Author: The Tundra Drums Staff
The Tundra Drums Staff
The Tundra Drums Staff is a team of writers and editors who are passionate about bringing you the latest and most reliable news from Alaska and around the world. We make sure each story is easy to understand, clear, and based on trustworthy sources. Our goal is to keep you informed with news that matters and helps you stay connected to the world.
Governor Mike Dunleavy criticized the Alaska Legislature today for refusing to advance meaningful education reform despite poor student outcomes. Dunleavy highlighted that Alaska ranks 51st nationally in educational achievement and urged lawmakers to stop delaying action on critical reform measures. He argued that simply increasing school funding would not resolve fundamental shortcomings within the existing system without border reforms and accountability measures. In a Friday letter, Dunleavy announced he would not extend the ongoing session, which ends at midnight Sunday. Originally, the governor called the session to advance education proposals and to establish an independent Alaska Department of Agriculture. Lawmakers,…
The Thai court removed from office after judges ruled her leaked conversation with Cambodia’s Hun Sen violated the prime minister’s ethical standards. The Constitutional Court announced Friday that Paetongtarn, suspended since July 1, had placed personal interest above national duty during the disputed conversation. Judges found her language, including calling Hun Sen “uncle” and criticising a senior Thai commander, undermined the nation’s credibility amid escalating conflict. Her removal makes her the 5th Prime Minister dismissed by Thai courts since 2008, highlighting the judiciary’s dominant role in politics. The phone call recorded on June 15 occurred as Thailand and Cambodia exchanged…
A Polish F-16 crash during preparations for the Random Air Show claimed the life of an experienced pilot, officials confirmed Thursday evening. The aircraft from the 31st Tactical Air Base near Poznan nose dived during training and erupted into flames after striking the runway. Emergency crews immediately rushed to the scene at Radom Airport, but officials confirmed the pilot did not survive the devastating impact. Firefighters battled flames after the F-16 burst apart on the runway at approximately 19:30 local time during evening preparations. Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz expressed condolences, praising the officer’s dedication and courage, and vowed full support…
The Anchorage police spokesperson who resigned from his position earlier this month faced immediate consequences after being accused of shoplifting at a Target store in south Anchorage. Authorities confirmed that Christopher Barraza, the department’s former deputy director of community relations, was charged with Theft by Shoplifting following the incident. Police reports indicate the theft occurred on August 19 at 150 West 100th Avenue, the business address of the south Anchorage Target. The crime was not immediately reported, but police responded just before 7 p.m. on August 21 after receiving a theft complaint from the store. Investigators revealed Barraza had been…
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game launched a new series spotlighting the Alaska Sport Fish Access Program, supporting recreational opportunities statewide. This initiative funds construction and upgrades for public facilities that expand recreational boating and fishing opportunities across Alaska’s diverse landscapes. Projects include boat launches, docks, and shoreline access points designed to help residents and visitors enjoy outdoor recreation safely. Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration provides the program’s funding, ensuring long-term investments directly benefit anglers and boaters throughout the state. ADF&G remains unique among agencies, as it is the only department eligible to receive and manage Sport Fish…
Ursula von der Leyen condemned Russia’s deadly Kyiv strike, which destroyed homes, killed civilians and damaged the EU mission office. Ukrainian officials confirmed 19 deaths, including four children, after missiles ripped through a residential block in the Darnytskyi district. The five-storey building collapsed around 03:00, forcing rescuers to dig through rubble as families desperately searched for survivors. Von der Leyen revealed missiles landed within 50 meters of the EU delegation, damaging its office alongside the nearby British Council. She described the bombardment as another grim reminder of Russia’s intent to terrorize civilians and undermine peace negotiations with Ukraine. Ukrainian President…
The US Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday that it will pursue the Roadless Rule repeal, which would impact 45 million acres nationwide. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed the agency will open public comments on Friday, giving Americans until September 19 to voice opinions. Critics denounced the shortened timeframe, arguing it fails to adequately consider the consequences of lifting protections on millions of acres of federal land. The Roadless Rule, enacted in 2001 under President Clinton, restricted logging and road construction, limiting development across vast western landscapes. Rollins defended the repeal, claiming local managers should determine land use to support logging,…
Texas passed a landmark law in June 2025 that allocates $50 million for ibogaine research to address addiction and PTSD. Arizona followed closely in May, funding similar studies on ibogaine’s potential for veterans and individuals suffering traumatic brain injuries. These initiatives reflect a broader national trend with Oregon, Colorado, Kentucky and Georgia legalizing ketamine therapy during the past two years. Psychedelics in US mental health treatment have gained credibility as research highlights the benefits of LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, DMT, MDMA, and ketamine. A 2021 MDMA study demonstrated a 67% reduction in PTSD symptoms, marking a breakthrough for alternative therapies in…
Ten members of the US House Natural Resources Committee arrived in Alaska this week, marking a significant congressional visit. On Monday, the bipartisan group toured Hecla Green Creek Mine near Juneau, observing firsthand the production of gold, silver, zinc, and lead. They flew above the Tongass National Forest, America’s largest, and examined the Suicide Basin in Mendenhall Glacier, which triggers destructive seasonal flooding. Standing outside Ward Air hangers in Juneau, lawmakers explained the importance of experiencing resource challenges personally rather than relying solely on Washington briefings. Rep Celeste Maloy, R-Utah, emphasized that physical visits provide insight beyond academic discussions, helping…
The US Fish and Wildlife Service refused protection for the Alaskan glacier buttercup, concluding that evidence fails to demonstrate immediate threats. Officials released their decision Monday in the Federal Register, denying the petition while advancing six other species for further evaluation. Environmental advocates argued that the denial reflects political disregard for climate change, which scientists consistently describe as an existential threat to biodiversity. The Alaska glacier buttercup grows exclusively on rocky slopes within the Kigluaik Mountains, near a proposed graphite mining project. Conservatives warned mine construction might disrupt fragile habitats, though federal analysis found no evidence linking development to potential…
Lawmakers officially launched an 18-month investigation into Alaska’s struggling schools on Tuesday by convening the first education task force meeting. Members aim to identify solutions for chronic underperformance and consider reforms to how school funds operate, including transportation, insurance, utilities, and facility maintenance. The bipartisan bicameral panel will gather testimony, host public hearings, and deliver recommendations before lawmakers reconvene in January 2027. Governor Mike Dunleavy demanded an immediate special session on education, but legislators instead prioritized long-term reforms through the newly created task force. Dunleavy, who faces term limits, will leave office before any final recommendations appear, leaving future administrations…
Prime Minister François Bayrou shocked France by announcing his government will face a crucial confidence vote in parliament on September 8. With numbers stacked against him, Bayrou risks political survival, as defeat would force his resignation and plunge France deeper into instability. His decision reflects frustration with months of political deadlock that crippled earlier administrations, leaving critical reforms stalled and citizens increasingly restless. President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to dissolve parliament in July 2024 fractured the National Assembly into three camps: centrists, right, and left. The outcome denied any group a majority, weakening Macron domestically and forcing him to concentrate almost…
