Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

Aaron Judge delivered again when it counted: in Game 3 of the ALDS, Judge crushed a dramatic three-run homer off the left-field foul pole, tying the game and helping the Yankees rally from a 6-1 deficit to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 9-6. His swing came on an inside fastball from Louis Varland, clocked at 99.7 mph, and it was Judge’s first postseason home run of 2025. He went 3-for-4 with four RBIs in that game. Still, Judge’s heroics weren’t enough to carry the Yankees all the way. New York was eliminated in Game 4, falling 5-2 and ending their…

The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is inviting residents to join in some winter fun with the launch of the 2025–26 “Name a Snowplow” Contest! This year’s contest focuses on one of Alaska’s snowiest and most iconic locations, Thompson Pass, known for its heavy snowfall and dramatic winter conditions. Alaskans are encouraged to submit their most creative, clever, or downright hilarious names for a snowplow that will take on the mighty challenge of keeping the pass clear.The deadline to submit names is October 31, with the winning name to be announced on November 15. The selected name…

A strong storm system is slamming into Alaska’s West Coast, prompting urgent warnings from state and federal agencies as coastal flooding and high winds threaten several communities. According to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF), crews are closely monitoring conditions and preparing to respond to potential impacts, including road closures, flooding, and debris. Residents across coastal areas are urged to follow evacuation orders immediately if directed by local officials. “Floodwaters can rise and block routes without warning,” the department cautioned. Authorities also reminded the public to move to higher ground early if flooding is possible and to…

Welcome to this week’s seismic update from the Alaska Earthquake Center, where scientists monitor ground shaking across the state 24/7. Highlights from This Week Remembering the 1995 Minto Flats Earthquake This week also marks the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Minto Flats earthquake (Magnitude 6). Many Fairbanks residents still remember the vigorous shaking that day. The Minto Flats region sits between two major strike-slip fault systems, making it capable of producing earthquakes larger than magnitude 7. Over the past century, this area has experienced several notable seismic events. A Scientifically Unique Region What makes Minto Flats especially interesting is a…

Long before his gruesome crimes shocked the nation, Ed Gein, the man who inspired Psycho and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, was just a quiet handyman living with his mother on a lonely Wisconsin farm. But one mystery from his early life still sends chills through true crime fans: did Ed Gein actually kill his own brother? Let’s rewind to May 16, 1944. A brush fire broke out near the Gein property. Ed and his older brother, Henry, went out to battle the flames. When the fire was finally under control, Ed reported Henry missing, and led police directly to his…

Drivers traveling along the Sterling Highway near Sportsman’s Landing should prepare for lane restrictions and delays this week as geotechnical crews conduct drilling operations between mileposts 55 and 56.According to the Alaska Department of Transportation, the work will take place daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., October 8 through October 15, as part of the Sterling Highway MP 45–60 Project (Cooper Landing Bypass).Flaggers will be stationed in the area to direct traffic, and motorists are urged to slow down, follow signage, and stay alert for crews and heavy equipment operating along the road.The DOT reminds travelers that this work…

Multiple head of cattle have been struck by vehicles along Highway 14A in the Hunt Mountain area over the past 24 hours, according to local reports. Early Tuesday morning, a truck collided with two cows on the highway. The animals perished in the incident, but the driver declined medical treatment offered by emergency medical services (EMS) at the scene. Officials note this is the time of year when ranchers are moving cattle down from the mountains. During this process, a few animals can become separated from the herd and remain in open range areas. Authorities are reminding motorists that stray…

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is hosting a hands-on Rifle Cleaning and Maintenance class on Wednesday, October 22, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Endo Shooting Range. The class is designed to teach participants essential firearm care techniques, including how to properly clean, inspect, and maintain rifles for safe and reliable performance. All necessary materials — including firearms — will be provided. The event is open to individuals ages 10 and older, though children under 16 must be accompanied by an enrolled adult. The cost of participation is $10 per person, offering an affordable opportunity…

Alaska is beginning to feel the strain as the federal government shutdown enters its first week, with rural transportation, wildlife operations, and federal offices facing disruptions across the state. Federal offices on the Kenai Peninsula and beyond have closed their doors, halting public services at places like the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has suspended most permitting activities, while hundreds of employees have been furloughed. Meanwhile, essential federal workers, including air traffic controllers, TSA officers, and active-duty military members, continue working without pay. The U.S. Department of Transportation has…

In a major development for Alaska energy and mining sectors, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order Monday approving the 211-mile access road to the Ambler Mining District. The decision reverses the 2024 rejection of the road under the Biden administration. The project is designed to open remote Northwest Alaska’s copper, cobalt, gold, zinc, and other critical mineral deposits. The U.S. government has committed $35.6 million to Trilogy Metals, acquiring a 10% ownership stake and warrants for an additional 7.5%. Supporters, including Alaska’s congressional delegation and state officials, praise the move as a boon for economic growth, jobs, and…

Yakutat, Alaska – September 31, 2025 – The Alaska Earthquake Center has brought back to life one of its long-silent monitoring stations, restoring a key part of the state’s seismic network in the Deception Hills near Yakutat. After nearly ten years offline, station DCPH is now active again. The site fills a major gap in earthquake and tsunami monitoring for southeast Alaska. A region that faces both onshore fault activity and offshore subduction earthquakes. The Earthquake Center’s field crew ended their summer work by repairing and reconnecting the DCPH station. The process was not easy. Over the years, the site…

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) announced Monday a landmark multi-year deal to supply artificial intelligence chips to OpenAI, with the added incentive of a warrant allowing OpenAI to acquire up to 10% of AMD if certain milestones are met. Under the agreement, AMD will deploy six gigawatts of GPU computing power over several years beginning in the second half of 2026. The first phase involves rolling out one gigawatt of infrastructure. The warrant gives OpenAI the right to purchase up to 160 million shares of AMD common stock at $0.01 per share, contingent on performance benchmarks such as chip shipments and…