Good morning, Anchorage.

A Texas company has acquired more than 35,000 acres of mining claims in Interior Alaska and plans to ship antimony ore to its Montana smelter as early as September—meeting rising demand amid trade tensions.

An Australian firm is also studying a restart of an antimony mine near Fairbanks, and local residents have given mixed responses to the planned industrial activity.

On January 14, 1951, three trappers in a cramped cabin near Tanana killed trapper Barney Grant—tensions over scarce supplies and personal conflicts sparked the fatal act—and while Layton and Deam later admitted to the killing, Layton was retried in 1958 and found not guilty while facing further charges in May 1959.

A pirate-themed Renaissance fair took over Russian Jack Springs Park over the weekend as attendees enjoyed combat, entertainment, crafts, and culinary delights — organizers announced the event will return with a fantasy theme on June 14.

Last week, Alaska’s Permanent Fund reached a record high of $83,384,400,000 on Thursday—exceeding its previous peak of $82.1 billion.

The Legislature allocated 85% of earnings for government spending so that Alaskans will receive a modest $1,000 dividend this year—sparking ongoing public debate.

At a packed Anchorage rally on Sunday, gubernatorial candidate Bernadette Wilson received a high-profile endorsement from Florida Congressman Byron Donalds—who called her a true conservative committed to America First principles.

Wilson stressed that her plan to improve Alaska’s roads and schools comes from the same grit that helped her overcome a recent business fire.

In its 33rd year, thousands of runners from all 50 states and D.C. gathered in Anchorage on Sunday morning for the Alaska Run for Women to raise awareness for breast cancer.

Many participants joined in person or virtually to support the cause.

The South Anchorage softball team won the Division I state title on June 7 at Cartee Fields after beating Chugiak 10-9 in extra innings.

Coach Brandon McCutcheon said the team worked hard and made key plays — a strong finish following an early tournament loss.

Junior Alina Lebahn led Sitka softball to its second straight Division II state title when her walk-off three-run home run on Saturday at Cartee Fields in Anchorage sealed a 16-13 win over Soldotna—both teams traded leads during a back-and-forth game.

The junior, who had struggled earlier in the tournament, energized her team with a clutch blast that turned the season around.

Anchorage hosted the Special Olympics Summer Games over the weekend as more than 300 athletes from nine communities competed in swimming, basketball, powerlifting, gymnastics and track and field events—held at Dimond and West High School and Arctic Gymnastics.

The three-day competition began on June 6 and ended on Sunday afternoon.

The Sitka boys baseball team won the Division I state championship on June 7th at Mulcahy Stadium (shutting out Service 7-0 to snap an eight-year title drought).

Coach Ken Carley praised the pitching (highlighting Bryce Calhoun’s eight strikeouts and one hit) as the win added to local cheers following a state title for the softball team.

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.

Eagle River Triathlon

12:00 p.m. — Chugiak High School — Check website for entry fee — Compete in the 2025 USAT Alaska State Championship with Olympic and Sprint distance events.

DAD GAMES 2025

1-7 p.m. — Dave & Buster's Anchorage — Ticket required — Unleash your competitive spirit in the ultimate family arcade showdown.

Hockey Training Camp for All Ages

5 AM - 11 AM — Avis Alaska Sports Complex — Check website for pricing — Enhance your hockey skills with expert coaching and tailored development.

2025 Anchorage Mayor's Marathon & Half Marathon

7 PM — Delaney Park — Entry fee varies — Experience a celebration of community and fitness with marathons, half-marathons, and fun runs during the Summer Solstice.

Penguin Peak Trail Brushing

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Bird Valley Trailhead — Free — Help maintain the Penguin Peak trail while enjoying the beautiful Chugach State Park scenery.

On-Site Tour of Preferred Care at Home of Alaska

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Preferred Care at Home of Alaska — Free entry — Discover top-rated senior living options and enjoy a tour showcasing exceptional care and dining.

MAYDAY! Live Concert in Anchorage

10 PM - 2 AM — Chilkoot Charlie's — Tickets available — Experience a wild night of music and mayhem with MAYDAY!'s first performance in Alaska.

SpaffDaddy Live Performance

8:30 p.m. - 2:30 a.m. — Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse — Ticket info not specified — Experience the unique sound of a local artist who grew up in Anchorage.