Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

US Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. defended his controversial vaccine funding cut at a Tuesday news conference in Anchorage. Speaking at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium headquarters, Kennedy claimed mRNA COVID-19 vaccines prolonged the pandemic rather than ending it. He argued the virus mutated in a way that rendered early vaccines ineffective, despite evidence showing updated versions protected against severe illness and death. Kennedy said the Department of Health will redirect roughly $500 million in federal funds toward developing a “universal vaccine” instead. He insisted this new approach would use “much safer” and “better technology,” challenging decades of established…

Starting this August, field crews will launch the Glenn Highway archaeological survey for the Arctic Avenue to Palmer-Fishhook Road Safety & Capacity Improvements (AA2PF) project. Crews will walk the public at night and dig shallow shovel test pits to check for historic or cultural remains in the soil. Each step of the work ensures the land’s cultural history is respected before safety and capacity upgrades begin on the Glenn Highway. This Survey will help project teams decide how to move forward responsibly and with minimal disturbances. Residents may see crews conducting work, but no major disruptions are expected.

A devastating Uttarakhand flash flood and cloudburst on Tuesday afternoon swept through Dharali village, killing at least four and leaving many missing. The cloudburst triggered a violent surge on the Kheerganga River, unleashing torrents of muddy water through the mountainous region of Uttarkashi. Residents screamed and fled as the dark wave crashed into buildings, temples and homes, catching dozens by surprise during a festival. Officials confirmed that over 100 people remain missing, including at least eight soldiers stationed at a nearby army camp in Harsali. The disaster also disrupted communications, blocking access to the village and cutting power, leaving emergency…

Mayor Grier Hopkins delivered his first State of the Borough address on Tuesday at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon. He opened by emphasizing collaboration and then moved quickly into the borough’s key challenges and current economic standing. Hopkins acknowledged recent difficulties, including wildfire threats, but assured the audience that the borough remains financially stable and forward-focused. Addressing the closure of Pearl Creek Elementary School, Hopkins confirmed that the building now falls under the borough’s legal responsibility.  He said many community members want the site converted into a charter or magnet school, and he fully supports that idea. Hopkins confirmed that…

Governor Mike Dunleavy arrived in Juneau last weekend with a visible mark on his forehead, prompting questions from reporters. He told the press after lawmakers overturned two of his vetoes that the mark resulted from a skin cancer surgery.  He further clarified that the injury stemmed from a recent procedure to treat basal cell carcinoma, a common recurring skin cancer. The governor previously underwent similar treatments in 2019 and 2023 for the same skin condition. While speaking with reporters, he laughed about his childhood habits, saying he didn’t wear enough sunscreen during his younger years. He then offered advice, urging…

President Donald Trump slammed Jaguar’s Land Rover ad as woke and stupid following a leadership change at the automaker. Trump posted the comments on social media Monday evening, shortly after JLR named PB Balaji its incoming chief executive. The president accused the company of being in absolute turmoil, adding that its current CEO has resigned in disgrace. Trump criticized the brand’s recent ad, which features diverse models in bold outfits, saying it alienates potential luxury buyers.  Balaji will become JLR’s first Indian CEO in November after current CEO Adrian Mardell steps down following a 35-year career. Mardell led the rebranding…

Senator Lisa Murkowski hinted at a possible run for Alaska governor as an open question for 2026. Speaking Monday in her Anchorage office, Murkowski told reporters, “Sure,” when asked whether she’s considering entering the race. She described the comment as a little flippant, but she didn’t rule it out entirely. The senator emphasized that her current Senate duties demand a full-time commitment and will remain her immediate focus for the foreseeable future. Governor Mike Dunleavy, a Republican, cannot run again due to term limits. The field of GOP hopefuls for 2026 already includes seven declared candidates. Those candidates include Lt.…

Most Alaska lawmakers have already left Juneau, but the special legislative session remains technically active until August 19. On Saturday, legislators overrode two of Governor Mike Dunleavy’s vetoes and passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 101 to allow an extended break. The Alaska Constitution forbids recesses longer than three days without approval from both chambers. Representative Will Stapp of Fairbanks opposed the resolution and immediately filed for a re-vote, which would ordinarily occur the next day. However, the reconsideration becomes irrelevant since lawmakers are not scheduled to reconvene until August 19. Republican minority members, including Stapp, wanted lawmakers to stay in session…

Kenai River Flats will be closed for construction beginning August 4 as a new infrastructure project prepares to upgrade the site through late September. Alaska’s Department of Transportation (DOT), with funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), will oversee the project’s execution. Crews will repave the lot, apply fresh striping, and install an Elevated Light-Penetrating (ELP) walkway for safe river access. The new ELP structure will help protect the habitat while giving anglers and visitors better mobility along the riverfront. The Design & Construction team will work through September 30 to complete these improvements, which require a full closure. Officials…

Australian researchers have revealed that honeybee venom kills aggressive breast cancer cells in lab tests with minimal damage to healthy cells. The groundbreaking study was led by Dr Ciara Duffy at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research in Western Australia and published in Nature Precision Oncology.  Dr. Duffy and her team used venom from 312 honeybees and bumblebees collected in Australia, Ireland and England to test its effects on various breast cancer subtypes. These included hormone receptor-positive HER2-enriched and the particularly hard-to-treat triple-negative breast cancer. The team focused on a compound called melittin, a small peptide found in honeybee…

Alaska will issue the final round of stimulus check 2025 payments to qualifying residents later this August. The Alaska Department of Revenue confirmed that eligible applicants will receive their checks on August 21 if their status qualifies. This year’s checks include an annual dividend of $1,440 plus a $262 energy relief bonus, bringing the total to $1,702. Only Alaskans whose Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) status reads “Eligible-Not Paid” on August 13 will receive this last payment. Officials began distributing the 2025 PFD checks earlier this year, with two payment rounds completed before August. According to officials, direct deposit recipients will…

Two workers remain hospitalized after a sudden fire broke out Friday afternoon at a ConocoPhillips site near Alpine, Alaska. According to the company, a localized flash fire erupted at the Alpine Central Facility around 2:30 p.m., injuring three employees. As soon as the fire broke out all operations in the affected area were immediately shut down to prioritize employee safety and response. The injured workers received emergency treatment at the Alpine Medical Clinic before they were airlifted to an Anchorage hospital for care. According to the latest update from Conocophillips, one injured person had recovered enough to be released by…