Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has defended his decision to demolish part of the White House’s East Wing to construct a new $250 million ballroom, calling the ongoing construction “music to my ears” despite increasing backlash from preservation groups and political opponents. Speaking to Republican senators at the White House on Tuesday, Trump said, “You probably hear the beautiful sound of construction in the back… When I hear that sound, it reminds me of money.” The 90,000-square-foot ballroom project is intended for hosting state events, official gatherings, and private functions. The announcement and subsequent demolition work have sparked widespread criticism.…

A ride through the storm-battered village of Kipnuk on a four-wheeler paints a grim picture of the devastation left behind by the remnants of Typhoon Halong. Once a quiet Western Alaska community, Kipnuk is now among the hardest-hit areas in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, where floodwaters and powerful winds tore through homes, roads, and power infrastructure. According to reports, several houses were completely destroyed and many others severely damaged, leaving residents scrambling for safety. The storm forced the evacuation of more than 1,000 people across the region, with many from Kipnuk now seeking refuge in Anchorage or neighboring villages. Local authorities…

The process of microchip assembly is one of the most intricate and precise manufacturing feats in modern technology. Each microchip, the heart of smartphones, computers, and countless digital devices, is built through a series of highly controlled steps that demand absolute accuracy. During assembly, microscopic components are carefully placed onto circuit boards through automated machinery that ensures exact alignment. These components, often smaller than a grain of sand, must connect perfectly to enable seamless electrical communication within the chip. Even the slightest deviation or dust particle can cause failure, making precision and cleanliness vital at every stage. The process typically…

Israel has announced a suspension of humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza, stating the pause will remain in effect “until further notice.” The decision comes amid renewed clashes along the Israel-Hamas frontline. Israeli officials say the halt is a response to security concerns and recent hostilities in the area. Aid agencies and international partners are expressing concern over the impact on Gaza’s already dire humanitarian crisis. Critical supplies, including food, medicine, and fuel, now risk getting stuck on the Israeli side of the border. Israeli authorities stated that the suspension is temporary, but gave no clear timetable for resumption. The move…

The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection is actively assisting in the statewide emergency response to Typhoon Halong, which brought severe flooding and damage to several Western Alaska communities this week. Among the deployed personnel is Alison Kimball, who helped lead the rescue of 18 stranded puppies in Kwigillingok on Tuesday, a heartwarming moment amid the ongoing disaster recovery efforts. The Division continues to coordinate closely with the State Emergency Operations Center, Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and the Alaska National Guard as they mobilize crews to aid with cleanup, debris removal, and long-term community restoration.…

Outdoor enthusiasts heading to Chugach State Park this fall will notice a big change on one of Anchorage’s favorite trails. The Williwaw Lakes Trail has received a major makeover, thanks to a 13-week effort by an Alaska Trails paid crew dedicated to improving access and protecting the environment. The team spent the summer rerouting and reinforcing the popular trail to make it safer, more sustainable, and more enjoyable for hikers of all levels. The upgrades include: The project was made possible through the Chugach Park Fund, a partnership between Alaska State Parks, Alaska Trails, and local supporters who continue to…

Drivers in downtown Anchorage should be prepared for a new traffic pattern affecting Fifth Avenue between E and F Streets. The right lane is fully closed, and motorists are asked to merge at the taper just before E Street. Additionally, the traffic signal at the 5th Avenue and E Street intersection has been temporarily changed to a flashing red on all sides, creating a four-way stop. These changes are part of ongoing roadway work and safety improvements in the downtown area. According to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF), this traffic setup will remain in place for…

In a world where pollution continues to threaten marine life and ecosystems, one global movement has shown that collective action can make a real difference. The #TeamSeas initiative, launched by YouTuber MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) and engineer-turned-creator Mark Rober, has officially surpassed a massive milestone, removing over 34 million pounds of trash from the world’s oceans, rivers, and beaches. How TeamSeas Began Back in October 2021, MrBeast and Mark Rober, both known for using their platforms for large-scale environmental campaigns, unveiled TeamSeas as the spiritual successor to their earlier effort, #TeamTrees, which planted more than 20 million trees worldwide. Their new…

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) has closed Ted Stevens Way from the first bridge through the second bridge after discovering undercut asphalt along the roadway. Undercut asphalt occurs when erosion removes the soil or supporting material beneath pavement, leaving it unstable and potentially hazardous. This condition increases the risk of collapse under vehicle weight, prompting DOT&PF to take immediate action to ensure public safety. Crews are currently assessing and repairing the damaged section, while the department’s bridge inspection team evaluates the nearby bridges to ensure they remain safe for travel. DOT&PF officials urge residents and drivers…

The Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) announced that its offices will be closed on Friday, October 17 in observance of Alaska Day, the annual state holiday that commemorates the formal transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States in 1867. Alaska Day marks one of the most significant events in the state’s history, recognizing the moment when the U.S. flag was first raised in Sitka following the purchase agreement between the two nations. The holiday is celebrated each year with ceremonies, parades, and community gatherings across the state, especially in Sitka where the transfer took place.…

John Bolton, once a national security adviser to President Donald Trump, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Maryland on 18 counts related to the mishandling of classified documents. The charges include eight counts of transmitting national defense information and ten counts of unlawfully retaining such material. Prosecutors allege Bolton shared more than 1,000 pages of diary-style notes, including details from meetings, intelligence briefings, and foreign contacts—with two relatives during and after his government service.Some of these transmissions reportedly happened through personal email and messaging accounts, and federal investigators claim that classified documents were also kept at his…

ANCHORAGE, AK, October 15, 2025. At the request of the State of Alaska, the American Red Cross of Alaska is standing up a shelter in Anchorage for residents displaced by the recent storms in western Alaska. Residents currently at the shelter in Bethel, who evacuated from Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, will be relocated to the shelter in Anchorage. The Red Cross is anticipating sheltering around 300 residents in the immediate future. At this shelter location, residents will receive a safe place to stay, food, emergency relief supplies, emotional support, and health services. The Red Cross will continue to assist with the…