Thumbs up, thumbs down

by The 100 Companies July 5, 2022

July 5, 2022

Blueprint Alaska's Sarah Erkmann Ward provides some ups and downs from the last few weeks.

Thumbs up:

• Gorilla Fireworks: Business owner realizes wildfire danger, voluntarily closes business during busy holiday weekend. Classy.

• Indigenous dictionary: Arctic Slope Community Foundation launches online Iñupiaq dictionary.

• Budget surplus: Riding wave of high oil prices, Alaska puts excess revenue into savings for first time in a decade.

• UAA gymnastics: Team raises $888,000 to save program.

Thumbs down:

• Salmon runs: Yukon River salmon runs appear dismal for second year in a row.

• Entangled whales: Report shows fishing-gear entanglements of whales increased in Alaska this last year.

• Smoky skies: Wildfire smoke is taking its toll statewide, leading to canceled events in Fairbanks.