Good morning, Anchorage.

Three-year-old Caleb Seidl, who is battling leukemia, is living his hockey dream after the Make-a-Wish Foundation granted his wish to join a hockey team.

His inspiring journey brings hope to local families.

Anchorage Animal Care & Control seized 150 small animals—rabbits, roosters and hens—on Thursday amid an alleged neglect case and halted shelter intakes for small animals; officials urged residents to stop setting traps and to bring strays for microchip scans if possible.

AC flights 55,000 pounds of goods to Nome this week to restock shelves amid severe weather and mechanical problems.

A 15,000-pound load comes Thursday — a 40,000-pound charter flies Friday with a stop in Anchorage — and goods should reach shelves by the weekend.

Anchorage chefs Nathan Bentley (Altura Bistro) and Mike Dodge (Whisky & Ramen), along with Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop and Homer’s Tutka Bay Lodge, are named 2026 James Beard semifinalists (one of the top honors in the food industry) with winners to be announced later this year.

The Alaska LNG project will begin construction this December to deliver North Slope gas to Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska, helping ease the Cook Inlet gas shortage.

The project will run through 2028 with commissioning expected in 2029 and plans to hire thousands of local workers.

Rep. Andi Story’s bill would change how school districts count students to plan their budgets using processed data (previous year or a three-year average) to stabilize funding.

The House Education Committee will review the measure in coming weeks.

Local voices say that shrinking salmon runs on the Yukon are hurting community traditions and food sources as pollock trawling bycatch depletes Chinook and chum stocks.

Strict state fishing rules now limit subsistence opportunities for over 50 indigenous communities (whose cultures depend on every catch) in the region.

State health officials reported a 5% drop in overdose deaths in 2024 to 339 cases from 357 previously.

They credited an expanded naloxone kit program—now distributing over 40,000 kits annually—for reducing fatalities.

State health officials reported a 5% drop in overdose deaths to 339 in 2024, with Anchorage recording most fatalities despite having 40% of the population.

They are testing new prevention methods like increased naloxone use & detailed case reviews, as detailed at a statewide public health summit.

Anchorage Fire Department is using its pink fire truck (Miss Carol) to promote cancer awareness during Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month this January.

The truck reminds firefighters of chemical risks and encourages early screenings.

Eight cross-country skiers from Alaska Pacific University (APU) club will join Team USA at the 2026 Olympics in Italy next month.

The team includes veterans and athletes overcoming personal challenges, and coach Erik Flora said having half the team from one club is a rare feat.

APU skiers Gus Schumacher and Ben Ogden became the first U.S. men’s team sprint duo to reach a World Cup podium when they finished third on Jan.

23 in Goms, Switzerland. Their achievement follows Ogden’s Olympic team selection and adds to Schumacher’s successful season after winning a race in Toblach.

Candlelight Concert: Rings and Dragons

6:30-7:29 p.m. — 49th State Brewing — $27.65 — Experience an enchanting musical journey with a tribute to fantasy themes by candlelight.

2026 Alaska Forum Conference

8 AM – 5 PM — Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center — Open to attendees — Expanding opportunities with the inaugural Alaska Forum Career & Craft Fair.

22nd Annual All Alaska Roundup

2 PM – 12 PM — Hilton Anchorage — Check event page for registration fees — An annual recovery event fostering community support and connection in Anchorage.

2026 ASBJJF Adult and Masters GI Championship

9:15 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. — Avis Alaska Sports Complex — Registration fees applicable — Experience the thrilling competition of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Alaska.

Mushing Dogs to the Top of Denali: The 1979 Expedition

6-7 p.m. — Anchorage Museum — Free entry — Experience the thrilling story of the first ascent of Denali through the eyes of expedition members and author Nan Elliot.

Alaska Fighting Championship 173

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Sullivan Arena — Tickets available — Experience a night of thrilling mixed martial arts action in Anchorage.

25th Annual Guns N Hoses Charity Hockey Game

3:30-6:30 p.m. — Sullivan Arena — Check local listings for ticket info — A thrilling charity hockey game putting local heroes on the ice for a great cause.