Email not displaying correctly? View the web version

Good afternoon. It’s Wednesday, July 1.

In today's newsletter:

Of the 115 bills passed by Alaska lawmakers during the latest two-year legislative cycle, several will take effect starting today, including sweeping changes to criminal law and education funding.
Alaska transportation officials identified the likely winner of a bidding process for building a $350 million vessel to replace the state’s 62-year-old Tustumena ferry.
Alaska lawmakers will not vote this week on legislation intended to grant a multibillion-dollar tax break to the developers of a planned natural gas pipeline, instead delaying such a vote to later in July.

Every team at a World Cup is searching for small advantages. The U.S. team’s secret weapon? A top-flight barista. Becky Reeves would certainly look out of place roaming the middle of the field, but she's become an essential behind-the-scenes player. Learn about what it takes to keep a World Cup team energized here.

Anchorage weather

It's sunny today with a high around 64 degrees. The forecast calls for mostly sunny skies on Thursday and increasing clouds on Friday. Daytime highs will continue to hover in the low 60s for the next few days.

Here’s what else is making headlines in Alaska today.

— Megan Pacer, mpacer@adn.com

Education funding, age of consent and more: Several new Alaska laws go into effect today →

The bills that take effect July 1 include one that raises Alaska’s age of consent to 18, a measure that encourages CPR training for public school students and changes to education funding.

Alaska moves to award $350M contract to replace 62-year-old Tustumena ferry →

Alaska leaders for years have been discussing plans to replace the ferry with a newer vessel, but the process of constructing a new ferry has been repeatedly delayed and hampered amid shifts in state and federal administration priorities.

Lawmakers delay vote on tax breaks for Alaska LNG as negotiations continue →

Most legislators were informed this week that they will not be expected back in Juneau until July 16, three days before a special session on the gas line is scheduled to end.

Anchorage Assembly members question more travel records from George Martinez →

After calling for Martinez to step down last week based on campaign spending violations, two Assembly members are scrutinizing a business trip he took to Puerto Rico for a conference in 2025. Martinez said the travel was “pre-approved and properly accounted for.”