Author: The Tundra Drums Staff
EL SEGUNDO, California, A major fire broke out Thursday night at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery, lighting up the sky over Los Angeles and prompting an intense emergency response. The fire erupted in the Isomax 7 jet fuel production unit, where fuel oil is converted into jet fuel. Flames and smoke were visible for miles across the South Bay area. Chevron confirmed that all personnel and contractors are accounted for, and no injuries have been reported. The fire was contained to a portion of the facility by early Friday. Nearby residents were urged to stay indoors as a precaution. A temporary…
The PGA Tour has formed a Future Competition Committee tasked with redefining its competitive format to better serve players, fans, and partners. Announced at a press conference at East Lake Golf Club, the nine-member committee is led by Tiger Woods and will conduct a complete review of how tournaments are organized, structured, and played. Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized that this is not about small tweaks, but significant change. The Tour is already undergoing other adjustments. For the 2025 season, it ended the decade-long absence from Trump-owned courses by planning a return to Trump National Doral in Miami for the…
Palmer Fishhook Road at Hatcher Pass is currently closed, according to Alaska State Parks and the Department of Transportation. Officials advised visitors to plan ahead and use alternate routes. The closure affects access to one of Southcentral Alaska’s most popular recreation areas. Hatcher Pass, located between Palmer and Willow, attracts visitors year-round for hiking, skiing, and sightseeing. State officials said updates will be shared as conditions change. Travelers are urged to allow extra time and remain cautious while heading into the area, especially during Alaska’s unpredictable fall season. Alaska State Parks thanked the public for their patience and emphasized that…
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced new operating hours for the Ship Creek Fisheries and Visitors Center, effective today. The center will now be open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will remain closed on weekends until spring. Visitors can take advantage of self-guided tours during regular weekday hours. Guided tours will also be available, but only when staffing allows. Those interested are encouraged to submit a request form through the official ADF&G website: Tour Request Form. The Ship Creek Fisheries Center, located near downtown Anchorage, remains a popular educational destination, offering insights into…
The Los Angeles Dodgers started their National League Wild Card series with a commanding win over the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night, September 30, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. The game began at 6:08 p.m. Pacific (9:08 p.m. Eastern) and was broadcast on ESPN with live streaming on Fubo. The Dodgers, reigning World Series champions and No. 3 seed, are chasing history as they aim to become the first team in 25 years to win back-to-back titles. Blake Snell delivered in his playoff debut for Los Angeles, holding the Reds’ bats in check while the offense, powered by Shohei Ohtani, Freddie…
Fairbanks, Residents of Fairbanks are preparing to cast their ballots in the upcoming local elections, scheduled for Tuesday, October 7. The Fairbanks Climate Action Coalition, along with other civic groups, has been urging residents to take part in the democratic process. Early voting is already underway, giving voters a chance to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day. Polling places will be open across the city, where residents will vote on local leadership and community issues. The coalition shared reminders on social media, emphasizing the importance of participation in shaping the future of Fairbanks. Local elections often decide matters such…
Anchorage, A fire at the Ravenwood Condominiums forced 45 residents to evacuate on Friday evening, leaving families displaced and pets lost. Anchorage Fire Department officials confirmed that while no residents were injured, two dogs and three cats died in the blaze. The fire is believed to have started on an exterior balcony before spreading, according to investigators. Emergency crews responded quickly and evacuated residents from the multi-unit building. Witnesses described thick smoke pouring from the upper floors as firefighters worked to contain the flames. The American Red Cross is providing shelter and assistance to displaced residents, ensuring they have access…
Disclaimer: This op-ed was submitted by the Tom Begich for Alaska campaign. The Tundra Drums does not edit or endorse campaign statements. Alaska faces unique energy challenges, from the railbelt to remote fishing camps. In rural Alaska, where families face the highest energy costs in the country, the stakes are the difference between a thriving community and decline. Across more than 200 communities off the Railbelt, electricity costs $0.50 to $1.00 per kilowatt-hour, compared to a national average of about $0.17. Heating fuel regularly tops $6 to $10 per gallon once it is shipped or flown in. Transportation fuels, gasoline…
The Pentagon has ordered an extraordinary gathering of America’s top military leaders next week, summoning hundreds of generals and admirals from across the globe to Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has been referred to under the revived title “Secretary of War,” directed that every officer holding the rank of brigadier general or higher attend. The order applies across all branches, the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force, with attendance expected to reach roughly 800 officers. Even those currently serving in overseas commands were told to make arrangements to be present. The…
Tesla has introduced its much-anticipated Pi Phone, a device that promises to change the smartphone industry with direct satellite internet access through Starlink. The phone, price starts from $800 to $1200, allows users to connect from anywhere on Earth without needing a SIM card or Wi-Fi. From deserts to mountain ranges, as long as Starlink satellites are visible, the device can stay online. Also Read: Why Does My Phone Say “SOS Only”? Elon Musk has described the Pi Phone as more than a phone. Along with Starlink internet, it supports solar charging, crypto mining features, and other advanced functions of…
Anchorage will mark National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 27, with a community trail project at Middle Fork Trail in Chugach State Park. The event is organized by Alaska Trails in partnership with Sierra Club Alaska Chapter and Alaska Bike Calendar, with support from the Chugach Park Fund. Volunteers will meet at the Flat Top/Glen Alps Trailhead and spend about six hours working on improvements. Tasks include brushing along the route between the Middle Fork junction and the bridge, as well as repairing trail structures and adding gravel to a turnpike. The hike will cover 2 to 3 miles,…
Alaska DNR Officials Join Panel on Resource Development in Anchorage Anchorage hosted an important discussion on Alaska’s land and energy development during the Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission’s annual conference. Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Commissioner John Boyle spoke about responsible resource exploration and development on state land, with a focus on the North Slope. He explained how Alaska continues to play a leading role in oil and gas production. Kevin Pendergast, Director at the Bureau of Land Management Alaska, joined the panel to talk about land selections, permitting, and ways to make the process faster. Boyle also…