Good morning, Anchorage.

Today on Memorial Day, the Jack Henry Post, assisted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Boy Scouts, will place thousands of red poppy-laden crosses on veteran graves to honor those who died in World War I.

The post is named for Jack Henry—a Minnesota-born prospector and baseball fan who died in France, and his legacy continues to unite local remembrance of sacrifice.

A family home in Eagle River burned down Saturday night as volunteer firefighters at Chugiak Volunteer Fire and Rescue responded to a garage blaze on Savage Drive—low water on the mountain challenged efforts until command ended the incident at 4:10 a.m., though the family evacuated safely.

Jack Gelione, a condo owner, said he did not know his home was hit by bullet holes from several gunshots fired from outside until an Anchorage police officer knocked on his door early Thursday morning—APD reports the case is under investigation as misconduct involving a weapon.

A guide to summer 2025 fairs and festivals details events across Alaska—such as Anchorage’s Spenard Jazz Fest from May 30 to June 9 and the Concert Association Summer Series from June 5 to July 31—and includes family-friendly celebrations in Yakutat, Sitka, Fairbanks and Palmer that feature music, art and local traditions.

On Saturday, May 24, hundreds of lightning strikes lit up the Alaska sky as Anchorage recorded its warmest temperature so far with 63°+many areas reached 66°.

Showers will continue for the final week of May as Alaska stays seasonable for Memorial Day weekend.

Speaker Bryce Edgmon introduced House Bill 233 just before the session ended, expanding EPA protections by banning hard‐rock mining in the Bristol Bay Fisheries Reserve.

The bill will be considered next year and is supported by local tribal groups—who say it will help block up to 20 future mining claims from risking pollution.

Palmer Mayor Steve Carrington survived a recall vote on Friday as voters rejected the effort by 222 to 176 — he filed for reelection soon after the results were announced.

The certification will occur at the city council meeting May 27 and he will remain in office until the October regular election.

Anchorage officials plan a major overhaul of Town Square Park over this summer and next to improve safety and boost public use—voters approved a $2.9 million bond that will fund demolition, new lighting, open sight lines, and eight surveillance cameras while efforts to increase event programming and law enforcement presence are underway to support both visitors and the unhoused. The project marks the most extensive redesign of the park in decades and is aimed at revitalizing downtown space.

Anchorage goaltender Jeremy Swayman made 25 saves as Team USA won world championship gold on May 25 in Stockholm with a 1-0 overtime win over Switzerland; Tage Thompson scored the overtime goal at 2:02 (Swayman finished the tournament 7-0).

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.

Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners Live Concert

7-10 p.m. — Coldwater Lodge & Market — Cover charge applies — Enjoy lo-fi melodies and folk lyrics from the energetic Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners with special guest Rosie Rush.