Author: The Tundra Drums Staff
The US Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday that it will pursue the Roadless Rule repeal, which would impact 45 million acres nationwide. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed the agency will open public comments on Friday, giving Americans until September 19 to voice opinions. Critics denounced the shortened timeframe, arguing it fails to adequately consider the consequences of lifting protections on millions of acres of federal land. The Roadless Rule, enacted in 2001 under President Clinton, restricted logging and road construction, limiting development across vast western landscapes. Rollins defended the repeal, claiming local managers should determine land use to support logging,…
Texas passed a landmark law in June 2025 that allocates $50 million for ibogaine research to address addiction and PTSD. Arizona followed closely in May, funding similar studies on ibogaine’s potential for veterans and individuals suffering traumatic brain injuries. These initiatives reflect a broader national trend with Oregon, Colorado, Kentucky and Georgia legalizing ketamine therapy during the past two years. Psychedelics in US mental health treatment have gained credibility as research highlights the benefits of LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, DMT, MDMA, and ketamine. A 2021 MDMA study demonstrated a 67% reduction in PTSD symptoms, marking a breakthrough for alternative therapies in…
Ten members of the US House Natural Resources Committee arrived in Alaska this week, marking a significant congressional visit. On Monday, the bipartisan group toured Hecla Green Creek Mine near Juneau, observing firsthand the production of gold, silver, zinc, and lead. They flew above the Tongass National Forest, America’s largest, and examined the Suicide Basin in Mendenhall Glacier, which triggers destructive seasonal flooding. Standing outside Ward Air hangers in Juneau, lawmakers explained the importance of experiencing resource challenges personally rather than relying solely on Washington briefings. Rep Celeste Maloy, R-Utah, emphasized that physical visits provide insight beyond academic discussions, helping…
The US Fish and Wildlife Service refused protection for the Alaskan glacier buttercup, concluding that evidence fails to demonstrate immediate threats. Officials released their decision Monday in the Federal Register, denying the petition while advancing six other species for further evaluation. Environmental advocates argued that the denial reflects political disregard for climate change, which scientists consistently describe as an existential threat to biodiversity. The Alaska glacier buttercup grows exclusively on rocky slopes within the Kigluaik Mountains, near a proposed graphite mining project. Conservatives warned mine construction might disrupt fragile habitats, though federal analysis found no evidence linking development to potential…
Lawmakers officially launched an 18-month investigation into Alaska’s struggling schools on Tuesday by convening the first education task force meeting. Members aim to identify solutions for chronic underperformance and consider reforms to how school funds operate, including transportation, insurance, utilities, and facility maintenance. The bipartisan bicameral panel will gather testimony, host public hearings, and deliver recommendations before lawmakers reconvene in January 2027. Governor Mike Dunleavy demanded an immediate special session on education, but legislators instead prioritized long-term reforms through the newly created task force. Dunleavy, who faces term limits, will leave office before any final recommendations appear, leaving future administrations…
Prime Minister François Bayrou shocked France by announcing his government will face a crucial confidence vote in parliament on September 8. With numbers stacked against him, Bayrou risks political survival, as defeat would force his resignation and plunge France deeper into instability. His decision reflects frustration with months of political deadlock that crippled earlier administrations, leaving critical reforms stalled and citizens increasingly restless. President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to dissolve parliament in July 2024 fractured the National Assembly into three camps: centrists, right, and left. The outcome denied any group a majority, weakening Macron domestically and forcing him to concentrate almost…
The US Department of Defense secretly launched a missile from Alaska’s state-owned Pacific Spaceport Complex on Kodiak Island last Thursday. The launch occurred around 10 p.m., surprising residents across the Kodiak Archipelago and reaching visibility as far south as Seward. KMXT-FM public radio and the Kodiak Daily Mirror first confirmed the event, reporting road closures and navigational warnings before the launch. Experts noted that the launch resembled an Alaska hypersonic missile test designed to travel at five times the speed of sound. Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons can manoeuvre mid-flight, making interception by modern defence systems far more challenging…
Following a special legislative session that overrode the governor´s second veto on education funding, a group of lawmakers convened Monday in Anchorage to launch a task force to tackle the ongoing education funding crisis. This newly formed committee, begins a 16-month timeline to develop recommendations for the next legislature to consider. The task force includes six members and is co-chaired by Sen. Löki Tobin (D-Anchorage) and Rep. Rebecca Himschoot (N/A-Sitka). The other members are Rep. Andi Story (D-Juneau), Rep. Justin Ruffridge, R-Soldotna, Sen. Mike Cronk (R-Tok/Northway), and Sen. Jesse Kiehl (D-Juneau). Several additional legislators from across the state also attended…
Dale Marshall of Anchorage once again claimed victory at the Alaska Midnight Sun Great Pumpkin Weigh Off, securing his 14th overall and 8th consecutive title on Monday at the Alaska State Fair. Marshall’s winning entry weighed 18,20 pounds, a massive pumpkin by any standard. However, it was still short of his personal and state record of 2,147 pounds, which he set in 2022. Last year’s prizewinner weighed at 2,035 pounds. For this year’s win, Marshall received a $1,000 prize. He also brought a second entry weighing 1,746 pounds, though contest rules allow only one pumpkin per entrant to place. Marshall…
The meeting between the two presidents begins in Washington. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is holding his first high-stakes talks with US President Donald Trump. After meeting Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Lee arrived in Washington aiming to finalize July’s tariff deal and secure investment commitments. The US had lowered tariffs to 15% with Seoul pledging to purchase $100 billion in American energy and invest $350 billion. Major South Korean conglomerates Samsung, Hyundai, LG and SK contribute $91.2 billion in direct US investments, strengthening economic cooperation. Analysts warn, however, that Trump could unpredictably reshape the deal, leaving investment details vague…
Officials are urging residents to steer clear of the area around Point Higgins Elementary School in Ketchikan following a recent fuel spill. The Ketchikan Gateway Borough confirmed the incident occurred late last week, leading to immediate notifications to state and federal environmental authorities. Officials stated the US Coast Guard and Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation were contacted to coordinate containment and cleanup operations. Through a social media post, Borough officials announced that remediation efforts had already begun at the affected site to limit environmental damage. Crews worked actively throughout the weekend, cutting brush, pumping contaminated material, and installing containment systems…
The Alaska Solar for All termination program has ignited controversy after the Trump administration canceled $125 million in solar energy grants statewide. The Environmental Protection Agency confirmed it would end the Solar for All program earlier this month due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The $7 billion initiative created through the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act aimed to expand solar power nationwide and reduce household energy costs. The Alaska Energy Authority and the Tanana Chiefs’ Conference each secured $62.5 million to deliver solar systems across dozens of communities. Both groups expected the funding to lower reliance on costly diesel…