Good morning, Anchorage.

Anchorage School District students are showcasing a new art exhibit called In Space with Major Tom at the Dimond Center.

The colorful display, created by 11 elementary schools + Chickaloonies, celebrates outer space adventures and is open for public viewing.

Anchorage business and community leaders gathered Wednesday at the Dena’ina Center for the AEDC Economic Forecast Luncheon, where they reviewed 2026 trends in jobs, housing, and tourism (with comments on tough fiscal challenges and workforce shortages) while remaining optimistic about growth.

Alaska schools are using a $50M, five-year grant to boost reading skills in early grades, but some districts report delays accessing funds due to unclear state guidance (district leaders call for more flexible spending rules).

Governor Dunleavy opted Alaska into the Federal K-12 Education Tax Credit Scholarship Program on Monday, Jan.

26, letting families receive up to $1,700 in tax credits when donating to an approved organization that funds school expenses (including tuition and fees) for eligible students.

Anchorage residents are working to clear a record January snowfall that has created tall snow berms and congested streets — crews like True North Contracting are clearing roofs and roads as more snow is forecast in the coming days.

Scientists confirm that climate change is linked to a 295% rise in damaging landslides reported in Alaska since the 1980s.

The study credits heavier rainfall and rapid snowmelt to warmer temperatures and warns that extreme weather will increase risks moving forward.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will soon release a call for information to lease federal waters for seafloor mining off Alaska, opening a 30-day comment period for industry input.

The move aims to boost domestic resource supply & job potential, though environmental groups warn of risks to coastal ecosystems.

The Senate Resources Committee met Jan.

26 to review Alaska’s LNG export ambitions inspired by Canada’s LNG Canada project. Lawmakers and experts examined fiscal models and project readiness as Glenfarne Group moves ahead with plans for a pipeline and export facility from the North Slope to Nikiski.

A state investigation confirmed that Cook Inlet Energy burned state-owned natural gas on the North Slope for nearly four months in 2024-2025, resulting in a $313,616 fine after misleading regulators + the agency said the flaring was used to boost production instead of addressing safety concerns.

Alaska's overdose death rate fell by 5% in 2024 after a record high last year, thanks to harm reduction measures like naloxone kit distribution & fentanyl test strips that help save lives and connect people to treatment.

Experts say more community support is needed to continue these efforts.

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.

Sitting Still: A Documentary on Landscape Architecture

7:30-9 p.m. — Anchorage Museum — $5 — Discover the visionary approach of landscape architect Laurie Olin in this compelling documentary screening.

You Have This Day And Maybe Another

7 p.m. — The Nave — Care-based sliding-scale tickets — Explore the thoughtful connections of care through contemporary dance performances that reflect on everyday life.

Saint Martin's Saints at Alaska Anchorage Seawolves Men's Basketball

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Alaska Airlines Center — Tickets required — Catch an exciting college basketball showdown between the Saints and Seawolves.