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Good afternoon. It’s Friday, August 7.

In today's newsletter:

Alaska health officials on Friday approved spending just $4.5 million of the state’s $272 million allocation from the Rural Health Transformation Program, with plans to announce additional project approvals each week.
The natural gas company for Southcentral Alaska has initiated arbitration proceedings with a Cook Inlet gas supplier over a dispute about gas supply that raises questions about a winter shortage.
As Juneau prepares for glacial lake outburst flooding to begin in the coming days, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says it plans to soon seek private-sector bids for a long-term solution.

There's plenty to do in and around Anchorage this weekend, from the annual Arctic Thunder Open House and a tattoo expo to the Japanese Summer Festival at the Kincaid Chalet and plenty of live music. See more highlights for this weekend here.

Anchorage weather

It's partly sunny with a high of 67 degrees. Looking ahead, we can expect mostly sunny conditions Saturday with a high of 70, followed by several days of partly sunny skies.

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

— Vicky Ho, vho@adn.com

Alaska officials award less than 2% of rural healthcare funding, postponing decision on remainder →

Explaining the delay in finalizing awards, a state Department of Health spokesperson said that many applications required clarification on budgets, project scope and implementation plans, and that the state has had to adjust its evaluation in response to guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Army Corps says long-term Juneau glacial outburst flooding solution to be unveiled in coming weeks →

NOAA’s latest forecast shows Suicide Basin will likely be full by Monday or Tuesday, with the glacial water release expected up to six days later. After this year's flood passes, the Army Corps of Engineers plans to solicit private-sector bids for a long-term solution.

Enstar and Cook Inlet producer HEX in gas dispute, raising questions about enough winter supply →

Enstar and its affiliate, Alaska Pipeline Company, argue that Cook Inlet gas producer HEX Operating has sold gas to a third party without first offering it to Enstar, violating contractual arrangements.

Saturday is the deadline to request an absentee by-mail ballot in Alaska’s primary election →

Plus, a look at what’s on the ballot, how to apply to vote absentee and in-person voting options.

Anchorage group home operators charged with over $14M in Medicaid fraud →

The case is one of the biggest — if not the biggest — in the history of the state’s Medicaid fraud unit, officials say.

Eagle River’s Jordyn Bruce is going for gold at 2026 Women’s Decathlon World Championships →

After earning bronze medals in each of the last two years, she has her sights set on reaching the top of the podium this time.

After a tumultuous year, Anchorage’s David Harper reaches a pinnacle of a career in comics →

Last month, the Anchorage writer and podcaster earned a coveted Eisner Award for his work on his comic book website SKTCHD.

More from the ADN

Motorcyclist dies after striking tree in East Anchorage, police say →

Blanche wins key support for attorney general from GOP Sen. Cassidy while Murkowski says she’ll oppose him →

Appeals court rules Trump can’t build White House ballroom without congressional approval →

Trump tries new tack against birthright citizenship after Supreme Court snub →

New approach to flu shot for older adults is on the way as FDA approves Moderna’s mRNA-based vaccine →

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