Wildfire smoke isn’t just irritating – it’s downright unhealthy. Short- and long-term exposure can cause a wide range of health issues, from eye irritation to bronchitis, to heart problems.

Mike Sfraga, the new interim chancellor for the University of Alaska Fairbanks, began his first day at the job on Monday. // The federal Bureau of Land Management will reopen portions of the popular White Mountains Recreation Area this week. // The Trump administration wants to eliminate funding for the Denali Commission, the federal agency that's helped Alaska villages develop more than $2 billion in infrastructure. // The Alaska International Business Center's president and CEO says President Trump's proposed tariffs will hurt Alaska businesses that export their products.

Sfraga assumed the role from departing chancellor Dan White, who announced in early June he was retiring from the post after eight years. White’s last day was Sunday, though he will remain at UAF as a civil engineering faculty member.

Researchers have begun using new and more accurate methods to measure wildfire smoke like the stuff that blanketed Fairbanks a few weeks ago. // The Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly on Thursday postponed a vote on revising its ethics code 'til Aug. 14. // The Alaska Bar Association’s board of governors is considering whether to recommend disbarring former federal judge Joshua Kindred.

Assemblymember Barbara Haney asked to delay until after oral arguments in her appeal over a 2024 ethics violation.

Dan Bross and Rick Thoman talk about NOAA Weather Radio.

The UAF Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension will showcase the fruits of its research next week in two events at its experiment farms in Fairbanks and Palmer. Organizers want to show the public what the institute is doing to improve food security. And they hope folks will talk about what’s going on in their own gardens.

A Fairbanks woman has been charged with attempted murder. Former U.S. Representative Mary Peltola is suing the owners of the aircraft that her late husband was piloting when he died. A UAF institute will showcase the fruits of its research at events in Fairbanks and Palmer. What you need to know ahead of the special legislative session.

Energy historian and GVEA member-owner Phil Wight compares the amount of money on the line for Alaska utilities to the federal government funding construction of the Alaska Railroad in the early 20th century.

NORAD says it tracked Russian warplanes flying in international airspace off the coast of Alaska, and a Miss WEIO contestant channeled her grief into inspiration for her pageant performance.