Author: The Tundra Drums Staff
A staff member for an Alaska Republican state lawmaker has been charged with multiple federal sex crimes involving a minor, according to federal prosecutors. Craig Scott Valdez, 36, was arrested in Juneau on Friday following a federal grand jury indictment. The charges include sex trafficking of a minor, sexual exploitation of a child, coercion and enticement of a minor, and receipt of child sexual abuse material. The investigation was led by the FBI Anchorage Field Office in coordination with the Anchorage Police Department. Prosecutors allege that in October 2025, Valdez used social media to contact a 15-year-old girl and arranged…
The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities has announced a temporary closure of the Fox Well for scheduled maintenance. According to officials, the well will be closed on Monday, February 23, 2026, to allow crews to perform necessary maintenance work. The closure is part of routine efforts to ensure the facility remains safe, reliable, and fully operational for the community. The Fox Well, located north of Fairbanks, serves residents and travelers who rely on the public water source. During the maintenance period, access to the facility will be unavailable. Officials encourage users to plan ahead and collect water prior…
A new proposal in Florida could lead to Palm Beach International Airport being renamed after former U.S. President Donald Trump, according to recent media reports. The proposal has reportedly sparked public discussion, with supporters describing it as recognition of Trump’s political influence and connection to Palm Beach, while critics argue that renaming major public infrastructure can be politically divisive. If approved, the change would require administrative and legislative steps before the airport’s official name could be updated. At this stage, no final decision has been made, and the proposal remains under review. Also Read: Florida’s Abortion Rights Under Scrutiny as…
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) scrambled fighter jets after Russian military aircraft were detected operating near Alaska, according to a new report. Officials said the Russian bombers were tracked in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), an area where aircraft are identified for national security purposes but which remains outside sovereign U.S. and Canadian airspace. Military officials emphasized that the aircraft did not enter U.S. or Canadian territory, and the interception was carried out as part of routine air defense operations. NORAD regularly monitors and responds to activity in the region, where Russian long-range aviation flights are…
An Alaska Air National Guard rescue team successfully evacuated an injured cross-country skier after responding to an emergency call in challenging winter conditions, according to officials. The operation highlights the critical role the Guard plays in search-and-rescue missions across Alaska’s vast and often remote terrain. The rescue involved highly trained pararescue specialists and aircrew who were dispatched after authorities received reports of a skier suffering injuries that prevented them from safely continuing. Working alongside local emergency responders, the Guard team coordinated a rapid response to reach the individual, stabilize the injuries, and safely transport the skier to medical care. Officials…
As the world watches athletes compete in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy, Alaska has its own spirited representatives right at home, two 3.8-gram ermines at Alaska Zoo who are unofficially representing the state as tiny mascots of the Games. Milli and Noob Noob, diminutive but fierce carnivores native to Alaska, have captured local attention for their energetic personalities and Olympic “spirit.” Despite weighing less than a nickel, ermines are skilled predators with keen speed and sharp incisors — traits zookeepers say make them a fitting symbol of the determination and agility shown by Olympic athletes. Zookeeper Annie Snow…
A small earthquake was recorded near Talkeetna on February 17, 2026, according to data from the Alaska Earthquake Center. The seismic event was measured at a magnitude of 2.0 and occurred at a depth of nearly 20 miles beneath the surface. The quake’s epicenter was located approximately 27 miles east of Talkeetna, placing it within a broad region of Alaska that experiences frequent low-magnitude seismic activity. The event was not large enough to cause damage and may not have been felt by residents in surrounding areas. Alaska is one of the most seismically active states in the U.S., regularly experiencing…
A Soldotna mother and her three children, including two minors, were taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents this week, prompting concern from religious leaders, immigration advocates, and state lawmakers over the handling of the case. The family, identified as Sonia Espinosa Arriaga and her children ages 5, 16, and 18, were reportedly detained Tuesday morning after arriving at their home in Soldotna. According to family attorney Lara Nations, the mother and two minors were held at an Anchorage hotel by immigration agents and were “not free to leave” before being flown out of Alaska and deported…
Wildlife enthusiasts hoping to witness Alaska’s iconic brown bears in their natural habitat have only days left to enter the lottery for guided bear viewing permits at the world-famous McNeil River State Game Sanctuary. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) reminds applicants that lottery entries must be submitted before midnight on March 1 through the ADF&G Online Store. Each year, a limited number of permits are issued, allowing small groups to participate in guided bear viewing sessions at one of the most renowned bear-viewing locations in the world. Located along the west side of Cook Inlet, McNeil River…
Alaskans looking to enter the construction and roadway safety field will have an opportunity this spring to earn their ATSSA Flagging Certification through Northern Industrial Training (NIT). Northern Industrial Training is hosting two upcoming certification classes designed to prepare participants for safe and effective traffic control operations on Alaska’s highways and work zones. The first session will take place March 13, 2026, at the Palmer Campus, followed by a second session April 24, 2026, at the Anchorage Campus. The training follows the nationally recognized curriculum developed by the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA). Upon completion, participants receive certification valid…
The annual Su Dog 300 sled dog race is set to return the weekend of February 21, bringing teams and fans together for one of the Mat-Su Valley’s premier mid-distance mushing events. The 300-mile race will once again test mushers and their dog teams across challenging winter terrain, with the finish line expected to draw crowds as competitors complete the demanding course. Adding to the festivities, organizers have announced a Soup Contest at the finish line on Monday, February 23. Community members are invited to submit their best homemade soups for judging. Contestants can register online at sudog300.org/soup-dog, and entries…
Travelers looking to get a head start on spring adventures can now redeem points for global trips through Alaska Airlines’ newly expanded Atmos Rewards Global Getaways program. The airline’s loyalty program announced that Mileage Plan members can use their points for vacation packages and experiences around the world, including flights, hotels, and activities. The offering is part of Alaska Airlines’ effort to give customers more ways to redeem rewards for memorable trips beyond traditional flight redemptions. Atmos Rewards Global Getaways includes curated options in popular destinations, with travel ideas tailored to different interests — from beach escapes to urban explorations…