Good morning, Anchorage.

Anchorage Animal Care and Control is using a new grant to pay $150 for every animal leaving the shelter for a licensed rescue organization, helping move more animals into safe homes.

Tribute bands Abbey Road and Start Me Up perform Beatles and Stones hits at Discovery Theatre on June 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. The event benefits Alaska American Legion Baseball + tickets cost $66 to $100 and are available by phone, online or at the box office.

Se'iga Liimii Marcella Asicksik led the Leqpquinm Gumilgit Gagoadim Ts’msyen Dancers as the 2026 Celebration lead dance group yesterday.

The Anchorage-formed group, active since 2005, performed a new Sm'algyax song 'Na Gatgyed' (Enduring Strength) during the Grand Entrance and Grand Exit ceremonies.

In 2025, Alaska communities with nearly 1,700 volunteers removed over 1.5 million pounds of trash from beaches from areas spanning from Wales to Prince of Wales Island; lawmakers passed Senate Joint Resolution 20 urging federal funding for cleanup efforts now headed to Gov. Dunleavy for signature.

The National Science Foundation announced it will dismantle Ocean Station Papa next year in the Gulf of Alaska.

The station (located 2.5 miles beneath the water) collects essential ocean and climate data that has long informed marine research.

Researchers from Manomet Conservation Sciences will track endangered whimbrels on the North Slope over the next two weeks using GPS tags to study migration, breeding, and environmental threats (guiding future conservation efforts).

The state increased SNAP enrollment by over 2,500 last year after the Department of Health introduced online and mobile application tools + new processing features, even as most states saw declines from federal cuts.

These modernization efforts help Alaskans access food benefits more easily.

The House passed the ARTIST Act by 404 votes for & 14 against on Wednesday, affirming Alaska Native artists’ right to sell art made with marine mammal materials.

The bill, which amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act, now heads to the president’s desk.

A candidate from Petersburg named Dan Sullivan filed last week to run for the U.S. Senate, sharing his name with the incumbent and drawing claims of voter confusion, while saying he is running to address economic frustrations and will use his middle initial (James) to differ from Sen. Sullivan (Scott).

Glenfarne shared cost estimates for its LNG project on Wednesday at a Senate Finance Committee meeting, saying an 800-mile pipeline plus related infrastructure may cost between $44.5 billion and $54.5 billion.

Lawmakers continue to request more details during the special session through June 19.

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.