Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

How Earthquakes Get Their Name(s) Welcome to this week’s seismic update from the Alaska Earthquake Center, where ground shaking is monitored 24/7. Over the past week, about 300 earthquakes were recorded across the state. Five of them were reported as felt by residents. The largest quake, which had a magnitude of 5, occurred south of Unalaska on October 17. This week also marks the anniversary of a powerful earthquake in Alaska’s Panhandle. It’s been called by several names: the 1927 Pelican earthquake, the 1927 earthquake west of Chichagof Island, and even the Sitka earthquake along the Fairweather Fault. Despite the…

The remnants of Typhoon Halong tore through the coastal village of Quinhagak earlier this month, stripping away parts of the shoreline and washing priceless Yup’ik artifacts into the Bering Sea. The storm destroyed sections of the Nunalleq Archaeological Site, one of the most significant collections of pre-contact Yup’ik artifacts in Alaska. Archaeologists estimate that as much as 60 feet of beach and hundreds of cubic meters of unexcavated ground were lost. Residents riding ATVs along the coast after the storm discovered ancient carvings and wooden masks scattered across the sand. Volunteers and archaeologists have since recovered more than 1,000 artifacts…

President Donald Trump on Wednesday approved $25 million in federal disaster assistance to support recovery efforts in Western Alaska following the destructive impacts of Typhoon Halong. The funding follows a request from Mike Dunleavy and Alaska’s congressional delegation, who sought a major disaster declaration after the storms displaced around 2,000 residents and devastated remote villages. The aid will cover initial recovery expenses and unlock further federal assistance, including infrastructure repair, housing reconstruction, and unemployment relief. Some of the hardest-hit communities include Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, where damage assessments show nearly 90 % and 35 % of structures destroyed, respectively. Senators Lisa…

Oil markets shot higher Thursday after the U.S. imposed new sanctions on major Russian oil companies, triggering fresh concerns about global supply disruptions. Key Market Moves Why This Matters The rally comes amid growing geopolitical risks. The U.S. Treasury emphasized the sanctions aim to “degrade” Russia’s war-funding capabilities amid its conflict in Ukraine.Oil markets interpreted the move as a signal of potential longer-term disruption in crude supply, especially if large buyers such as China or India reduce imports from sanctioned firms. Outlook & Risks While the price uptick was strong, some analysts remain cautious. Questions linger over whether Russia can…

A 20-year-old man has died following a shooting inside the Walmart Supercenter in Midtown Anchorage on Monday afternoon, according to the Anchorage Police Department (APD). Police identified the victim as Julius Reape and confirmed that his next of kin have been notified. Officers responded to reports of gunfire just before 2 p.m. at the store located on A Street near Benson Boulevard. According to investigators, two men who knew each other were involved in a verbal exchange near the store’s entrance before one of them fired multiple shots. Reape was struck in the upper body and transported to the hospital,…

The U.S. military announced Wednesday that it struck a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean late Tuesday, marking the first known operation of its kind in the Pacific theatre. According to defense officials, the vessel was operating off the coast of South America and was believed to be en route to the United States with large quantities of narcotics. Two people aboard the boat were killed in the strike, which brought the total number of casualties in what the administration terms a campaign against drug-smuggling vessels to at least 34. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared video footage showing…

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has defended his decision to demolish part of the White House’s East Wing to construct a new $250 million ballroom, calling the ongoing construction “music to my ears” despite increasing backlash from preservation groups and political opponents. Speaking to Republican senators at the White House on Tuesday, Trump said, “You probably hear the beautiful sound of construction in the back… When I hear that sound, it reminds me of money.” The 90,000-square-foot ballroom project is intended for hosting state events, official gatherings, and private functions. The announcement and subsequent demolition work have sparked widespread criticism.…

A ride through the storm-battered village of Kipnuk on a four-wheeler paints a grim picture of the devastation left behind by the remnants of Typhoon Halong. Once a quiet Western Alaska community, Kipnuk is now among the hardest-hit areas in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, where floodwaters and powerful winds tore through homes, roads, and power infrastructure. According to reports, several houses were completely destroyed and many others severely damaged, leaving residents scrambling for safety. The storm forced the evacuation of more than 1,000 people across the region, with many from Kipnuk now seeking refuge in Anchorage or neighboring villages. Local authorities…

The process of microchip assembly is one of the most intricate and precise manufacturing feats in modern technology. Each microchip, the heart of smartphones, computers, and countless digital devices, is built through a series of highly controlled steps that demand absolute accuracy. During assembly, microscopic components are carefully placed onto circuit boards through automated machinery that ensures exact alignment. These components, often smaller than a grain of sand, must connect perfectly to enable seamless electrical communication within the chip. Even the slightest deviation or dust particle can cause failure, making precision and cleanliness vital at every stage. The process typically…

Israel has announced a suspension of humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza, stating the pause will remain in effect “until further notice.” The decision comes amid renewed clashes along the Israel-Hamas frontline. Israeli officials say the halt is a response to security concerns and recent hostilities in the area. Aid agencies and international partners are expressing concern over the impact on Gaza’s already dire humanitarian crisis. Critical supplies, including food, medicine, and fuel, now risk getting stuck on the Israeli side of the border. Israeli authorities stated that the suspension is temporary, but gave no clear timetable for resumption. The move…

The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection is actively assisting in the statewide emergency response to Typhoon Halong, which brought severe flooding and damage to several Western Alaska communities this week. Among the deployed personnel is Alison Kimball, who helped lead the rescue of 18 stranded puppies in Kwigillingok on Tuesday, a heartwarming moment amid the ongoing disaster recovery efforts. The Division continues to coordinate closely with the State Emergency Operations Center, Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and the Alaska National Guard as they mobilize crews to aid with cleanup, debris removal, and long-term community restoration.…

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…