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Good afternoon. It’s Wednesday, June 24.

In today's newsletter:

An endangered, pregnant fin whale discovered on the bow of a cruise ship that docked in Seward last week died from injuries consistent with a ship strike, federal scientists say.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy recently vetoed nine bills that had been passed by the Legislature. Lawmakers overrode only two of those vetoes, despite the underlying bills having broad support when they passed. What happened?
Photographs of dead bears in a remote part of Southwest Alaska taken by a wildlife advocacy group contradict prior assertions by the state about its predator control program there, and raise questions about the policy’s execution in the field.

Forget the jerseys and the keychains — international soccer fans are leaving the FIFA World Cup with a less traditional, more edible souvenir from the United States: ranch dressing. The international fanfare over the condiment is so strong it pushed the TSA to make a statement warning World Cup travelers to stow any ranch bottles in their checked bags, not their carry-ons.

Anchorage weather

It's partly sunny today with a high around 64 degrees. The forecast calls for mostly sunny skies on Thursday, but rain will return by this weekend. Daytime highs will range from the mid-60s to the mid-70s over the next several days.

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

— Megan Pacer, mpacer@adn.com

Strike by Seward cruise ship killed endangered whale, preliminary findings show →

A necropsy showed the pregnant fin whale was healthy and died of blunt force trauma, according to federal scientists.The incident sparked questions about how best to protect whales as the giant ships transit Alaska waters during the busy summer tourist season.

Gov. Dunleavy vetoed 9 popular bills. Why did Alaska lawmakers override only 2 of them? →

Eighteen minority Republican lawmakers who previously supported some or all of the vetoed bills flipped their position.

Photos of killed bears contradict Alaska officials’ past claims about Mulchatna predator program →

The photographs, taken by wildlife advocates and shared with the Daily News, raise questions about the state’s accounts of its controversial bear-killing program.

Alaska judge agrees to fast-track challenge by namesake Sullivan opponent in lawsuit of ‘great public interest’ →

Sen. Dan Sullivan's challenger with the same name is suing to be reinstated on the state's primary ballot. The case appears headed to the Alaska Supreme Court for a swift decision early next week.

Alaska’s U.S. senators split in vote calling for end to Iran war →

Sen. Lisa Murkowski was one of four Republicans to join most Democrats in support of a war powers resolution passed by the Senate that calls on President Donald Trump to remove U.S. armed forces from Iran. Sen. Dan Sullivan joined most other Republicans voting against it.