Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

Transportation officials are finalizing a study on the Glen and Seward Highway connection, with results expected by October 2025. The study has gathered over 500 public responses, highlighting strong community interest and concern over neighborhood impacts. Alaska Department of Transportation Project Manager Galen Jones explained that the study aims to determine the need and possible location for a regional highway link. Jone said sub-area recommendations, offering smaller project ideas within affected zones, will likely form the study’s backbone. The Anchorage Transportation Fair featured the study as a key display, drawing attention from residents across the city. Depending on the final…

A proposed bill tied to the Alaska LNG pipeline construction would require a crucial spur line to reduce interior energy bills. Senator Mike Cronk, R-Tok and Northway, is spearheading Senate Bill 114 to prioritize affordable in-state gas distribution before focusing on export profits. Last week, the Senate Resources Committee approved Cronk’s bill and forwarded it to the Senate Finance Committee, even though key funding questions remain unresolved. Cronk and his supporters argue that the spur line is essential for lowering energy bills across households, schools, and local businesses in Alaska’s interior. The discussion gains urgency amid a warning of an…

Former President Joe Biden delivered a forceful speech on Social Security cuts, accusing Donald Trump and Elon Musk of damaging the system Americans rely on. Speaking at a disability advocacy event in Chicago, Biden said that recent federal workforce reductions threaten retirement and disability benefits. Biden referenced staff cuts and office closures to explain how the administration caused damage in less than 100 days. He pointed directly to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), run by Musk, for firing 7,000 Social Security Administration (SSA) employees. Biden warned that the system is becoming inaccessible and accused the administration of trying to…

The United States escalated pressure on Tehran on Tuesday with an Iran nuclear enrichment program demanding a complete end to the uranium activities. Special envoy Steve Witkoff declared that Washington now expects Iran to halt and dismantle its nuclear enrichment and weaponization programs entirely. Just days before an important round of negotiations between American and Iranian officials starts, Witkoffs remarks seem to solidify the US stance. He was adamant in his statement that any final deal must ensure peace. In a Fox News interview, Witkoff implied that Iran may keep enriching uranium to 3.67% for use in civilian electricity. However,…

President Donald Trump reignited controversy on Monday when he claimed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky helped start the Russia war. His comments came a day after a devastating Russian missile strike killed 35 civilians and injured 117 more in Ukraine’s Sumy city.  He named Russian President Vladimir Putin, former President Joe Biden, and Zelensky as equally responsible for the war’s heavy casualties. While describing the Sumy attack as terrible, Trump claimed Russia had likely made a mistake, offering no explanation or evidence. Russian officials said their strike targeted Ukrainian soldiers and killed 60, though they failed to support this with verified…

Tribal communities in Alaska are sounding the alarm as Alaska food program funding cuts threaten food security and local economies. Federal grants totaling over $5.2 million supported the USDA’s Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) program across Alaska’s tribal regions. The LFPA program connected villages like Tyonek to regional food producers, helping build fragile supply chains in remote communities. Tyonek Grown Programs Manager Cayley Eller says their village used LFPA funding to expand local agriculture and feed families year-round. Without direct road access, Tyonek must fly in outside produce, making self-sustained agriculture critical to daily survival and nutrition. Eller emphasized that…

Amid growing backlash, wildlife activists are asking a state judge to stop Alaska’s controversial predator control program this spring immediately. The Alaska Wildlife Alliance filed an urgent request on April 10 for a court order blocking the Department of Fish and Game’s next phase. If granted, the order would halt this year’s planned killing of bears and wolves in Western Alaska’s remote landscape. Since 2002, state officials have killed 180 bears and 19 wolves to help the declining Mulchatna Caribou Herd recover its numbers.  Department leaders insist predators, especially bears, eat too many calves during the caribou calving season, weakening…

A Fort Wainwright soldier was arrested on Friday for murder after the police discovered a man shot in the head inside a Fairbanks apartment. Authorities say 24-year-old Adayus Robertson faces charges of first-degree murder, evidence tampering, and probation violations linked to prior cases. Police responded around 10 a.m. to a report of gunfire at an apartment on 27th Avenue in Fairbanks, Alaska. Joseph Casas, a 37-year-old, was discovered inside by authorities with a gunshot wound to his head; after being brought to the hospital, the staff declared him dead. In a statement, Fairbanks police said Robertson, an active duty soldier…

According to official sources, a catastrophic Russian missile attack on Palm Sunday killed at least 34 civilians. It injured over 100 more, leaving the Ukrainian city of Sumy in a state of mourning. The assault, which started at approximately 10:15 am local time, is the second time in a week that there have been large-scale civilian deaths in Ukraine. Eyewitness accounts and initial reports painted a grim picture of the aftermath, with images showing rows of body bags lining the streets. Rescue workers navigated through debris-strewn areas with the remnants of shattered buildings and burned vehicles. Two children were among…

On Monday, Trump’s Chinese electronics tariffs took a sharp turn as the president dismissed reports of exemptions for certain imports. Over the weekend, a US customs notice listed smartphones, laptops, and electronics excluded from the 125% tariff. However, Trump refuted those claims, stating that the product was simply shifting into a different tariff category. Trump took to social media and emphasized that smartphones and computers would still face levies under a new semiconductor tariff. He stressed that these everyday technologies rely heavily on semiconductors, a key national security focus. He added that updates on this specific levy would be announced…

Alaska officials warn Anchorage residents to prepare after Mount Spurr earthquake swarms signaled a possible volcanic eruption. Over the past week, the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) recorded 55 earthquakes near Mount Spurr, many in swarms. Scientists say swarms and quakes in rapid succession typically suggest that rising magma is stressing and cracking underground rock. AVO´s Matt Haney said an eruption, if it happens, would likely be explosive and push ash plumes up to 50,000 feet. Emergency plans were rolled out across Anchorage, urging 300,000 residents to stock food, pet items, and medical supplies. Stores have seen N95 masks, bottled water,…

In a surprise vote on Friday, the Alaska House dividend cut slashed the proposed Permanent Fund dividend from $3,900 to $1,400. Lawmakers aimed to trim a looming $1.9 billion deficit, reducing it to $400 million with this move. The dramatic vote passed 20-17, shocking many in the Republican minority caucus who weren’t expecting budget action that day. Several Republicans, having been told there would be no votes, were absent when the decision was made. Representative Neal Foster, a Democrat from Nome, joined 16 minority Republicans in opposing the amendment, calling the move harmful and poorly handled. House Minority Leader Mia…