Good morning, Anchorage.

Santos celebrated the first oil at Pikka today as joint operators Santos & Repsol began production with a forecast of up to 80,000 barrels per day, marking the largest new North Slope field while Prudhoe Bay remains bigger.

On May 18, Glenfarne Alaska LNG and ConocoPhillips Alaska signed a precedent gas sales agreement to supply North Slope natural gas for Phase One of Alaska LNG - joining ExxonMobil and Hilcorp to help secure energy for Alaska.

Stak Energy has proposed a $500 million data center near Dalton Highway to support AI and cloud computing operations — initial natural gas power and air cooling are planned for 2028.

Public comments remain open through June 15 as state officials consider the 50-year lease on the North Slope.

The newly rebranded Museum of Alaska in Wasilla opened its summer season on Monday, featuring a 40-ton whale carcass undergoing cleaning and reassembly for a permanent exhibit.

The museum will host community events including a Father’s Day 4x4 mud course and a Halloween hayride to draw visitors.

Anchorage high school seniors celebrated graduation last week from schools including Bettye Davis East and S.A.V.E. as over 2,500 students overcame pandemic challenges and district shifts.

Family and community support helped the Class of 2026 step confidently into their futures.

Scientists at the Alaska Volcano Observatory raised Kupreanof Volcano’s alert level to Advisory and its aviation color code to Yellow today — researchers are tracking increased earthquake activity and gas emissions while considering new ground instruments for the remote volcano this summer.

Canagold Resources plans to develop the New Polaris mine using flotation to protect Taku River salmon.

Tribal monitors and state officials say careful excavation near Whitewater Creek is needed to keep pollutants away from the salmon (the mine will not proceed without First Nation consent).

A rare beluga whale skeleton is on display at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center today—its exhibit spotlights efforts to protect endangered Cook Inlet belugas.

Firefighters are working to contain the 8.2-acre Killey River Fire five miles southeast of Funny River by constructing a saw line that covers about 75% of its perimeter (despite hazards from dead trees and tangled timber) and will soon install hose lay to mop up hot spots.

HB 176 passed the Senate on Sunday and now heads to Governor Dunleavy for approval.

The bill requires the university system to provide itemized fee statements and notify students of fee changes + new fees.

Wacky Women 2026 Kick-off Meeting

6-8:30 p.m. — Anchorage Golf Course — $35 — Social gathering with golf course reps, appetizers, and door prizes.

2026 Kids Alaska State Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournament

9:15 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. — Avis Alaska Sports Complex — Registration required — A day filled with exciting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions for kids of all skill levels.

Skinny Raven Twilight 12K & 6K

7-10 p.m. — Skinny Raven Sports — Registration fees vary — Kick off summer with a fun 12K or 6K run and enjoy live music and refreshments at the finish line.

Breakthrough Basketball Essential Skills Camp

June 2-4 — O'Malley Sports Center — $97 for observing coaches — Elevate your basketball skills with high-intensity drills designed for young players.

2026 Alaska Regional Conference

Educational sessions and networking for small businesses — Jun 9-10 — Marriott Anchorage Downtown — Fee info not specified — Access resources and matchmaking opportunities tailored for various business categories.

Summer Concert Series: Wiley Post Live

7-8:30 p.m. — Suzan Nightingale McKay Park — Free entry — Enjoy a night of rocking live music and beautiful views in your neighborhood park.

Midnight Sun 7s 2026

10 AM – 11:30 PM — Alaska Mountain Rugby Grounds — Cost Info Not Provided — Experience fast-paced rugby action and great vibes under the midnight sun.

Paint Nite: Late Summer Sunset

6-8 p.m. — Ravens Ring Brewing Company — Cost varies — Unleash your creativity with a guided painting experience while enjoying your favorite brews.