Arctic Health Preparedness: JBER hosted the Below Zero Medicine Conference, spotlighting gaps in emergency care in extreme cold and pushing for better research and training for both military and civilian responders. PFAS in Marine Life: A world-first global assessment found PFAS contamination rising in toothed whales, dolphins and related species, with levels highest in the Pacific—raising concerns for immune and reproductive health. Ocean Monitoring Under Threat: Senators and House committees urged the NSF to reverse course on dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative, warning the loss of 900+ sensors could harm fisheries and coastal communities, including Alaska. Wildlife Safety on Trails: A brown bear attack injured a mountain biker on Anchorage’s Hillside, closing the Dome Trail and another nearby trail as officials urge caution around bear activity. Alaska LNG Tax Fight: Lawmakers wrestled with a rushed Alaska LNG property tax subsidy, but critics say key cost details remain unclear as the House moves ahead. School Cuts: Alaska districts closed 12 schools this year amid severe budget shortfalls, setting up larger classes and program reductions statewide. Permafrost Tech: New AI-based “digital twin” work aims to better track permafrost formation and thaw impacts in Utqiaġvik, Alaska. Public Lands Funding: A Senate committee advanced a bill to reauthorize a deferred maintenance fund for national parks and public lands. Juneau Cleanup Watch: The state plans to study crude oil that surfaced at the historic Treadwell Mine, part of a long-running contamination concern.