Good morning, Anchorage.

The annual Slam’n Salm’n Derby began Friday at Ship Creek and will run for three weekends, giving local anglers and youth a chance to catch a prize-winning king salmon while supporting local nonprofits.

Registration is at the Bait Shack (West Whitney Road) with $20 tickets and cash prizes available.

A National Park Service ranger from Enumclaw died after falling into a crevasse on Denali while on climbing patrol Thursday, and officials are investigating the fatal fall near a 14,000-ft camp.

At a pageant on Thursday night at the Wendy Williamson Auditorium, Nora Andrews of Miss Kenai Fjords was crowned Miss Alaska while Autumn Braquet was named Miss Alaska’s Teen.

Both winners will represent Alaska at the Miss America pageant this fall.

Anchorage School Board approved a resolution Tuesday—letting parents request memorial recognition for deceased students at graduation.

The policy is set to be developed for next year’s graduates and will go to the board’s governance committee in the fall.

Later this summer, MSC Poesia will host a marine mammal observer for five weeks as it sails from Seattle through the Inside Passage to track humpback whales and advise crew on whale avoidance measures — the cruise line partners with ORCA to gather data for better conservation outcomes.

Alaskans removed over 1.5 million pounds of trash from beaches last year in cleanup efforts + nearly 1,700 volunteers worked across coastal communities.

Lawmakers urged additional federal funding via a Senate resolution now headed to Gov. Mike Dunleavy.

Glenfarne, the pipeline developer, is open to setting a price cap on gas sold to Alaskans if project costs overrun while lawmakers debate tax break terms and support funds; the House Finance Committee will vote on these measures next week & decide on consumer protections.

BLM officials said Friday morning that the first ANWR lease sale drew nine bids on five tracts covering over 70,000 acres, generating $3.7 million from local players like AIDEA and Hendrix Energy while major oil companies stayed away amid policy uncertainty.

Alaska is facing its worst blood shortage in 15 years as hospitals need blood for emergencies and everyday procedures, and the Blood Bank urges residents to donate.

Many donors have already stepped up — a vital effort to save lives — as demand rises amid national events.

West Valley snapped a 12-year state tournament drought as its Wolfpack beat South Anchorage 4-2 on Thursday at Mulchay Stadium, with Mikko Sunnie pitching a complete game.

In another match, Juneau-Douglas advanced to the semifinals after an 8-3 win over Colony.

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.