Good morning, Anchorage.

Alaskans gathered at the Anchorage Veterans Memorial for the Memorial Day ceremony that honored military members who died in service (veterans recalled their sacrifices) and local speakers (including Senator Dan Sullivan) remembered the cost of freedom.

Volunteers from American Legion Jack Henry Post 1 and Nuvision Credit Union restored 1,650 veteran graves at Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery before Memorial Day by cleaning headstones and placing American flags, white crosses, and Stars of David (symbols of respect) to honor fallen service members.

On May 24, Alaska State Troopers reported that a stolen motorcycle driving dangerously near Mile 13 on Seward Highway led 47 year old Rondy Dupuy to hijack a bystander's Jeep and crash it into a sedan, injuring two before officers arrested him on multiple charges—troopers closed the road for nearly two hours while investigating the chaos.

The Air Force is starting work this summer on a 150,000-square-foot training center at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson that will cost up to $500 million and be finished by fall 2029, designed to let warfighters train with modern simulations to defend North America against potential threats like Russia and China.

A new online tool called the PFD Doomsday Clock lets Alaskans see how much money they have lost since 2016 when the state stopped paying the full dividend—using public data—and shows that a family of four could lose over $20,000 as debate grows over the 2025 payout now set at $1,000.

Ukrainian refugee Inha Fozekosh and several others in Anchorage are planning to leave the state as their humanitarian parole nears expiration due to a pause in federal renewals—Fozekosh has booked a one-way ticket to Germany for a summer departure—and they hope a policy change will allow them to stay if approved.

Alaska’s national parks, which saw roughly 2 million visitors and $1.5 billion in spending in 2023, depend on local staff for safe and quality service, yet the National Park Service Alaska Regional Office has eliminated key positions, cutting its workforce by (over 60 employees).

Further staffing reductions may risk visitor safety and hurt the local economy as tourism grows this year.

Mayor Suzanne LaFrance’s administration will launch a pilot program using 24 tiny homes near Tudor and Elmore roads to offer basic shelter while requiring a substance abuse treatment program for homeless residents.

City leaders plan to request funding in June, select a contractor in July, and begin building in August so that tenants can move in by October—before winter arrives.

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.