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Good afternoon. It’s Wednesday, July 29.

In today's newsletter:

A federal judge rejected a bid by conservation groups to stop the Trump administration from conveying land to Alaska to support development of a 200-mile road that could open up access for mining in a remote Arctic region.
After a cold spring, Southcentral Alaska utilities are planning for a worst-case scenario in terms of natural gas storage next winter and are doing their best to avoid it.
Longtime Anchorage Daily News photojournalist Bob Hallinen, known for his wildlife images and ability to capture unique slices of Alaska life, died over the weekend in hospice care. He was 77.

It’s been a busy summer at airports across the country. That means a lot of luggage for security screeners to clear. From cannonballs and grenades to lots (and lots) of ranch dressing, passengers have tried to bring some pretty questionable items on board planes. Here are some of the weirdest things found by TSA so far this summer.

Anchorage weather

It's mostly sunny today in Anchorage with a high around 70 degrees. We can expect more of the same on Thursday and Friday, and daytime highs will climb into the mid-70s over the next few days.

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

— Megan Pacer, mpacer@adn.com

Judge allows federal land transfer to state that will support Ambler Road and Alaska LNG →

The state has said the land transfer could also support the proposed Alaska LNG megaproject that seeks to deliver North Slope gas to Asian countries and Alaskans.

Longtime Anchorage Daily News photojournalist Bob Hallinen dies at 77 →

Former colleagues recall a quiet, prolific photographer with a talent for finding nuance in familiar subjects.

In photos: Bob Hallinen’s Alaska →

Hallinen’s body of work spanned several decades at the Daily News and continued to expand long after he retired. Here are just a few photos selected to touch on Hallinen’s career milestones, his own keen interests and his impact on Alaska journalism.

As winter approaches, Southcentral Alaska utilities are worried about running short of gas →

After a chilly spring in the region, the amount of stored gas is below what’s comfortable for utilities using the natural gas grid. (via Alaska Beacon)

Anchorage police say officer charged with DUI in off-duty incident is no longer with department →

A spokesperson for the police department did not say whether the officer, who faces a charge of driving under the influence in connection to the incident, resigned or was fired.

3 dead in plane crash near McCarthy, troopers say →

A Piper PA-22 carrying a pilot and two passengers was landing at the Dan Creek airstrip Monday night when it struck “terrain” and burst into flames, the FAA said.