Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

The meeting between the two presidents begins in Washington. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is holding his first high-stakes talks with US President Donald Trump. After meeting Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Lee arrived in Washington aiming to finalize July’s tariff deal and secure investment commitments.  The US had lowered tariffs to 15% with Seoul pledging to purchase $100 billion in American energy and invest $350 billion. Major South Korean conglomerates Samsung, Hyundai, LG and SK contribute $91.2 billion in direct US investments, strengthening economic cooperation. Analysts warn, however, that Trump could unpredictably reshape the deal, leaving investment details vague…

Officials are urging residents to steer clear of the area around Point Higgins Elementary School in Ketchikan following a recent fuel spill. The Ketchikan Gateway Borough confirmed the incident occurred late last week, leading to immediate notifications to state and federal environmental authorities.   Officials stated the US Coast Guard and Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation were contacted to coordinate containment and cleanup operations. Through a social media post, Borough officials announced that remediation efforts had already begun at the affected site to limit environmental damage. Crews worked actively throughout the weekend, cutting brush, pumping contaminated material, and installing containment systems…

The Alaska Solar for All termination program has ignited controversy after the Trump administration canceled $125 million in solar energy grants statewide. The Environmental Protection Agency confirmed it would end the Solar for All program earlier this month due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.  The $7 billion initiative created through the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act aimed to expand solar power nationwide and reduce household energy costs. The Alaska Energy Authority and the Tanana Chiefs’ Conference each secured $62.5 million to deliver solar systems across dozens of communities.  Both groups expected the funding to lower reliance on costly diesel…

The Alaska Bar Association disbarment recommendation against former U.S. District Judge Joshua Kindred followed a board vote without dissent Thursday afternoon. Kindred, once appointed by Donald Trump to Alaska’s federal bench, resigned last year after investigators uncovered serious misconduct and workplace improprieties. The investigation revealed Kindred maintained a sexualized relationship with a law clerk, lied to investigators, and fostered hostility within his chambers. Additional improprieties linked to the U.S. attorney’s office surfaced later, further intensifying scrutiny and damaging confidence in Alaska’s judicial institutions. Bar association president Rebecca Patterson confirmed Kindred refused participation during the inquiry, despite repeated requests for response…

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba hosted Lee Jae Myung in Tokyo on Saturday, welcoming the South Korean president for his official visit. The meeting at the prime minister’s residence emphasized cooperation under a trilateral pact with Washington and highlighted shared security concerns facing both governments today. Ishiba said relations between Tokyo and Seoul remain essential, stressing trilateral ties with Washington as regional threats from North Korea increase. Both leaders pledged to resume shuttle diplomacy, promote working holiday programs, and expand collaboration on defense, artificial intelligence, and economic security sectors. They also vowed closer coordination against Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile threats,…

Donald Trump renewed the sanctions threat on Russia, warning of severe consequences if peace efforts in Ukraine failed to make progress. Trump told reporters he would decide between massive sanctions, heavy tariffs, or doing nothing, depending on Moscow’s actions. His frustration followed a Russian strike on an American-owned Ukrainian factory that injured workers and sparked anger within Washington’s leadership circle. After discussing peace initiatives with Putin in Alaska, Trump previously announced he was arranging a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.  Zelenskyy continued urging Putin to meet, describing direct talks as the only viable path toward negotiating an end…

Alaskan nights grow dark quickly, making pedestrians and cyclists nearly invisible to drivers, but reflective gear can change those dangerous odds. Reflective material allows drivers to see pedestrians from 1,200 feet away, more than 1000 feet farther than light-colored clothing. Alaska DOT&PF created a campaign featuring Bigfoot wearing reflective gear, reminding everyone that being seen at night is legendary safety. The Partners in Safety program addresses crash patterns across Alaska, focusing on pedestrian fatalities and driver behaviour in urban areas like Anchorage. On July 31, at the Tanana Valley State Fair, DOT&PF distributed reflective gear and offered road safety education…

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Friday an important tariff decision easing retaliatory duties on US products but maintaining critical sector tariffs. Carney stated that Canada will remove 25% levies on US consumer goods in accordance with the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, effective September 1. The government intends to establish free trade for most goods while continuing to defend key industries. He emphasized that tariffs will remain on US steel, aluminum, and autos, reflecting their economic importance. Talks with Washington continued as Carney spoke with President Donald Trump by phone on Thursday, their first conversation since missing a trade deadline. Trump…

On Thursday, Anchorage residents witnessed a significant law enforcement operation as federal agents and police surrounded the Chelsea Inn in Spenard. The Chelsea Inn FBI investigation involved Anchorage Police Department officers, FBI agents, and additional agencies working under a federal narcotics search warrant. FBI spokesperson Chloe Martin confirmed that specialized law enforcement units, including multiple SWAT teams, executed the operation alongside Anchorage police partners. Martin said the evidence response team was on scene collecting materials as the operation continued throughout the morning. She clarified that there was no indication of immediate danger to residents and that the investigation posed no…

Alaska’s Attorney General Treg Taylor announced his resignation effective August 29, notifying Department of Law employees in an all-staff email. The resignation positions Taylor to enter Alaska’s increasingly competitive 2026 gubernatorial race, where Governor Mike Dunleavy cannot seek reelection.  Taylor, appointed in 2021 after his two predecessors resigned in scandal, quickly became known for aligning with Republican and Christian conservative causes. His potential candidacy would join a crowded Republican field that already includes former Revenue Commissioner Adam Crum and Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom. Also filing are former Sen Click Bishop, state Sen Shelley Hughes, Mayor Edna DeVries, podiatrist Matt Heilala,…

The United States and European Union finalized Thursday’s agreement to cap tariffs on pharmaceuticals, lumber, and semiconductors at 15%. President Donald Trump previously threatened tariffs as high as 250% on pharmaceuticals and 100% on semiconductors, raising concerns across European industries. The new US-EU trade deal tariffs announcement comes after months of uncertainty. It provides businesses with clarity while signalling stability in transatlantic economic relations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the agreement, calling it a victory for member states, industries, and overall global trade stability. The framework rolls back tariffs on unavailable natural resources, aircraft parts, and generic…

The Anchorage Education Association entered tense discussions with the school district this week after last year’s contract expired. The Anchorage teacher contract negotiations remain ongoing, with union president Corey Aist warning that prolonged delays make working conditions increasingly difficult for educators across the district. Aist explained that early bargaining resolved many non-financial issues productively, yet financial disagreements on pay and benefits remain significantly harder. He emphasized Anchorage’s lack of competitiveness in compensation, pointing to high annual turnover rates and consistent educator resignations as clear evidence. The union’s latest counterproposal seeks higher pay, more substantial health benefits and compensation for teachers…