Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

Alaska is moving forward with plans to develop an earthquake early warning system, according to scientists and officials from the Alaska Earthquake Center and the U.S. Geological Survey, marking a significant step in improving public safety in one of the most seismically active regions in the U.S. Researchers at the Alaska Earthquake Center confirmed that work is underway to expand the ShakeAlert system into Alaska. The system, already operational in states like California and Oregon, detects early seismic waves and sends alerts before stronger shaking arrives. Experts involved in the project say the system relies on a network of seismic…

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities is introducing new avalanche control technology along the Seward Highway to improve safety and reduce costly winter closures. The system, called Remote Avalanche Control Systems (RACS), uses fixed installations that allow crews to trigger controlled avalanches remotely. This reduces the need for manual explosives work, which often requires closing the highway and placing workers in hazardous conditions. The Seward Highway is one of Alaska’s most critical routes, connecting Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula, and is frequently affected by avalanches in mountainous sections such as Turnagain Pass. These events can shut down traffic…

Rapidly warming ocean conditions in Alaska are creating new food safety risks, as harmful bacteria and toxins begin appearing in waters once considered too cold to support them. Scientists say rising temperatures are allowing bacteria such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus, which can cause serious illness from contaminated seafood, to survive and spread in Alaska waters. Previously, the state’s cold environment limited such threats, but that is changing as ocean temperatures increase. Researchers also report that harmful algal toxins are showing up in new areas of the marine food chain. These toxins can accumulate in shellfish and other seafood, posing health risks…

A mother and her 7-year-old son were killed after an 18-year-old driver crashed a vehicle into their home early Sunday morning, according to police. Police said Barbara Rocha and her son, Alex, were asleep in a bedroom when the vehicle slammed into their house shortly before 3:30 a.m. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Police identified the driver as 18-year-old Gracie Yates, who was arrested and charged with two counts of criminally negligent homicide. Jail records show bonds totaling $29,000. A neighbor, who was awakened by the crash, described the impact as severe and said the incident has shaken…

A contract dispute over the management of Anchorage’s city-owned ice arenas is costing taxpayers thousands of dollars each day, according to findings presented to the Anchorage Assembly. Assembly members stated that disagreements between the municipality and private operators have resulted in financial losses, including unpaid fees and operational gaps. The issue came to light during a recent review, which highlighted weaknesses in contract enforcement and oversight. Assembly members warned that the longer the dispute continues, the more public funds will be lost. The city is now reviewing agreements and considering next steps to resolve the issue and prevent further financial…

Notice is hereby given, on January 4, 2018, the State of Alaska (State) finalized an application with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for a Recordable Disclaimer of Interest (RDI) pursuant to section 315 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 as amended (43 U.S.C. 1745), and the regulations in 43 CFR Subpart 1864, which authorize the BLM to issue an RDI. The BLM case file for the RDI application is AKAK106538743 / AA-93604. The RDI application includes the eligible submerged lands for the following land description: The BLM is seeking additional information related to the waterbodies…

Alaska residents have just days left to apply for the 2026 Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), with the application deadline set for March 31. The PFD program provides annual payments to eligible Alaskans from the state’s oil revenue fund, making it one of the most widely accessed financial benefits in the state. Officials remind residents that each individual must submit a separate application, including children, and that applications can be completed online through the state’s MyAlaska system. Applicants who are unable to sign electronically can still file online and submit a signed form by mail. Paper applications are also available…

Princess Cruises has announced new “North to Alaska” experiences for its 2026 season, aiming to offer travelers deeper cultural and immersive connections to the state. According to the company, the program will introduce four new onboard experiences, including expanded presentations, regional storytelling, and enhanced culinary offerings inspired by Alaska. The initiative is part of the cruise line’s broader Alaska expansion, which includes eight ships, 180 departures, and visits to 19 destinations during the 2026 season. Princess Cruise Officials said the new experiences are designed to bring Alaska’s culture, wildlife, and history onboard, complementing traditional shore excursions such as national park…

Members of the Anchorage School Board say increased state funding may be the only realistic way to keep Campbell STEM Elementary School open, as community opposition to its closure continues to grow. The school is one of several slated for closure under the district’s cost-cutting plan, aimed at addressing a budget deficit exceeding $70 million for the 2026–27 school year. During recent meetings, dozens of parents and community members voiced frustration over the decision, arguing the timeline was too short and the process lacked transparency. A motion to reverse the closure of Campbell STEM failed on a tied vote at…

An Anchorage doctor has been sentenced to federal prison for her role in a multi-million-dollar health care fraud and tax evasion scheme, the U.S. Department of Justice announced. The doctor and her husband operated a medical clinic in Anchorage and carried out a long-running scheme that generated more than $12.5 million through fraudulent billing and practices, while also evading over $4 million in federal taxes, according to federal prosecutors. Court documents show the scheme involved billing insurers for medications that were not properly administered, including using incorrect, expired, or misrepresented drugs during treatments. The couple previously pleaded guilty to multiple…

Musher Jessie Holmes has departed the White Mountain checkpoint and is on pace to secure his second Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race victory. Holmes was the first musher to reach White Mountain, the final mandatory rest stop before the finish in Nome, maintaining a strong lead over competitors. After completing the required eight-hour rest, Holmes left the checkpoint with roughly 70 miles remaining to Nome, positioning himself as the clear frontrunner. Race data shows Holmes has consistently led the field in the final stretch, with competitors trailing behind as teams head across the last section of the trail. White Mountain…

A sled dog has died during the 2026 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, forcing a leading musher to withdraw, race officials confirmed. The dog, named Charley, was a four-year-old female on the team of musher Mille Porsild. She died while the team was traveling toward the Elim checkpoint. Porsild, who was running in sixth place at the time, was required to withdraw from the race following the incident, in accordance with Iditarod rules. Race officials said Charley had passed all required pre-race veterinary checks. Her body has been transported to Unalakleet, where a necropsy will be conducted to determine the…