Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

The Tundra Drums Staff is a team of writers and editors who are passionate about bringing you the latest and most reliable news from Alaska and around the world. We make sure each story is easy to understand, clear, and based on trustworthy sources. Our goal is to keep you informed with news that matters and helps you stay connected to the world.

utility

A national climate and energy advocacy organization has released a social media graphic drawing attention to rising utility costs. The image, posted by Climate Power, states that utility prices have increased by 13% under former President Donald Trump. The post features a winter scene of snow-covered vehicles and roadways, alongside the caption, “Happy holidays, right?” The organization did not include additional context or data sources within the graphic itself. Climate Power frequently publishes digital content focused on energy costs, climate policy, and environmental issues. The post is part of an ongoing series in which the group highlights economic and energy-related…

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Alaska-budget-landscape

Anchorage, AK (Dec 11, 2025) — Tom Begich issued the following statement today in response to the Governor’s early release of FY2027 budget highlights: “I appreciate the Governor releasing his intentions early. But once again, he is signaling a full Permanent Fund Dividend without addressing how we will fund the basic services Alaskans count on. The dividend matters because it helps many families make ends meet. But it has to be part of a responsible plan, not something that forces cuts to schools, public safety, or healthcare.” A Responsible, Transparent Fiscal Approach The preliminary outline does not yet show how…

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Storm-recovery-in-coastal-Alaska

December 12, 2025DR-4893-AK NR-008FEMA News Desk: (425) 487-4610Email: fema-r10-newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Under the direction of United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, FEMA has obligated over $3 million in emergency housing funds to support Alaskans displaced by severe storms, flooding, and remnants of Typhoon Halong, October 8-13, 2025. The assistance, provided under FEMA’s Public Assistance program, includes $2,971,062 for non-congregate sheltering. Non-congregate sheltering allows displaced survivors to stay in hotel rooms. This form of sheltering offers survivors privacy as they work toward their long-term recovery. The assistance also includes $410,565 for congregate or group sheltering. Local and Tribal governments,…

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tesla charging station

While electric vehicle use remains limited in the immediate Nenana area, officials noted that the technology is advancing quickly, and establishing reliable charging infrastructure is essential for long-term transportation planning. The new Supercharger site is expected to support both local users and travelers driving through the region. In addition to expanding infrastructure, the project will contribute lease revenue and sales tax income to the municipality. Local officials also highlighted secondary economic benefits, as EV drivers charging their vehicles will be within walking distance of nearby businesses during both summer and winter months. Installation of the station was completed by Legacy…

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bark in the park 1

Alaska State Parks is reminding Mat-Su residents that Bark in the Park will be held tomorrow, Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Finger Lake State Recreation Area. The annual community event invites pet owners to bring their dogs for a festive winter gathering featuring seasonal activities and local partner support. Planned attractions include holiday photos with Santa, hot beverages, a warming fire, and human gift items provided by participating organizations. Dogs from Mat-Su Borough Animal Care will be available for adoption during the event. Attendees can also enjoy raffle prizes and giveaways from local…

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women riffle

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Alaska has opened registration for its upcoming Women’s Rimfire Rifle Club, a four-week program scheduled for Tuesdays in January. The course is designed to offer structured, target-style shooting practice for women interested in gaining confidence and experience with rimfire rifles. Sessions will take place on January 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the ADF&G Indoor Shooting Range in Fairbanks. Participants are required to attend all four sessions. The registration fee for the program is $55. Attendees may bring their own firearm or borrow one from the event’s equipment fleet. A Hunter…

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snow

Fairbanks has received at least six inches of snow since Tuesday, and snowfall continued into Wednesday morning, prompting transportation crews to begin early plowing operations ahead of the morning commute. Priority 1 routes are receiving initial attention as crews work to keep major roads passable during ongoing winter weather. According to transportation officials, Fairbanks International Airport remains open, with maintenance teams actively clearing runways and taxiways to maintain safe aviation operations. Road conditions across the region remain challenging. Many routes are snow-covered and icy, and visibility may change rapidly as snow continues to fall. Drivers are encouraged to use caution,…

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Sales teams handle many responsibilities each day — making calls, sending emails, following up with leads, updating records, and preparing reports. But one thing takes a huge amount of time: repetitive outreach tasks. These are the routine actions that must be done again and again for every prospect. Salesloft helps solve this problem. It is a modern sales engagement platform that allows teams to automate repetitive tasks, stay organized, and communicate with prospects faster. When used properly, it can save hours every week and help revenue teams focus on what really matters — building relationships and closing deals. This guide…

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claim pets

State officials are issuing an urgent reminder for owners to claim pets displaced during the 2025 West Coast Storms, with a firm deadline of December 15. After this date, any unclaimed dogs will be spayed or neutered and made available for adoption. According to the Office of the State Veterinarian, dozens of dogs remain unclaimed despite significant reunification efforts. Pet owners are being asked to check immediately for their missing animals and verify foster care information if their dogs have already been located. Residents are urged to visit AlaskaTyphoonDogs.org to view photos of unclaimed pets. Anyone who recognizes their dog,…

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Caribou

The Western Arctic Caribou Herd Working Group has designated the herd’s population status as “Critical and Declining” following the release of the 2025 population estimate. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has reported a count of 121,000 caribou, reflecting continued downward trends observed over recent years. With the updated population figure now confirmed, the Working Group will begin discussing potential management actions aimed at stabilizing and supporting the herd. The Western Arctic Caribou Herd is one of Alaska’s largest and most culturally significant herds, used by numerous communities across Northwest Alaska for food security and traditional practices. Agencies…

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blanket Donation 1

Anchorage Animal Care & Control is asking the public for blanket donations to help keep animals warm during the current period of cold weather. With temperatures falling across the region, the shelter reports a growing need for additional bedding to provide comfort and warmth for the animals in its care. Staff noted that donated blankets help maintain a safe and supportive environment for shelter animals, particularly during extended cold spells. Also Read: Alaska Democrats Launch Food Drive to Support Families Impacted by Government Shutdown Residents are encouraged to donate clean, usable blankets during the holiday season to support the shelter’s…

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chitina fishing

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is reminding personal-use dipnetters who participated in the Chitina fishery that the deadline to submit harvest reports or appeals is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, December 15. Individuals who did not file a harvest report for the season have been placed on the Failure to Report (FTR) list, which makes them ineligible to receive a personal-use permit for the upcoming year unless the issue is resolved. ADF&G advises that anyone who received a Chitina personal-use dipnetting permit must submit a harvest report, even if they did not fish or did not catch any…

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