Good morning, Anchorage.

Anchorage cyclists will gather at Abbott Loop Community Park today at 1:00 p.m. to ride in memory of Alex Pretti (37), a VA nurse who died in Minneapolis.

After months of searching, local helpers found a lost husky mix from Kipnuk with 11 newborn pups and brought her safely to foster care in Anchorage.

The mother and pups will stay together for eight weeks to aid socialization and adoption + the owner was notified.

Anchorage groups can now apply for Community Challenge Grants ($5,000 to $50,000) to enhance parks, trails, and outdoor spaces.

The grant program, managed by the Anchorage Park Foundation and funded by the Rasmuson Foundation, began receiving applications on Friday.

Set Free Alaska is hosting free Family Activity Days for children 5 and under this winter and spring with indoor play, games and themed activities on select Wednesdays—families are invited to connect with partner agencies and enjoy free giveaways while following safety rules.

Eagle River/Chugiak Parks and Recreation hosted a pop-up ice skating event on Mirror Lake last Friday from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. The free gathering featured lights, music, food trucks, free skates, and warm drinks — bringing neighbors together on a winter night.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has opened bids for the first of six new Cook Inlet oil and gas leases, which are part of a nationwide offshore drilling program + further bidding details will be announced soon.

State lawmakers met on Jan.

23 to explore strategies to reduce chronic absenteeism affecting over 44,000 students statewide. They stressed that better attendance can come from family outreach + tailored support, with recommendations expected before the next legislative session.

Anchorage city officials measured snow loads on roofs and found they are at about half the capacity designed to handle 40 PSF.

They advise residents to monitor snowfall as totals near 90 to 100 inches and watch for signs of roof strain.

The Anchorage School District announced a $90 million deficit for the 2027 fiscal year on Friday, Jan.

30, and will work + to develop cost-saving measures before the new school year begins.

Alaska’s population increased slightly to 738,737 as of July 1 in 2025 because births exceeded deaths by 3,389, despite 1,740 more residents leaving than arriving.

Negative net migration continued for 13 consecutive years, and officials warned that the state will face a declining population as birth numbers fall.

On Thursday, Jan. 29, ISER at UAA released a report stating that raising oil and corporate taxes is expected to hurt jobs and incomes less than other options to close Alaska’s budget gap.

Lawmakers heard the analysis in Juneau as Gov. Dunleavy reviews new fiscal measures.

Alaska’s Department of Health is using $272 million to launch a Rural Health Transformation Program that will improve access to primary, dental, and behavioral care across local communities (with investments planned in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Petersburg).

State senators Sullivan and Murkowski back the initiative as it rolls out.

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.