Author: The Tundra Drums Staff
A group of European nations says Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was killed by poisoning with a rare and highly lethal toxin derived from South American poison dart frogs, holding the Russia state responsible for his death. In a joint statement released at the Munich Security Conference, the foreign ministries of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Sweden, and Netherlands said tests on samples from Navalny’s body “conclusively confirmed the presence of epibatidine,” a neurotoxin found in poison dart frog skin. The toxin does not occur naturally in Russia, they noted, and has been linked to his death while imprisoned in…
Lawmakers released 25 graphic photos this week showing deteriorating and “deplorable” conditions inside Mt. Edgecumbe High School, raising concerns about student safety, infrastructure decay, and maintenance failures at the state-run boarding school. The images were presented Thursday during an Alaska State Senate Finance Committee hearing, where legislators scrutinized hallways crammed with boxes, ceiling stains, exposed electrical wiring, and even a rat hole nicknamed “Tip Toes” by students. Lawmakers described crowded stairways, brown stains dripping from ceilings, and other signs of neglected infrastructure that they say contribute to an environment unfit for students. Some lawmakers highlighted reports that students complained the…
Alaska House Republicans are sharply criticizing the majority’s recent decision to temporarily set the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) at zero in the latest draft of the state operating budget, fueling tensions over fiscal priorities as lawmakers work through the state’s 2026 budget process. The change came as part of a committee substitute version of the operating budget, which currently contains no appropriation for the Permanent Fund Dividend, a longstanding annual payment many Alaskans rely on. Republican lawmakers argued the move was both abrupt and lacking transparency. “Advancing a proposed budget that effectively zeroes out the dividend without full deliberation is…
A graduate student studying Arctic research has filed a lawsuit against the University of Alaska Fairbanks, alleging the university failed to properly address claims of discrimination and retaliation during their time in the program. According to court documents, the student, identified only by initials in some filings, claims that despite reporting discriminatory treatment by faculty and staff, the university’s response was inadequate, leaving them subjected to a hostile academic environment that hindered their educational progress. The lawsuit asserts that the student repeatedly sought help through internal complaint procedures, alleging bias that they say was based on protected characteristics, but that…
Alaska snowboarder Nathan Paré, a native of Bethel, was disqualified in the quarterfinal round of the Olympic snowboard cross competition after drawing strong attention with a spirited run. Paré, who earned acclaim for advancing through the early rounds at the Winter Olympics, was competing among the world’s top snowboard cross athletes when officials ruled that he violated a racing rule during Wednesday’s quarterfinal heat. The disqualification came after video review and consultation by the race jury. Snowboard cross, a high-speed head-to-head racing discipline where competitors navigate jumps, rollers, and banked turns, demands precision and timing. In the quarterfinal, Paré appeared…
Procedural objections almost stopped the Alaska Legislature from extending the state’s ongoing disaster declaration during a contentious session this week. Lawmakers debated whether to continue the disaster emergency order, which has been in effect for months following severe weather and flooding events that impacted communities across the state. Supporters argued that extending the declaration was necessary to maintain access to federal funding and emergency response authority. However, procedural challenges from some legislators nearly derailed the effort, with objections raised over how the extension measure was brought to the floor. Critics said they were concerned about the scope and duration of…
A new state drug enforcement report shows that most illegal drugs seized in Alaska last year entered the state through Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. According to the Alaska Department of Public Safety, hundreds of pounds of narcotics were intercepted at the airport in 2025, including significant amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin. Officials say Anchorage’s role as a major cargo and passenger hub makes it a key entry point for drug trafficking into Alaska. Law enforcement agencies have increased interdiction efforts at the airport and through mail shipments, working alongside federal partners to slow the flow of illicit substances…
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. Also Read: 129 Dead in Makala Prison Breakout Chaos Unfolds 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…
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…