Author: The Tundra Drums Staff
Outdoor enthusiasts heading to Chugach State Park this fall will notice a big change on one of Anchorage’s favorite trails. The Williwaw Lakes Trail has received a major makeover, thanks to a 13-week effort by an Alaska Trails paid crew dedicated to improving access and protecting the environment. The team spent the summer rerouting and reinforcing the popular trail to make it safer, more sustainable, and more enjoyable for hikers of all levels. The upgrades include: The project was made possible through the Chugach Park Fund, a partnership between Alaska State Parks, Alaska Trails, and local supporters who continue to…
Drivers in downtown Anchorage should be prepared for a new traffic pattern affecting Fifth Avenue between E and F Streets. The right lane is fully closed, and motorists are asked to merge at the taper just before E Street. Additionally, the traffic signal at the 5th Avenue and E Street intersection has been temporarily changed to a flashing red on all sides, creating a four-way stop. These changes are part of ongoing roadway work and safety improvements in the downtown area. According to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF), this traffic setup will remain in place for…
In a world where pollution continues to threaten marine life and ecosystems, one global movement has shown that collective action can make a real difference. The #TeamSeas initiative, launched by YouTuber MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) and engineer-turned-creator Mark Rober, has officially surpassed a massive milestone, removing over 34 million pounds of trash from the world’s oceans, rivers, and beaches. How TeamSeas Began Back in October 2021, MrBeast and Mark Rober, both known for using their platforms for large-scale environmental campaigns, unveiled TeamSeas as the spiritual successor to their earlier effort, #TeamTrees, which planted more than 20 million trees worldwide. Their new…
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) has closed Ted Stevens Way from the first bridge through the second bridge after discovering undercut asphalt along the roadway. Undercut asphalt occurs when erosion removes the soil or supporting material beneath pavement, leaving it unstable and potentially hazardous. This condition increases the risk of collapse under vehicle weight, prompting DOT&PF to take immediate action to ensure public safety. Crews are currently assessing and repairing the damaged section, while the department’s bridge inspection team evaluates the nearby bridges to ensure they remain safe for travel. DOT&PF officials urge residents and drivers…
The Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) announced that its offices will be closed on Friday, October 17 in observance of Alaska Day, the annual state holiday that commemorates the formal transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States in 1867. Alaska Day marks one of the most significant events in the state’s history, recognizing the moment when the U.S. flag was first raised in Sitka following the purchase agreement between the two nations. The holiday is celebrated each year with ceremonies, parades, and community gatherings across the state, especially in Sitka where the transfer took place.…
John Bolton, once a national security adviser to President Donald Trump, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Maryland on 18 counts related to the mishandling of classified documents. The charges include eight counts of transmitting national defense information and ten counts of unlawfully retaining such material. Prosecutors allege Bolton shared more than 1,000 pages of diary-style notes, including details from meetings, intelligence briefings, and foreign contacts—with two relatives during and after his government service.Some of these transmissions reportedly happened through personal email and messaging accounts, and federal investigators claim that classified documents were also kept at his…
ANCHORAGE, AK, October 15, 2025. At the request of the State of Alaska, the American Red Cross of Alaska is standing up a shelter in Anchorage for residents displaced by the recent storms in western Alaska. Residents currently at the shelter in Bethel, who evacuated from Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, will be relocated to the shelter in Anchorage. The Red Cross is anticipating sheltering around 300 residents in the immediate future. At this shelter location, residents will receive a safe place to stay, food, emergency relief supplies, emotional support, and health services. The Red Cross will continue to assist with the…
High school juniors and seniors across Alaska are reminded that the application deadline for the 2026 United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is fast approaching. Students must submit their completed applications by Monday, October 20, 2025, at 5 p.m.The prestigious national program brings together two student leaders from each state for a weeklong leadership and government education experience in Washington, D.C. Selected delegates will engage with U.S. senators, congressional staff, and officials from the executive and judicial branches.The program also awards a $10,000 college scholarship to each delegate, encouraging future studies in political science, public administration, or related fields.Alaska students…
On October 16, 2025, YouTube experienced a widespread outage affecting its main platform, YouTube Music, and YouTube TV. At the peak of the disruption, more than 366,000 users in the U.S. reported issues through outage tracker Downdetector. According to a statement on X, YouTube confirmed that the issue has since been resolved, and the platform is operating normally once again. YouTube did not offer a detailed explanation for the cause of the outage. What Users Reported During the Outage Current Status What to Do If You Still Can’t Access YouTube
Welcome to your seismic update from across the state for the week of Oct. 15, brought to you by the Alaska Earthquake Center, where we monitor ground shaking 24-7.Over the past week, we recorded about 340 seismic events. The largest was a magnitude 4.3 on October 11 in the western Aleutians. Five events were reported as felt. This week, we’ll focus on Alaska’s annual earthquake emergency drill, the Great Alaska ShakeOut. Across the state on October 16 at 10:16 a.m., people and organizations will test their readiness for a large, damaging earthquake. The ShakeOut is the perfect chance to discuss and…
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is set to hold a Tribal Team Engagement Session during the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) Convention this week, aiming to deepen collaboration and shape a more community-led Tribal transportation policy. The session will take place Friday, October 17, from 9 to 11 a.m., at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center, Room 4 (2nd Floor).Commissioner Ryan Anderson and members of the DOT&PF Tribal Team will lead the discussion, inviting input from Tribal leaders, transportation professionals, and community members from across Alaska. The open forum will focus on what meaningful consultation and…
Local angler Nick Borash has landed an impressive catch from the Tanana River, reeling in a 41.5-inch, 15.55-pound burbot, earning recognition through the ADF&G Trophy Fish Program. Borash’s catch highlights the strong fall fishing season across Interior Alaska, where anglers are taking advantage of cooling temperatures and clear river conditions before freeze-up. The burbot a native freshwater species often called “lush fish”, is known for its elusive nature and powerful fight. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) congratulated Borash for his trophy catch, reminding other anglers to report large or record-worthy fish to the Trophy Fish Program. The…