Good morning, Anchorage.

HEX LLC and Tyonek Native Corporation signed a long-term agreement on Aug.

27 to begin responsible oil and gas development on 5,000 acres in the Cook Inlet area. The deal protects cultural and environmental resources while promising local job, training, and contracting opportunities.

At the Alaska Oil and Gas Association Conference on Wednesday, industry leaders expressed optimism about future energy trends & strategic initiatives.

The event highlighted new approaches that may reshape local oil and gas operations.

Alaska Dream Botanicals, a Wasilla bath and body business, is busy at the Alaska State Fair through Sept.

7 as co-owners Renee and Jared craft sulfate-free soaps, lotions, and more sold in over 100 stores statewide (they also plan to launch Alaska Dream Supply soon to help Alaskans make their own products).

Alaska students in grades K-3 posted their strongest reading benchmark results ever this school year with 60 percent reaching or exceeding expectations thanks to the Alaska Reads Act; new scores for grades 3-9 are expected in early September.

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation offers $900,000 in Clean Water Actions grants for water quality projects.

Proposals must be emailed by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, and a webinar on Sept. 10 will explain the process.

Three environmental groups submitted a notice of intent to sue NOAA Fisheries on Tuesday to restore gray whale protections after their population fell by half over the past decade; citing rising strandings along the Pacific coast (22 in Alaska this year) and warning that inaction on climate change risks extinction.

Anchorage lawmakers are examining the state’s weight-based cannabis tax as growers say it squeezes profits and fuels illegal trade.

Representative Ashley Carrick plans to reintroduce House Bill 91 next session to shift to a sales tax that may lower costs and support industry revenue.

The FDA recently approved updated coronavirus vaccines for higher-risk individuals including older adults and patients with underlying conditions, and Anchorage pharmacies will begin receiving shipments soon as state laws permit — pending federal recommendations may affect availability.

On Thursday at the Alaska State Fair, free cancer screenings such as mobile mammograms, skin and oral tests, and prostate blood tests were offered for early detection.

The Aurora Integrated Oncology Foundation and health groups organized the event, which will run through Sept. 7.

Anchorage's Skateland, run by the Caldwell family for over 50 years, will reopen Sept.

11 and stay open until it sells. Real estate broker Kevin Cross said a new owner may add attractions like pickleball + video games to expand the business.