Author: The Tundra Drums Staff
As the ongoing federal government shutdown continues, environmental enforcement and protection efforts across the United States have slowed to a near standstill, leaving polluters largely unchecked. According to Grist, agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are among the hardest hit. Thousands of employees responsible for monitoring air and water quality, inspecting industrial sites, and enforcing environmental laws have been placed on furlough. With enforcement suspended, factories, refineries, and other polluting industries are temporarily operating with reduced oversight. Environmental advocates warn that the pause in federal activity could have lasting ecological consequences, especially in communities already affected by pollution.…
The Alaska Center joined hundreds of Alaskans this past weekend at the Best of Alaska 2025 event, celebrating community spirit, sustainability, and local engagement. Team members from The Alaska Center spent the day meeting residents, answering questions, and sharing information about their ongoing programs that focus on clean energy, environmental stewardship, and civic participation across the state. Organizers described the event as a meaningful opportunity to connect with community members face-to-face and encourage Alaskans to get involved in initiatives that help build a sustainable and equitable future. The Best of Alaska event, held annually, showcases organizations, businesses, and individuals making…
The 5th Annual Alaska Radon Poster Contest is back, giving elementary and middle school students across the state a creative way to promote public health awareness through art. Organized by the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS), the contest encourages young artists to design posters that help educate Alaskans about the dangers of radon gas, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate indoors and pose health risks. The competition aims to raise awareness about radon testing, prevention, and safety, empowering students to help spread the message that testing homes for radon is simple and important for protecting…
Celebrate Alaskan creativity and craftsmanship at the Made in Alaska Holiday Market, returning to Alaska Pacific University (APU) on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This annual event showcases local businesses, artisans, and manufacturers who proudly carry the Made in Alaska seal, a certification guaranteeing that all products are handcrafted or manufactured right here in Alaska. Visitors can explore a diverse selection of locally made goods, watch hands-on demonstrations, and meet the makers who give Alaska’s small business community its unique identity. Here’s a preview of some of the featured exhibitors: The market offers more than…
In observance of Veterans Day, the Alaska Disaster Assistance Centers (DACs) have announced modified schedules for Tuesday, November 11, 2025. The Anchorage DAC, located at Calista Corporation – Maani Building, 1400 W. Benson Blvd, Suite 110, will be closed for the day in recognition of Veterans Day. Meanwhile, the Bethel and Kotzebue Disaster Assistance Centers will remain open for regular hours to continue serving residents affected by recent storms and emergencies. DAC Locations and Hours for November 11, 2025: The DACs, operated in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management,…
The Alaska U.S. Army National Guard has deployed UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters to assist with recovery and relief operations in communities affected by Typhoon Halong, which caused widespread damage across Western Alaska. The helicopters and flight crews are transporting supplies, personnel, and equipment to remote villages that remain isolated due to storm impacts. Many areas continue to face infrastructure challenges, including washed-out roads and limited air access. Read More: Alaska’s Role in World War II: The Battle for the Aleutians The National Guard’s aviation units have been working in coordination with the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management…
City planners are moving forward with designs for the Muldoon Transit Center, a new off-street public transportation facility that aims to make bus transfers safer and more efficient for Anchorage commuters. The proposed center, located in East Anchorage, would replace current on-street transfer stops that often create congestion and safety concerns. By moving bus transfers to a dedicated off-street location, the facility would provide better shelter, lighting, and accessibility for riders year-round. City officials say the Muldoon Transit Center could also include a connection to a new public library space, giving residents easier access to both transit and community resources…
The Holiday Aviation Art Contest is back at Fairbanks International Airport (FAI), inviting young artists from across Alaska to let their creativity take flight this holiday season. Children and teens are encouraged to design artwork inspired by aviation and winter, from planes and snowflakes to reindeer and northern skies. Submissions will be judged for creativity, originality, and connection to the theme of flight in Alaska. Selected masterpieces will be featured throughout the airport during the holidays, giving travelers a glimpse of local talent as they pass through Fairbanks. The annual event, hosted by FAI’s Airport Operations and Community Relations team,…
Two senior executives at the BBC have stepped down following widespread criticism over the editing of a documentary featuring former U.S. President Donald Trump and broader concerns about editorial bias at the broadcaster. Tim Davie, the Director-General of the BBC, and Deborah Turness, the Chief Executive of BBC News, announced their resignations on Sunday, citing the fallout from an episode of the flagship programme Panorama that included a controversial edit of Trump’s January 6, 2021, speech. The documentary allegedly spliced remarks from different parts of the speech to create a version of Trump’s words that omitted important context. Critics, including…
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (Nov. 6, 2025) The Alaska Earthquake Center recorded around 300 seismic events across the state this past week, including a magnitude 5.4 earthquake that struck on October 30 between Seward and Homer. Thousands of Alaskans, even those 100 miles away, reported feeling the tremor, which lasted 10 to 40 seconds depending on distance, depth, and ground type. Thankfully, there were no reports of damage following the event. According to the Alaska Earthquake Center, magnitude five or higher quakes are not unusual for the Kenai Peninsula, which typically experiences around 10 such events each year. The closest monitoring stations…
The ongoing federal government shutdown is now disrupting U.S. air travel on a large scale, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered major airlines to reduce flight operations at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports. The move is in response to air traffic controller staffing shortages and safety concerns. On Friday, November 7, 2025, starting early in the day, airlines canceled at least 700 flights as part of the initial 4 % reduction directive. Some carriers have indicated the cuts may escalate to 6 % early next week and could reach 10 % or higher if the shutdown continues.…
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Anchorage Bowl, extending southeast through Portage and Whittier, in effect until 6 a.m. Friday. Residents and travelers are being urged to use extra caution as road conditions are expected to deteriorate through the evening and overnight hours due to snow accumulation and freezing temperatures. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) advises drivers to reduce speeds, allow extra time for travel, and check 511.alaska.gov for real-time road updates and traffic alerts. A separate advisory remains in place for the Kenai Peninsula and Turnagain Pass, set…