Arctic Energy Oversight: The U.S. Interior Department proposed updated rules for exploratory oil and gas drilling on the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf, aiming to modernize monitoring and spill-response planning while opening a 90-day public comment period. Arctic Climate Signals: New climate reporting highlights Alaska’s warming trend as part of a faster-heating Arctic, with researchers pointing to a shift toward warmer, wetter conditions and more vegetation. Shipping Power Shift: China is testing a regular China-to-Europe route through the Northern Sea Route, potentially reshaping Arctic shipping while navigating sanctions and geopolitical risk. Spaceport Tech: Rocket Lab unveiled its containerized GHOST system, designed to make orbital launch infrastructure more deployable for fast setup. STEM Education & Workforce: UAF could benefit from a major federal push to expand mining education capacity, with the DOE targeting critical-tech training through accredited mining schools. Alaska Fisheries Politics: A Senate race debate is heating up around bycatch and trawling rules, with candidates using research and regulation proposals to frame Alaska’s fisheries future. Local Leadership: Ketchikan’s new city manager, Abner Hoage, brings emergency-operations experience to city governance. AI & Aviation Scrutiny: Congress is asking major airlines, including Alaska Airlines, to explain whether AI and consumer data influence the fares people see.