Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

Tom Begich, former Democratic state senator and son of the late US Rep Nick Begich Sr., has filed a letter of intent to run for Alaska governor. The letter enables him to begin campaign preparations but does not formally launch his candidacy. The Democrat emphasized that this step is exploratory, and his decision to move forward depends on whether US Mary Peltola enters the race. Begich, 64, said that he promised Peltola that if she chooses to run for governor, he will step aside. Begich was 11 when his father disappeared in a 1972 plane crash and credits his mother,…

The Trump administration has accelerated the development of a controversial voter database tool, sparking nationwide debate over privacy, democracy, and election integrity. The system, originally called SAVE, was built to verify immigration status for benefits but has been rapidly repurposed to scan voter rolls. Officials say the new version enables bulk checks against federal databases, allowing states to upload millions of registered voters for citizenship verification. Supporters argue the upgrade ensures cleaner lists, while critics warn it risks becoming a sweeping federal voter surveillance program. Democrats caution that the administration could misuse the tool to suppress votes, target opponents, or…

President Donald Trump escalated tensions Sunday by unleashing scathing attacks against Senator Chris Murphy following criticism of his recent Alaska summit. The feud erupted on social media, where the President branded the Connecticut Democrat “unattractive”, “stupid,” and “a lightweight.” Murphy appeared on NBC’s Meet the Press, calling Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Putin a “disaster,” “embarrassment,” and “a failure.” Sharing the clip online, Murphy accused Trump of giving Putin legitimacy without securing sanctions, new weapons, or even a ceasefire agreement. Trump fired back, insisting nobody got anything while accusing Murphy, John Bolton, and others of obstructing peace efforts with stupid commentary.…

The Trump-Putin Alaska summit showcased extraordinary optics as Donald Trump warmly welcomed Vladimir Putin with military honors in Anchorage. Trump welcomed Putin on a red carpet flanked by saluting US troops while aircraft thundered overhead in a symbolic military display.  The Russian leader appeared unfazed, treating the event as his return to global diplomacy despite facing a war crimes indictment from The Hague. In press remarks Trump called Putin his friend signaling a political shift that surprised US allies and encouraged Kremlin confidence significantly. The White House dropped its earlier insistence on an immediate ceasefire, instead pursuing a broader settlement…

At the Alaska summit, Putin demanded Ukraine withdraw from Donetsk and Luhansk, tying this concession directly to a broader peace proposal with Trump. The Russian leader insisted that Ukraine abandon these regions entirely and offered to freeze the frontline in southern Ukraine, including Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. He presented his proposal as a necessary path to stability, positioning himself as the dominant actor capable of deciding the war’s trajectory and potential settlement outcomes. Although Luhansk remains almost fully controlled by Russia, Ukrainian forces still hold key areas of Donetsk, particularly Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. These positions are heavily fortified, and their defense has…

The Trump-Putin Alaska summit ended without a ceasefire, as both leaders emphasized pursuing a direct peace agreement to resolve Ukraine’s war. The summit ended with both leaders emphasizing a peace settlement rather than a fragile ceasefire, leaving Ukraine facing difficult choices.  Leaders Meet in Anchorage to Discuss War Resolution President Donald Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage for nearly three hours, calling the talks productive but confirming unresolved differences. The summit marked the first US-Russia talks since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Both leaders described the meeting as productive, though they admitted several…

Volkswagen has launched a new electric car subscription in the UK that enables owners of certain ID.3 models to unlock higher horsepower. The program allows customers to boost their vehicles’ output from 201bhp to 228bhp by paying a monthly, annual, or lifetime fee.  Volkswagen set pricing at £16.50 monthly, £165 annually, or £649 for a lifetime subscription transferable with the car upon resale. The company described the feature as an optional power upgrade that allows buyers to choose enhanced performance without paying up front during the initial purchase.  According to Volkswagen, this approach enables drivers to experience sportier performance later…

The Alaska copper water standards update proposal would allow the Department of Environmental Conservation to apply the Biotic Ligand Model statewide. Officials said the BLM uses advanced science to predict copper toxicity, helping set aside specific limits that better protect Alaska’s aquatic life.  The proposal introduces a performance-based method for streamlining evaluations and enabling repeatable processes for water quality management in diverse environmental conditions across Alaska. DEC confirmed that statewide hardness-based copper criteria will remain unchanged, ensuring existing permit holders and effective stream protections are not disrupted. By adopting the BLM, Alaska can create smarter, more adaptable water quality protections…

Ukraine’s exclusion from Alaska talks has stirred anxiety across the country ahead of President Donald Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Putin. The two leaders will meet on Friday without Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, fueling fears that land concessions could be discussed behind closed doors.  Earlier this week, Trump hinted that land swaps could be on the table, prompting fears that parts of Ukraine might be handed over to Russia. In eastern cities like Pokrovsk, residents such as Tetyana Bessonova worry that such deals could permanently prevent them from returning home.  French President Emmanuel Macron said Trump promised no territorial concessions without…

The upcoming summit in Alaska with Putin has ignited strong opinions from Alaska’s US senators as diplomatic and economic stakes intensify. Senator Dan Sullivan stated that proposed sanctions targeting Russian oil and gas buyers could devastate Moscow’s energy-driven economy.  He emphasized that if President Vladimir Putin refuses a ceasefire during Friday’s meeting with President Donald Trump, Alaska’s oil and natural gas producers could benefit significantly. Sullivan praised Alaska’s choice of summit location, calling it a power move that signals American strength to Russia. He said he will meet President Trump during the event to discuss Alaska military installations and a…

The Juneau Mendenhall River flooding has prompted nonstop efforts by residents and city crews to keep rising waters from damaging neighborhoods. City and Borough of Juneau officials confirmed Wednesday morning that newly installed HESCO barriers remained intact, despite heavy water pressure in the Mendenhall Valley. The city reported “NO HESCO breach observed” on social media but acknowledged that ponding water on certain roads was caused by seepage at the barriers. Crews quickly deployed pumps to remove water from Meander Way and Marion Drive, working to keep streets clear and prevent further flooding risks. Alaska Electric Light & Power disconnected electricity…

The Ethan Guo Antarctic detention has ended after the 19-year-old American pilot settled with Chilean officials. In late June, Chilean officials charged Guo with breaching aviation rules after he made an unauthorized landing during his solo journey across seven continents. His journey aimed to raise $1 million for childhood cancer research, inspired by his cousin’s fight against severe blood cancer. On Monday, a Chilean judge approved an agreement requiring Guo to donate $30,000 to a children’s cancer foundation within 30 days.  He must also cover his aircraft security costs and personal expenses while leaving the Chilean Antarctic Territory immediately, barred…