Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

The Alaska Humanities Forum federal grant cut has forced the organization to scale back deeply rooted community programs across the state. On April 2, the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) sent a letter abruptly terminating federal grants without following the usual notification process. The NEH justified the immediate cut due to urgent fiscal priorities, calling the move necessary to protect federal interests. This action eliminated funding for the Forum and other cultural entities like the Museum of the Aleutians. Kameron Perez-Verdia, the Forum’s president, said the decision would hurt rural Alaskan communities relying on cross-cultural support. For decades, the…

With just weeks left in the session, lawmakers are scrambling to finalize Alaska’s state budget for 2024 amid rising fiscal concerns. The House approved a draft operating budget last week that creates a $1.9 billion deficit starting July 1 this year. Lawmakers expect to use the Constitutional Budget Reserve (CBR) to fill that gap, though it needs a supermajority to access. At the same time, the Senate continues reviewing the capital budget, aimed primarily at unlocking much-needed federal infrastructure grants. Legislators also advanced a supplemental budget to fix a current-year deficit nearing $200 million before the fiscal year ends June…

Late Monday night, senior Department of Health and Human Services officials received surprise emails offering sudden job reassignments to IHS posts. The emails sent by Deputy Assistant Secretary Thomas J. Nagy Jr. framed the move as an effort to serve tribal communities. HHS described the reassignments as a necessary shift to strengthen healthcare services for American Indian and Alaskan Native populations. However, health leaders and public health advocates argue that this was part of a broader, coordinated HHS reassignment controversy targeting senior officials. Nine federal health leaders confirmed receiving the reassignment offers, though sources suggest the number could be higher.…

Many NANA shareholders have opposed the corporation’s contracts with immigrant detention centers. These shareholders say the work contradicts core Iñupiaq values and harms the company’s integrity. NANA, a regional Alaska Native corporation based in Northwest Alaska, owns Akima, a principal federal contractor. Akima and its subsidiaries account for nearly 80% of NANA’s revenue, which totaled $2.8 billion in 2024.  One of Akima’s subsidiaries, Akima Infrastructure Protection, secured a $163 million contract in 2023 to run a migrant detention facility at Guantánamo Bay. The contract sparked a backlash among NANA shareholders, especially after the Guardian reported civil rights concerns at other…

Description: This article explains why truck accidents are so devastating, covering their causes, severe impact, and the importance of legal assistance for victims seeking compensation. Truck accidents are among the most severe road crashes, often resulting in life-altering injuries and fatalities. Due to their enormous size and weight, trucks can cause significant damage when they collide with smaller vehicles. Victims of such accidents often face long-term health issues, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. Bozeman, Montana, is a growing city known for its beautiful landscapes and thriving businesses. With its increasing population and commercial activities, the number of trucks on the…

To be eligible for the yearly payout, Alaskans must apply for the 2025 Alaska Permanent Fund dividend by Monday, March 31. The deadline for online applications is 11:59 pm Monday Alaska time, and mailed forms must be postmarked by March 31 at the latest. The application link and other information can be found at pfd.alaska.gov. The offices will be open to help people from 9 am to 4 pm on March 31, despite it being a state holiday known as Seward’s Day. Officials advise timely submissions to prevent last-minute issues. The exact amount of this year’s dividend will remain unknown…

The proposed legislation would raise financing for Alaska school districts that provide early learning programs for children aged 3 to 5. The Alaska Senate is now reviewing Senate Bill 93, which aims to increase star financing for districts participating in Alaska Reads Act early education programs. The measure’s goal is to replace the present half-funding scheme with full per-student financing, which would match that of other Alaskan public school pupils. These programs concentrate on early literacy from pre-K to grade 3 to enhance reading abilities and academic preparedness. Senator Löki Tobin, D-Anchorage, who sponsors the bill, highlighted the significant return…