Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

Seeing the Northern Lights is on many travelers’ bucket lists, and few places offer a better opportunity than Alaska. Every year, thousands of visitors travel to the Last Frontier hoping to witness green, purple, and red ribbons of light dancing across the night sky. While the aurora can occasionally be seen in other parts of the world, Alaska combines accessibility, long winter nights, and a prime location beneath the auroral oval, making it one of the best destinations on Earth for aurora viewing. However, planning an Alaska aurora trip involves more than simply booking a flight and looking up at…

Every climbing season, Mount McKinley attracts adventurers from around the world seeking to stand atop North America’s highest peak. Every year, climbers are reminded that the mountain does not care about experience, preparation, or ambition. This week, that reminder came in the most devastating way possible. Three members of a Latvian mountaineering expedition died after a fall near the notoriously dangerous Denali Pass area of Mount McKinley, while a fourth climber survived and was rescued in critical condition. The accident occurred at approximately 18,200 feet, just below the mountain’s summit. For Alaska’s climbing community, the incident is more than another…

The Alaska Earthquake Center reported approximately 500 earthquakes across the state during the week ending May 27, offering another reminder of the powerful tectonic forces shaping Alaska’s landscape. According to the center, the largest earthquake recorded during the week was a magnitude 5.6 event that occurred east of Atka on May 20. One earthquake was also reported as felt by residents. Alaska’s southern coastline and the Aleutian Islands sit along one of the world’s longest and most active subduction zones. These regions experience frequent seismic activity because of the ongoing movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface. A subduction…

I honestly think the Cadillac Lyriq is one of the few luxury EVs right now that actually feels like a proper luxury SUV instead of just a giant tech gadget on wheels. A lot of electric vehicles focus too much on screens and futuristic styling, but Cadillac seems to have understood something important: most buyers still want comfort, quietness, practicality, and premium quality first. That said, I also do not think the Lyriq is perfect for everyone. If someone asked me whether they should buy a Cadillac Lyriq, these are the exact things I would tell them before spending the…

A crash near Portage temporarily closed portions of the Seward Highway on Sunday as police and emergency crews responded to the scene, according to Anchorage police. The collision occurred near the Portage area along one of Alaska’s busiest and most heavily traveled highways connecting Anchorage with the Kenai Peninsula. Authorities had not immediately released details about injuries or the number of vehicles involved as of Sunday afternoon. Highway Traffic Impacted Near Portage Police said the crash led to significant traffic disruptions near Portage, an area south of Anchorage known for heavy seasonal tourism traffic and difficult driving conditions during changing…

Anchorage police are investigating an overnight shooting in the city’s Turnagain neighborhood after officers responded to reports of gunfire near Lyn Ary Park late Saturday night. According to the Anchorage Police Department (APD), officers were called to the area shortly before midnight after multiple reports of shots fired. Police Found Evidence of Gunfire When officers arrived, they discovered evidence indicating that a weapon had been discharged in the area. Police identified the investigation area as: Authorities have not yet announced whether any victims were injured or if any arrests have been made. Investigation Remains Active Anchorage police continued processing the…

Anchorage police conducted more than 600 traffic stops and issued hundreds of citations during a month-long traffic safety campaign aimed at reducing dangerous driving and pedestrian-related crashes across the city. The Anchorage Police Department said the enforcement effort ran from April 20 through May 17 and focused heavily on speeding, reckless driving, pedestrian safety, and impaired driving violations. More Than 670 Citations Issued According to APD, officers conducted 661 traffic stops during the operation and issued a total of 677 citations. Violations included: Police also made: Authorities said officers additionally contacted 25 drivers who were unlicensed or driving with suspended,…

Alaska’s cruise tourism industry is experiencing another major surge in 2026 as cruise lines expand luxury voyages, wildlife-focused excursions, and glacier experiences across the state. Travel companies and cruise operators are reporting strong booking demand for Alaska itineraries this year, with travelers increasingly seeking immersive wilderness experiences, smaller expedition-style cruises, and extended land-tour packages. Alaska Remains One of World’s Fastest-Growing Cruise Destinations Industry analysts say Alaska continues to attract strong international tourism demand because of its combination of: Major cruise lines including Holland America Line and Silversea have expanded 2026 Alaska offerings with: Travel operators say passengers are increasingly combining…

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is facing mounting international condemnation after posting a video showing detained Gaza flotilla activists kneeling handcuffed on the ground while he appeared to mock and taunt them. The footage, released after Israeli naval forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in international waters, sparked criticism from several governments and human rights organizations, with some Israeli officials also distancing themselves from the incident. Video Shows Handcuffed Activists Kneeling on Ground The video posted by Ben-Gvir showed dozens of detained activists kneeling with their hands zip-tied behind their backs while Israeli officials walked among them. At one…

Gov. Mike Dunleavy warned Monday that he will immediately call a special legislative session if lawmakers fail to pass a liquefied natural gas bill he says is critical to advancing the long-discussed Alaska LNG project. The warning came during the final days of Alaska’s regular legislative session as lawmakers debated controversial tax and policy measures tied to the proposed multibillion-dollar gas pipeline project. Governor Pushes Lawmakers to Act Quickly Dunleavy has made passage of the Alaska LNG legislation one of the top priorities of his final year in office. The governor argues the proposed tax restructuring is necessary to make…

The Cadillac Lyriq was one of the first vehicles that showed Cadillac was serious about luxury electric vehicles. But while most EV discussions focus on battery range and acceleration, the Lyriq’s interior has quietly become one of the SUV’s biggest strengths. The cabin feels modern without becoming overwhelming. It mixes futuristic technology with traditional luxury materials in a way many electric SUVs still struggle to achieve. Instead of looking like a stripped-down tech experiment, the Lyriq interior feels warm, premium, spacious, and comfortable. From the moment you step inside, it becomes clear Cadillac designed the Lyriq to compete directly with…

Alaska telecommunications companies have received billions of dollars in federal broadband subsidies over the past decade, even as the state continues to rank among the slowest internet markets in the United States, according to a new investigation by ProPublica. The report examined how federal programs intended to improve internet access in remote Alaska communities have distributed massive amounts of public funding while many residents still struggle with outdated and unreliable service. Alaska Received Billions Through Federal Internet Subsidies According to the investigation, Alaska telecom providers have received approximately $4.6 billion in federal telecom subsidies since 2016 through programs managed by…