Arctic Oil Leasing Deal: The federal government agreed to permanently loosen oil and gas lease limits in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, ending parts of the 2025 restrictions that left the 2025 lease sale with no bids—setting up a major shift for development in the Coastal Plain. Arctic Science Under Pressure: The Trump administration backed off plans to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative after the “Saving the OOI Act” passed, keeping a key ocean and climate monitoring network running off Alaska and the Pacific. Wildlife and Health Watch: NOAA says Pacific gray whale deaths are rising, with 13 strandings in Alaska so far this year, while Fairbanks researchers are also tracking “swimmer’s itch” and asking residents for reports as climate may be affecting parasite spread. Local Wildlife Conflicts: A bear foraged for peaches at JBER’s commissary, and officials say habituation remains a serious risk for bears near people. Salmon Season Update: Sockeye sport fishing is starting strong at Fish Creek, with Mat-Su dipnet openings and continued king salmon shortfalls driving closures and restrictions. Community Funding: Kodiak’s Tangirnaq Native Village received a $300,000 Rasmuson Foundation grant to finish its Katurgwik cultural center. Public Lands Voice: A BLM grazing rule proposal would change how western rangelands are managed, and the public comment period closes July 13.