Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

A graduate student studying Arctic research has filed a lawsuit against the University of Alaska Fairbanks, alleging the university failed to properly address claims of discrimination and retaliation during their time in the program. According to court documents, the student, identified only by initials in some filings, claims that despite reporting discriminatory treatment by faculty and staff, the university’s response was inadequate, leaving them subjected to a hostile academic environment that hindered their educational progress. The lawsuit asserts that the student repeatedly sought help through internal complaint procedures, alleging bias that they say was based on protected characteristics, but that…

Alaska snowboarder Nathan Paré, a native of Bethel, was disqualified in the quarterfinal round of the Olympic snowboard cross competition after drawing strong attention with a spirited run. Paré, who earned acclaim for advancing through the early rounds at the Winter Olympics, was competing among the world’s top snowboard cross athletes when officials ruled that he violated a racing rule during Wednesday’s quarterfinal heat. The disqualification came after video review and consultation by the race jury. Snowboard cross, a high-speed head-to-head racing discipline where competitors navigate jumps, rollers, and banked turns, demands precision and timing. In the quarterfinal, Paré appeared…

Procedural objections almost stopped the Alaska Legislature from extending the state’s ongoing disaster declaration during a contentious session this week. Lawmakers debated whether to continue the disaster emergency order, which has been in effect for months following severe weather and flooding events that impacted communities across the state. Supporters argued that extending the declaration was necessary to maintain access to federal funding and emergency response authority. However, procedural challenges from some legislators nearly derailed the effort, with objections raised over how the extension measure was brought to the floor. Critics said they were concerned about the scope and duration of…

A new state drug enforcement report shows that most illegal drugs seized in Alaska last year entered the state through Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. According to the Alaska Department of Public Safety, hundreds of pounds of narcotics were intercepted at the airport in 2025, including significant amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin. Officials say Anchorage’s role as a major cargo and passenger hub makes it a key entry point for drug trafficking into Alaska. Law enforcement agencies have increased interdiction efforts at the airport and through mail shipments, working alongside federal partners to slow the flow of illicit substances…

Veteran musher Josi Shelley is leading the pack in the 2026 Yukon Quest Alaska 750, with competitors pushing toward the halfway point of the grueling 750-mile sled dog race through Interior Alaska. As of Wednesday afternoon, Shelley racing with bib number six, had traveled roughly 370 miles and held a clear advantage over her rivals, with Stevens Village as the next major checkpoint on her route. Five mushers remain in the competition after Keaton Loebrich scratched on Sunday night to protect the health of his dog team. Following Shelley, Jeff Deeter (bib four) and Jonah Bacon (bib five) were making…

Eight people are confirmed dead and dozens injured following a mass shooting at a school and nearby residence in British Columbia, authorities said. Police responded to reports of gunfire earlier today and secured both locations. Emergency crews transported multiple victims to area hospitals, with several reported in critical condition. Officials confirmed the suspect is in custody. The motive remains under investigation. Schools in the area were placed on lockdown as a precaution, and crisis support teams have been deployed for students, families, and staff. Also Read: Two Guardsmen Critical After Targeted Shooting Near White House Provincial leaders called the attack…

Alaskans looking to try their hand at ice fishing this winter will have two opportunities to learn the basics during upcoming beginner classes hosted by Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) Alaska. The outdoor education program is offering two identical Ice Fishing 101 sessions designed for beginners. Both classes will be held entirely outdoors and will provide hands-on instruction in a supportive, small-group setting. The first session is scheduled for February 27, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration for that class opens on February 9 at 9 a.m. A second session will take place on March 7, 2026, from…

A renewed debate over chum salmon bycatch in Alaska’s Bering Sea pollock fishery is drawing national attention as a U.S. lawmaker calls for strict limits to protect struggling salmon stocks. Rep. Nick Begich III is advocating for “hard caps” on chum salmon bycatch, which would set firm limits on how many salmon can be incidentally caught during pollock fishing operations. Supporters argue that stronger protections are necessary as Western and Interior Alaska chum runs continue to decline, affecting subsistence users and local communities. The North Pacific Fishery Management Council is reviewing options that include hard caps, incentive-based agreements, and improved…

Welcome to your seismic update from across the state. Over the past week, we recorded about 700 seismic events. Three were reported as felt, the largest of which was a magnitude 4.6 on February 10th near Wasilla. We’re often asked about how we collaborate with other agencies. This week, we highlight the U.S. Geological Survey, or USGS. To sum up, USGS support enables much of what we do, and we ensure they fulfill their mission to monitor seismic activity nationwide. Following the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake, the USGS was among several agencies that established seismic networks in the state. With…

Delta Powersports Fairbanks will celebrate women in the powersports community later this month with a special Women in Powersports Appreciation Day, highlighting connection, learning, and local entrepreneurship. The event is scheduled for Friday, February 28, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and will take place at Delta Powersports Fairbanks. Open to the public, the gathering aims to bring together women who ride, work in, or support the powersports industry across Interior Alaska. Organizers say the event is designed as a space to connect, support, and learn, while also showcasing locally owned, women-led small businesses and vendors. Attendees will have the…

Outdoor enthusiasts planning winter recreation in the Anchorage area will have an opportunity to build critical safety skills during a free Avalanche Rescue Workshop hosted by Alaska State Parks at the Glen Alps Trailhead in Chugach State Park. The hands-on workshop is designed to teach basic avalanche rescue techniques and preparedness, emphasizing the importance of avalanche awareness for anyone traveling in winter terrain. The event is open to participants of all experience levels and is especially valuable for hikers, skiers, snowshoers, and backcountry users. The workshop will take place on Sunday, February 15, 2026, and will be offered in two…

Love is in the air at Great Harvest Bread Co, where the local bakery has announced its Valentine’s Week Specials running from February 9 through February 14, 2026. The limited-time menu offers a festive lineup of baked goods designed to make Valentine’s Day gifting both simple and sweet. At the center of this year’s offerings is the Sweetheart Basket, a curated assortment of Valentine-themed favorites perfect for sharing with loved ones. Customers can also enjoy a variety of seasonal baked treats that will be available daily throughout the week. The Valentine’s Week menu includes White Chocolate Cherry Bread, rich Chocolate…