Defense Supply Chains: Lockheed Martin is in talks to secure U.S.-linked supplies of scandium and germanium to cut reliance on China, underscoring how Alaska’s economy can feel the ripple effects of federal procurement. Anchorage Economy: AEDC says Anchorage is lagging the rest of Alaska’s recovery, with a shrinking labor pool and weak consumer confidence driving a new push to reverse economic decline. Broadband Policy: SpaceX is urging the FCC to wind down High-Cost subsidies, arguing satellite networks like Starlink have made rural telecom support less necessary. Telecom Buildout: Pioneer Consulting is advancing engineering for the FISH West 2 submarine cable to connect Seward and Homer, with branches to remote communities, funded through USDA’s ReConnect program. Space & Defense Contracts: Rocket Lab is set to report earnings after winning more than $663 million in new U.S. Space Force contracts tied to its Neutron rocket. Air Travel Oversight: The FAA ordered inspections of hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets for cracks near a service door reinforcement. Local Fishing & Food: Fish Creek in Mat-Su is seeing a sockeye surge, prompting higher bag limits, while coho rules tighten amid monitoring disruptions. Education: Six Alaska governor candidates met with superintendents and school leaders, broadly agreeing education funding is in crisis. Housing Affordability: A new analysis estimates how much income Alaska households need to buy a starter home in 2026.