Good morning, Anchorage.

Anchorage Market opens downtown for its 34th season and will run every weekend until Sept.

7, featuring more than 200 vendors, local food, rides — and live music with free admission. Organizers expect big crowds on Memorial Day weekend — as locals and tourists come out to support local businesses.

Suspended Anchorage attorney Justin Facey, 44, was indicted for running a drug-involved premise and illegally possessing four firearms on April 30th while allegedly using his home to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine from April 2024 through this year—he faces up to life in prison as a special federal prosecutor takes over after the U.S. Attorney’s Office recused itself.

Anchorage settled civil claims with the family of Easter Leafa, a 16 year old girl fatally shot by police on August 13th, 2024, for $2.1 million—municipal officials said the move follows demonstrations and aims to prompt reviews of use-of-force policies.

The Knik River Bridges remain open with two lanes in each direction through Memorial Day weekend and the following week—keeping travel smooth in Anchorage—while the southbound bridge will close on June 1 in the evening for repaving and other work expected to take a month.

Anchorage’s Historic Preservation Commission held a commemoration last Thursday afternoon that celebrated the Alaska Native Heritage Center as the first site on the local landmark register.

The event featured speeches from Mayor Suzanne LaFrance and Assembly Chair Christopher Constant (who noted the register has been years in the making) and included a private guided tour to explain the heritage site's significance.

Alaska lawmakers approved $5.5 million in state funding to fill the shortfall at 20 child advocacy centers that help abuse victims after federal grants were cut.

The funds will cover about half the centers' budgets and keep services running past June+ Gov. Dunleavy will review budget details before July 1.

House Speaker Bryce Edgmon introduced House Bill 233 to ban hard-rock metals mining in the Bristol Bay watershed, expanding on EPA protections that barred the Pebble mine.

Lawmakers will review the measure next year as it aims to safeguard the Bristol Bay Fisheries Reserve from new mining proposals — including actions from Pebble’s sponsors.

Senate President Gary Stevens announced his retirement after 22 years in the Senate and said he will focus on painting, writing, and spending time with his grandkids (a reflection of his new pursuits).

House Rep. Louise Stutes filed her letter of intent to run for his seat, marking an early move ahead of the 2026 election.

A minor in Anchorage tested positive for measles on May 21 because they were not vaccinated, and the Health Department is investigating possible exposure incidents.

Health officials advise those who visited locations (O’Malley Sports Center, Target, YMCA) from May 10 to May 12 to check their vaccination status and watch for symptoms.

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.

Three Barons Renaissance Fair

Jun 7 – 15 — 3400 E Tudor Rd, Anchorage, AK — Check event page for entry details — Step back in time for nine days of Renaissance fun with crafts, food, and entertainment.

Corene Davis Graham Cancer Telethon

4:30-6:30 p.m. — Wilda Marston Theatre — Donations appreciated — Enjoy an evening of music and entertainment while supporting cancer research and honoring survivors.

June PATH Training

9 AM - 4 PM — Alaska Primary Care Association — Free entry — Jumpstart your healthcare career with free CPR and mental health first aid training.