Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

Veteran musher Josi Shelley is leading the pack in the 2026 Yukon Quest Alaska 750, with competitors pushing toward the halfway point of the grueling 750-mile sled dog race through Interior Alaska. As of Wednesday afternoon, Shelley racing with bib number six, had traveled roughly 370 miles and held a clear advantage over her rivals, with Stevens Village as the next major checkpoint on her route. Five mushers remain in the competition after Keaton Loebrich scratched on Sunday night to protect the health of his dog team. Following Shelley, Jeff Deeter (bib four) and Jonah Bacon (bib five) were making…

Eight people are confirmed dead and dozens injured following a mass shooting at a school and nearby residence in British Columbia, authorities said. Police responded to reports of gunfire earlier today and secured both locations. Emergency crews transported multiple victims to area hospitals, with several reported in critical condition. Officials confirmed the suspect is in custody. The motive remains under investigation. Schools in the area were placed on lockdown as a precaution, and crisis support teams have been deployed for students, families, and staff. Also Read: Two Guardsmen Critical After Targeted Shooting Near White House Provincial leaders called the attack…

Alaskans looking to try their hand at ice fishing this winter will have two opportunities to learn the basics during upcoming beginner classes hosted by Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) Alaska. The outdoor education program is offering two identical Ice Fishing 101 sessions designed for beginners. Both classes will be held entirely outdoors and will provide hands-on instruction in a supportive, small-group setting. The first session is scheduled for February 27, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration for that class opens on February 9 at 9 a.m. A second session will take place on March 7, 2026, from…

A renewed debate over chum salmon bycatch in Alaska’s Bering Sea pollock fishery is drawing national attention as a U.S. lawmaker calls for strict limits to protect struggling salmon stocks. Rep. Nick Begich III is advocating for “hard caps” on chum salmon bycatch, which would set firm limits on how many salmon can be incidentally caught during pollock fishing operations. Supporters argue that stronger protections are necessary as Western and Interior Alaska chum runs continue to decline, affecting subsistence users and local communities. The North Pacific Fishery Management Council is reviewing options that include hard caps, incentive-based agreements, and improved…

Welcome to your seismic update from across the state. Over the past week, we recorded about 700 seismic events. Three were reported as felt, the largest of which was a magnitude 4.6 on February 10th near Wasilla. We’re often asked about how we collaborate with other agencies. This week, we highlight the U.S. Geological Survey, or USGS. To sum up, USGS support enables much of what we do, and we ensure they fulfill their mission to monitor seismic activity nationwide. Following the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake, the USGS was among several agencies that established seismic networks in the state. With…

Delta Powersports Fairbanks will celebrate women in the powersports community later this month with a special Women in Powersports Appreciation Day, highlighting connection, learning, and local entrepreneurship. The event is scheduled for Friday, February 28, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and will take place at Delta Powersports Fairbanks. Open to the public, the gathering aims to bring together women who ride, work in, or support the powersports industry across Interior Alaska. Organizers say the event is designed as a space to connect, support, and learn, while also showcasing locally owned, women-led small businesses and vendors. Attendees will have the…

Outdoor enthusiasts planning winter recreation in the Anchorage area will have an opportunity to build critical safety skills during a free Avalanche Rescue Workshop hosted by Alaska State Parks at the Glen Alps Trailhead in Chugach State Park. The hands-on workshop is designed to teach basic avalanche rescue techniques and preparedness, emphasizing the importance of avalanche awareness for anyone traveling in winter terrain. The event is open to participants of all experience levels and is especially valuable for hikers, skiers, snowshoers, and backcountry users. The workshop will take place on Sunday, February 15, 2026, and will be offered in two…

Love is in the air at Great Harvest Bread Co, where the local bakery has announced its Valentine’s Week Specials running from February 9 through February 14, 2026. The limited-time menu offers a festive lineup of baked goods designed to make Valentine’s Day gifting both simple and sweet. At the center of this year’s offerings is the Sweetheart Basket, a curated assortment of Valentine-themed favorites perfect for sharing with loved ones. Customers can also enjoy a variety of seasonal baked treats that will be available daily throughout the week. The Valentine’s Week menu includes White Chocolate Cherry Bread, rich Chocolate…

Fairbanks residents are invited to celebrate the season of love with a unique after-hours pool event at Wescott Pool later this month. The Sweetheart Swim will take place on Friday, February 20, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., offering a special “lights-out swim with music” experience. The themed evening is designed to give swimmers a fun and relaxed way to enjoy the pool in a festive atmosphere. The event is hosted by Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks and Recreation and is limited to the first 90 participants, making advance registration required. Organizers say the swim is suitable for community members…

Alaskans are invited to explore one of the state’s most dramatic and little-understood natural events during an upcoming Science for Alaska lecture focused on the 1912 Denali earthquake. The talk, titled “Mystery Solved: Revealing the 1912 Denali Earthquake,” will be presented by Carl Tape, professor of geophysics at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The event takes place on Tuesday, February 10, at 7 p.m. AKST, and is the second in a four-part Science for Alaska 2026 lecture series. Tape will guide audiences through a scientific mystery dating back to the Alaska Gold Rush era, when a powerful earthquake was felt…

Alaska State Parks is seeking campground hosts and a park assistant for the upcoming summer season in its Northern Region, offering Alaskans a chance to work outdoors while supporting some of the state’s most visited recreation areas. Open campground host locations include Rosehip Campground, Twin Bears Camp, Olnes Pond, Harding Lake Campground, and the Delta Recreation Site. Officials noted that applicants for Rosehip Campground must have their own RV. In addition, a Park Assistant position is available at Big Delta State Historical Park. Campground hosts play a key role in daily park operations, helping welcome visitors, share local park information,…

Families looking for a fun winter activity are invited to Park Play Day at Pioneer Park Centennial Hall on Thursday, February 12. The free community event brings together local partners, including the Fairbanks Children’s Museum and Fairbanks Arts, for an afternoon of games, crafts, and hands-on activities designed for children and families. Most activities will take place indoors at Centennial Hall, allowing families to enjoy winter-themed fun in a warm setting. Organizers say a snack will also be provided. Weather permitting, a limited number of outdoor activities will be offered to take advantage of Fairbanks’ winter atmosphere. Also Read: Alaska…