Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

Michael Eugene Archer, better known by his stage name D’Angelo, has died at the age of 51 after a protracted fight with cancer, his family confirmed today.A pioneer of the neo-soul movement, D’Angelo rose to fame in the mid-1990s with his debut album Brown Sugar, which included hits like “Lady” and the title track. He followed that with the acclaimed Voodoo in 2000, featuring the deeply influential track “Untitled (How Does It Feel).” After years away from the spotlight, D’Angelo made a celebrated return in 2014 with the album Black Messiah, combining soulful expression with social and political commentary. His…

In a major upset at the 2025 Shanghai Masters, world-No. 4 Novak Djokovic was defeated in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, by qualifier Valentin Vacherot, ranked No. 204. The match took place in the semifinals on October 11. Vacherot made history with the win, becoming the lowest-ranked player ever to reach an ATP Masters 1000 final since the series began in 1990. He disrupted Djokovic with deft drop shots and long rallies, while Djokovic appeared to struggle physically during the match. Earlier in the same tournament, Djokovic had to battle through tough conditions and once-hot favorites dropping early. Still, many expected…

Fire officials are conducting a planned pile burn today near McKinley Village as part of the ongoing FireWise fuels reduction project aimed at minimizing wildfire risks in the area. The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection is partnering with the McKinley Volunteer Fire Department to carry out the controlled burn safely and effectively. According to officials, this initiative marks the third consecutive year of the fuels reduction project, which plays a crucial role in protecting communities within the wildland-urban interface. Today’s operation includes the burning of 67 debris piles located south of the Denali Park entrance. Weather conditions are…

Alaska State Parks has announced that the Monashka Cabin at Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park is now open for reservations following a full renovation. The newly refreshed cabin is ready to welcome visitors seeking a cozy Kodiak getaway with breathtaking ocean and mountain views. Located beside the beloved Spruce Cabin, the Monashka Cabin combines rustic charm with modern comfort. It’s designed for both short weekend retreats and extended stays, offering an ideal base for recreation and relaxation within one of Kodiak’s most scenic parks. Cabin features include: The cabin’s upgrades are part of Alaska State Parks’ continued efforts to improve…

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is inviting Ketchikan residents to an open house to discuss major proposed improvements along Tongass Avenue and Water Street. The event will be held on Wednesday, October 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Ketchikan Public Library. Officials say community feedback will play a crucial role as the project is still in its early development stages. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the project team, review proposed plans, and share their input directly with engineers and planners. The Tongass Avenue and Water Street Viaducts Project aims to: “We’re still…

The Lady Braves Volleyball team is bringing their energy and determination to Anchorage this weekend as they compete in a series of matches hosted at Grace Christian School. The action kicks off tonight at 8 p.m., with the Lady Braves taking on Grace Christian School in a best-of-five match. Fans in Anchorage are encouraged to come out and cheer on the team as they open their weekend of competition. On Friday and Saturday, the Lady Braves will return to Grace Christian School for tournament play. Pool play begins at 11:10 a.m. on Friday, with several matches scheduled throughout the day.…

Aaron Judge delivered again when it counted: in Game 3 of the ALDS, Judge crushed a dramatic three-run homer off the left-field foul pole, tying the game and helping the Yankees rally from a 6-1 deficit to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 9-6. His swing came on an inside fastball from Louis Varland, clocked at 99.7 mph, and it was Judge’s first postseason home run of 2025. He went 3-for-4 with four RBIs in that game. Still, Judge’s heroics weren’t enough to carry the Yankees all the way. New York was eliminated in Game 4, falling 5-2 and ending their…

The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is inviting residents to join in some winter fun with the launch of the 2025–26 “Name a Snowplow” Contest! This year’s contest focuses on one of Alaska’s snowiest and most iconic locations, Thompson Pass, known for its heavy snowfall and dramatic winter conditions. Alaskans are encouraged to submit their most creative, clever, or downright hilarious names for a snowplow that will take on the mighty challenge of keeping the pass clear.The deadline to submit names is October 31, with the winning name to be announced on November 15. The selected name…

A strong storm system is slamming into Alaska’s West Coast, prompting urgent warnings from state and federal agencies as coastal flooding and high winds threaten several communities. According to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF), crews are closely monitoring conditions and preparing to respond to potential impacts, including road closures, flooding, and debris. Residents across coastal areas are urged to follow evacuation orders immediately if directed by local officials. “Floodwaters can rise and block routes without warning,” the department cautioned. Authorities also reminded the public to move to higher ground early if flooding is possible and to…

Welcome to this week’s seismic update from the Alaska Earthquake Center, where scientists monitor ground shaking across the state 24/7. Highlights from This Week Remembering the 1995 Minto Flats Earthquake This week also marks the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Minto Flats earthquake (Magnitude 6). Many Fairbanks residents still remember the vigorous shaking that day. The Minto Flats region sits between two major strike-slip fault systems, making it capable of producing earthquakes larger than magnitude 7. Over the past century, this area has experienced several notable seismic events. A Scientifically Unique Region What makes Minto Flats especially interesting is a…

Long before his gruesome crimes shocked the nation, Ed Gein, the man who inspired Psycho and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, was just a quiet handyman living with his mother on a lonely Wisconsin farm. But one mystery from his early life still sends chills through true crime fans: did Ed Gein actually kill his own brother? Let’s rewind to May 16, 1944. A brush fire broke out near the Gein property. Ed and his older brother, Henry, went out to battle the flames. When the fire was finally under control, Ed reported Henry missing, and led police directly to his…

Drivers traveling along the Sterling Highway near Sportsman’s Landing should prepare for lane restrictions and delays this week as geotechnical crews conduct drilling operations between mileposts 55 and 56.According to the Alaska Department of Transportation, the work will take place daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., October 8 through October 15, as part of the Sterling Highway MP 45–60 Project (Cooper Landing Bypass).Flaggers will be stationed in the area to direct traffic, and motorists are urged to slow down, follow signage, and stay alert for crews and heavy equipment operating along the road.The DOT reminds travelers that this work…