Good morning, Anchorage.

After the historic Carrs closed this month in Fairview, city leaders approved a shuttle service to Midtown Mall and passed an ordinance to block restrictive clauses in store deals—measures meant to help residents without cars—and many in the community hope the site will soon be reactivated to maintain access to food and medicine.

Cartoonist Shel Silverstein visited Alaska in 1960 to capture local life for a Playboy travel series—while writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn arrived in 1975 after winning the Nobel Prize to explore the state during a private vacation, showing how both found inspiration here at very different times.

A commentary by Sarah K.

Lewis argues that Alaska’s elected leaders have underfunded public education—forcing families to rely on charter schools as a last resort amid stagnant per-student funding and rising inflation. The author calls on lawmakers to shift focus from oil and mining tax cuts to improving the quality of local schools.

Six lawmakers from the House and Senate approved a final draft state budget that includes a $1,000 Permanent Fund dividend and extra money for childcare and mental health services — covering state needs from July 1 through June 30.

Legislators will vote on the $5.9B draft as soon as Tuesday while the plan drops proposals like a new trooper post and a $1M grant to food banks.

Utility executives from Anchorage, Homer, Fairbanks, Matanuska and Seward sent a letter to three House Finance Committee co-chairs asking them to revive the Susitna hydroelectric project—once estimated to meet 50% of urban electricity demand—as a way to limit reliance on natural gas. Conservationists oppose the plan, saying its high cost and potential harm to salmon flows make wind energy a more realistic option.

On Sunday, 1,630 all-women triathletes raced at Bartlett High School in a 400 yard swim, a 12.1 mile bike ride and a 3.25 mile run with the youngest competitor at age 9 and the oldest, Millie Spezialy, competing in her 32nd race at age 88.

Racers came from 30 Alaskan cities, 17 U.S. states, one U.S. territory and Canada—making the event a major celebration of athletic spirit and community.

At Bartlett High School on Sunday, a triathlon brought together competitors from 30 Alaskan cities, 17 U.S. states, one U.S. territory, and Canada—racers ranged from 9 to 88 years old—and 88-year-old Millie Spezialy finished her 32nd race and said she felt better after the event.

2025 Hale Borealis Forum

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center — Refunds available up to 30 days prior — Connect with global leaders in healthcare and emergency preparedness for arctic communities.

Yoga for Cyclists

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Kincaid Chalet — Cost not specified — Enhance cycling performance through mindfulness and mobility with certified instructor Diana Rhoades.

Wilderness First Aid Training Course

7 AM - 4 PM — Student Conservation Association Alaska Office — Course fees apply — Gain essential wilderness medicine skills through inclusive and compassionate care in a transformative training experience.

USPA Tested & Open 2025 Alaska State Championship

7 AM – 4 PM — Southside Strength and Fitness — $20 admission for spectators — Compete in a range of powerlifting categories with divisions for all ages and abilities.

California Honeydrops Live Concert

8 PM — Bear Tooth Theatrepub — Ticket priced TBA — Experience a high-energy night filled with unforgettable music, dancing, and good vibes from The California Honeydrops.

30th Annual Alaska Men's Run

10 a.m. — Kincaid Chalet — Registration required — Celebrate men's health awareness while participating in this iconic local running event.

Breakthrough Basketball Skills Camp

Youth Camp — Tue, Jun 3 – Thu, Jun 5 — O'Malley Sports Center — $97 for observing coaches — Enhance ball handling and scoring skills while building character and confidence.

Turnagain Training Kid's Summer Triathlon Camps

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Kincaid Chalet — Various fees apply — Fun-filled week of biking, swimming, and running for kids looking to improve their triathlon skills.

Candlelight Concert: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

6:30-7:30 p.m. — 49th State Brewing - Anchorage — Tickets required — Experience the enchantment of a candlelight concert featuring beloved hits by Coldplay and Imagine Dragons.

Spenard Jazz Fest at the Museum

4:30-6 p.m. — Anchorage Museum — Free entry — Experience the sounds of Alaska with local songwriters at this celebrated annual jazz festival.