Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

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…

Kim Keon Hee’s arrest has triggered unprecedented political shockwaves in South Korea, with both a former president and former first lady now imprisoned. Authorities detained Kim on Tuesday following a four-hour court hearing where she denied charges of stock manipulation, bribery, and election meddling. The Seoul court issued a detention warrant, citing the risk that she could destroy evidence if allowed to remain free during the investigation. This marks the first time in South Korean history that both a former head of state and their spouse are incarcerated simultaneously. Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was detained in January over allegations…

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has launched the Dall sheep population study, the largest project statewide. Biologists began the project in 2023 in partnership with the National Park Service to examine sheep population dynamics in the Alaska and Brooks Ranges. Researchers use national park lands as un-hunted control areas and nearby state-managed hunting lands as treatment areas for direct comparison. Control areas include Denali and Gates of the Arctic National Parks, while treatment areas include game management units 20A, 24A, and 25A. So far, biologists have deployed 125 GPS collars on rams and 120 collars on ewes across…

President Donald Trump plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, but details about timing remain unconfirmed. Trump announced the meeting last week on social media, framing it as a step toward halting Russia´s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.  Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump said the talks aim to create a temporary ceasefire that could stop current fighting. He suggested a potential deal might include land swaps, acknowledging Russia´s control over key Ukrainian territories since the 2022 invasion began. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, excluded from the planned discussions, rejected surrendering land in a Sunday address,…

Juneau officials are urging residents in parts of Mendenhall Valley to voluntarily evacuate ahead of a possible glacial outburst flood. Last year’s flood damaged over 290 homes in the valley, a suburban district near the Mendenhall Glacier, raising ongoing safety concerns.  City crews built temporary HESCO barriers to prevent future flooding, but these have never been tested under actual emergency flood conditions. The Glacier Recreation area, Alaska’s most visited tourist attraction, is preparing to close as water levels continue to rise near the glacier’s base. Officials shut the Nugget Falls Trail on Monday, halting access to the most popular path…

An Israeli drone strike outside Gaza City’s al-Shifa Hospital late Sunday killed seven people, including several prominent Al Jazeera journalists. Among the victims were correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh and camera operators Ibrahim Zaher, Moamen Aliwa, and Mohammed Noufal, all stationed in a media tent. Local freelance reporter Mohammed al-Khaldi also died in the attack, while Reporters Without Borders confirmed three additional journalists suffered injuries. Hours before the strike 28 year old Anasal-Sharif had reported on Israel’s heavy bombardment of Gaza, becoming one of the most recognized reports in the enclave. The Al Jazeera Media Network condemned the strike as a targeted…

Crews will start Seward Meridian median installation on Wednesday, August 13, between Palmer Wasilla Highway and Cottonwood Creek in Wasilla, Alaska. During construction, drivers will face closures at East Meridian Loop, North Meridian Place and East Cottonwood Way, significantly affecting normal traffic routes. Motorists must use intersections with traffic signals at East Birch View Drive and East County Field Circle to access closed-off areas safely. All current traffic flows on the west side while crews focus on completing the east side before the project’s September deadline. Once work ends, left turns at non-signalized intersections will be permanently banned due to…

The Nvidia and AMD China chip deal has taken center stage after both companies agreed to pay Washington 15% of Chinese sales revenue. The arrangement allows Nvidia to resume selling its H20 chips in China after a months-long ban citing national security concerns. AMD will also follow the deal by paying the US government 15% of revenue from its ME308 chip sales in China. The Trump administration struck the agreement despite earlier restrictions on AI-focused chips over fears of boosting China’s military capabilities. Security experts previously warned that the H20 chip could enhance China’s AI potential, including autonomous weapons and…