior designs and calculating project expenses to support a Final Investment Decision targeted for 2025. Worley will serve as project advisor and preferred engineering partner for the pipeline and Cook Inlet Getaway LNG terminal. The 807-mile pipeline will transport enough gas to meet Alaska’s domestic needs and supply a 20 MTPA export facility.  Phase One delivers gas 765 miles from North Slope to Anchorage, and Phase Two extends to Nikiski under the Cook Inlet. Worley’s long-standing…

Volvo Cars will eliminate 3,000 jobs in Sweden, targeting office roles as part of its sweeping cost-cutting strategy. This marks nearly 15% of the company’s white-collar workforce, according to Volvo’s newly announced 18 billion kronor plan. Volvo CEO Håkan Samuelsson said the car industry is challenging due to slowing sales and rising costs. Samuelsson explained that the decision is difficult but essential for a resilient future. The layoffs come as automakers worldwide face US tariffs, inflation-driven material costs, and sluggish European consumer demand. Volvo Cars, headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, was acquired by China’s Geely Holding from Ford in 2010. Its factories…

On the final day of the session, Alaska lawmakers passed sweeping payday loan reform to shield borrowers from predatory lending. The House approved Bill 35 with a 24-16 vote, and the legislation was sent to Governor Mike Dunleavy’s desk for final action. If signed, the bill will cap interest and fees for loans under $25,000 at an annual percentage rate of 36%. The legislation removes payday lenders from a long-standing exemption that permitted exorbitant interest rates beyond typical loan protections. Anchorage Democratic Sen Forrest Dunbar and Representative Ted Eischeid co-sponsored the bill to end what they called a harmful legal…

Construction will begin this summer on the Pentagon Arctic training center at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. Spanning 150,000 square feet, the Joint Integrated Test and Training Center will enhance US air and ground simulation capabilities. The US Army Corps of Engineers announced the project will run through 2029 and have a projected budget of $500 million. The facility will house 426 computer servers powered by a 15-million megavolt-ampere electric substation, which will support 24/7 operations. John Budnik of the Army Corps said the new center will coordinate personnel on the ground with pilots flying F-22s, F-35s, and other…

Anchorage officials are overhauling Town Square Park to restore its safety and public appeal. Originally envisioned as a peaceful refuge in the 1980s, Town Square Park today feels anything but that for many residents. Downtown business owners and city leaders agree the park has become unsafe, plagued by public intoxication, drug use, and daily police activity. “I think we’re all aware that it’s become a place that feels not as comfortable,” said municipal manager Becky Windt Pearson, speaking on the city’s growing concern. In response, the municipality will spend millions over two years transforming the park into a more secure…