Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill could significantly change healthcare, especially with Medicaid work requirements in Alaska. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects these changes could lead to 10.9 million more universal Americans by 2034. The bill includes a mandate that certain Medicaid recipients work, volunteer, or train for at least 80 hours each month. CBO estimates that 18.5 million people annually would need to meet the requirement, and 5.2 million would lose coverage by 2034. According to CBO, most losing Medicaid would not qualify for tax credits or employer coverage. Additionally, states would need to check eligibility every…

U.S. Senator Mike Lee revised his land sale proposal to comply with Senate rules governing the Republican tax and spending package. The Utah Republican who chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee aims to ensure his measure qualifies for the budget reconciliation process. This fast-track method bypasses the 60-vote threshold and requires each provision to significantly affect spending or revenue. Lee posted that the new version would only apply to Bureau of Land Management lands within five miles of populated areas. He also announced that US Forest Service lands would be excluded entirely, responding to bipartisan backlash over his…

On Tuesday oil prices fell as markets responded to news of the Israel-Iran ceasefire, reducing fears of regional supply shocks. Brent crude dropped by $4.34, or 6.1%, settling at $67.14 per barrel, its lowest level since June 10. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude declined, falling $4.14 to $64.37 per barrel. Both benchmarks had surged in recent weeks due to escalating tensions, peaking near $81 after Israel struck Iranian nuclear sites on June 13. But the sudden truce, though fragile, reversed those gains as traders reassessed geopolitical risks. President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire was “now in effect,” though he…

United States President Donald Trump grew visibly angry at Israel over Iran ceasefire violations on Tuesday, hours after celebrating the truce. The agreement, brokered by the United States and Qatar, had aimed to stop two weeks of mutual air and drone attacks. Late Monday, the ceasefire took effect following days of intense missile exchanges. Israel’s final barrage hit Iranian military bases near Isfahan, triggering drone retaliation from Tehran. By Tuesday afternoon, both sides had paused military action, offering hope the truce might last. However, Trump accused both countries of breaching the deal, but he directed most of his outrage at…

The Trump administration announced Monday that it would repeal Roadless Rule protections in Alaska, ending key restrictions in Tongass National Forest. Officials said the decision aims to boost timber harvests and road building in Southeast Alaska, which affects over 9.4 million acres of forest. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins claimed this move would reduce wildfire risks and improve local management of 59 million forested acres. Supporters of the repeal, including Senator Dan Sullivan and Representative Nick Begich, hailed it as a win for economic opportunity and energy projects. Sullivan argued that the rule blocked Alaska from accessing resources like timber, minerals,…

After resting underwater for over 200 years, researchers have confirmed the discovery of HMS Endeavor, Captain James Cook’s historic ship. The Australian National Maritime Museum released a report after three decades of collaboration between American and Australian researchers finally identified the vessel. Although HMS Endeavor did not travel to Alaska, the discovery still deepens our understanding of Captain Cook’s legacy there. Historians say it connects important chapters in global history with local history in the 49th state. Cook’s third voyage brought him to the North Pacific, where he sought the elusive Northwest Passage. His journey defined the Alaskan coastline and…

President Donald Trump’s decision to strike three Iranian nuclear sites has heightened fears of an expanding Middle East conflict. The United States joined Israel in a coordinated military operation, marking the largest Western assault on Iran since 1979. Analysts warn Iran may retaliate by shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, which carries over 20% of the global oil supply daily. This strategic waterway links the Gulf to the Arabian Sea and sees nearly 20 million barrels of crude pass through each day. Iran has recently threatened to pass a resolution supporting closure, but top leadership will ultimately decide to implement…

State crews began urgent Matanuska River flood repairs Sunday after powerful erosion caused significant damage near Maud Road. The river broke through a decades-old revered early Saturdays, ending floodwaters into nearby properties and covering parts of the bike path. According to Mat-Su Borough officials, flooding affected roughly 10 homes or structures between miles 13 and 15 of the Glenn Highway. Water surged within feet of the highway, though no evacuation orders were issued over the weekend. Sandbags helped protect some homes and businesses from advancing water around midday Sunday. Much of the bike path had dried by Sunday morning, but…

Inside the Anchorage Senior Activity Center, laughter echoed as friends passed sandwiches and pastries at a recent event. The Alaska Rainbow Elders, a group of LGBTQ+ seniors mostly in their 60s to 80s, meet weekly for conversation, support, and community. They discuss everything from medical updates to national headlines, including the Trump administration’s controversial move to rename naval ships. Julie Schmidt, 77, leads the group with her wife, Gayle Schuh. She noted that many older LGBTQ+ people face unique struggles, such as living alone or lacking family support. The members are retired professionals, teachers, planners, dancers, and court workers living…

Israel is burning through its budget as the Iran conflict costs Israel $725 million daily, exposing severe economic vulnerabilities in 2025. Within the first 48 hours of strikes on Iran, Israel spent $1.45 billion, a financial hemorrhage not seen in decades. Offensive operations alone consumed $539 million, covering flight hours, jet fuel, and munitions. Defensive systems like Iron Dome and reserve troop mobilization accounted for the remaining costs. Brig. Gen. (res.) Re ’em Aminach, a financial advisor to Israel’s military leadership, confirmed that daily military expenses remain staggeringly high. That figure excludes broader economic impacts such as lost productivity and…

Two Alaska-focused bills authored by Representative Nick Begich III are headed to President Trump after passing the US Senate on Wednesday. Begich confirmed Friday that President Trump will likely sign both pieces of Alaska Native land legislation within the next 30 days. House Resolutions 42 and 43 passed the Senate by voice vote after months of collaboration between Alaska’s congressional delegation and stakeholders. House Resolution 42 will help disabled Alaska Natives access federal programs by excluding certain income from eligibility calculations under federal guidelines. House Resolution 43 will return 11,500 acres to Native village corporations by removing outdated federal landhold…

Alaska House Judiciary Committee members raised serious concerns Friday over the state’s legal exposure from housing ICE detainees in Alaska. Representative Andrew Gray, D-Anchorage, who chairs the committee, warned that ignoring federal standards could lead to costly lawsuits for Alaskans.  He called the state’s current handling of Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees legally risky following a tense public hearing. Several Republican members skipped the hearing, calling it political theater. Representative Mia Costello, R-Anchorage, said the hearing prompted sanctuary state politics that have no place in Alaska. During the meeting, Department of Correction Commissioner Jen Winkleman testified virtually and admitted a…