Arctic Defense & Logistics: Exercise Kodiak Mace showed U.S. forces building sustained Arctic aviation capability in Alaska, with KC-130J refueling and ski-capable helicopters supporting high-readiness operations in remote conditions. Cruise Industry: Alaska is projected to draw about 1.7 million cruise passengers this year as lines renovate ships and add destination-focused programming to stand out in a more competitive market. Energy Regulation: A 9th Circuit ruling lets Alaska regulators publicly disclose ConocoPhillips’ North Slope well data after a 24-month confidentiality period, a win for transparency that ConocoPhillips is reviewing. Public Access & Power Costs: Alaska Power Company sued a Gustavus luxury lodge over alleged blockage of a recreation easement tied to its Falls Creek hydro license, warning that losing the license could force costlier diesel generation. Infrastructure & Housing: Tutor Perini’s Perini Management Services won an $81.8M U.S. Coast Guard contract for Base Kodiak family housing and water infrastructure, with work starting now and major completion targeted for 2028. Local Construction: Anchorage broke ground on the $5M Town Square Park remodel, funded by voter-approved bonds and donations, aiming for safer, year-round downtown activity. Climate & Food Safety: Northern Bering Sea warming is raising concerns about algal toxins, with Nome students reporting low but detectable toxin levels in fish used for subsistence. School Facilities: Alaska lawmakers approved a major jump in school construction and maintenance funding—over $148M in FY27 versus $40M in FY26—after reports of serious building health and safety problems. Summer Meals: Anchorage School District is running a summer food program at select schools, continuing free meals for eligible kids during the break. Heat Pumps Rollout: A federal heat-pump grant for coastal Alaska is moving slowly, with fewer than 600 applications and only about 100 installations so far, as the funding deadline approaches.