Good morning, Anchorage.

Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance said on Monday that the LNG project could cost the city between $23M and $173M over nine years due to its current tax system.

A report by economist Jonathan King warned that without new housing, the city will face a structural deficit.

Burn permits in Southcentral Alaska have been suspended since Monday due to human-caused fires amid hot, dry, and windy conditions; crews have contained small brush and grass fires in Soldotna, Palmer, and Wasilla (a Red Flag Warning remains in effect in part of the Lower Matanuska Valley).

Local environmental researchers are monitoring harmful algae blooms in warming waters that can release toxins affecting people, wildlife and shellfish.

Studies in Kachemak Bay and Kotzebue will guide future safety precautions.

Alaska’s minimum wage will increase to $14.00 per hour on July 1 as set by Ballot Measure 1, with a planned rise to $15.00 per hour the following July.

The minimum weekly salary for exempt employees will also rise from $1,040 to $1,120 starting July 1.

Northbound Peters Creek Bridge on Glenn Highway remains closed after crews found significant concrete damage that now requires a full deck replacement.

Officials say the extended work will add about 45 days to the closure — causing ongoing delays for drivers near Peters Creek.

At the Alaska Native Medical Center’s Traditional Healing Clinic, a workshop on using devil’s club for healing was held earlier this summer; instructor Ruby taught safe handling techniques to prepare the plant’s cambium into a salve (a traditional remedy) amid Anchorage’s local healing practices.

Service’s Rilen Niclai led the Cougars to a conference championship on May 29 at Mulcahy Stadium and was named Gatorade Alaska Baseball Player of the Year Monday; his back-to-back honor continues a family legacy + his brother Coen earned the award previously.

UAA track star Vivien Liessfeld was named GNAC Field Athlete of the Year for her record-setting long jump and heptathlon win, while Service clinched its second CIC baseball championship on Friday at Mulcahy Stadium.

Local teams are set to compete in state playoffs this weekend.

The Alaska Baseball League opened its season on Monday with a nonleague matchup featuring the Anchorage Glacier Pilots + Alaska Goldpanners of Fairbanks at Mulcahy Stadium.

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.

Garden Grooves – Solstice Edition

6:00 – 8:30 PM — 49th State Brewing - Anchorage — Free entry — Celebrate the longest day of the year with live music in a beautiful beer garden.

Anchorage Midnight Sun 5K & Family Fun Run

11:30 PM — Town Square Park — Registration fees vary — Experience a magical race under the midnight sun with festive activities and stunning views.

Modern Nurse Fest Alaska

10 AM-4 PM — BP Energy Center — Free entry — Celebrate modern nursing with insightful sessions and networking in beautiful Alaska.

Anchorage Summer Concert Series 2026

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Tikishla Park — Free entry — Experience local talent under the stars in a beautiful neighborhood park.

Scared Scriptless Improv Show

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — The Nave — $18 online — Enjoy a laugh indoors and escape the summer mosquitoes with a lively improv performance.

Family Paint Party

6-8 p.m. — Ravens Ring Brewing Company — Check website for pricing — Unleash your creativity while painting a whimsical landscape with friends in a fun, relaxed setting.