Good morning, Anchorage.

HEX Energy LLC has acquired oil and gas lease tracts 82 & 112 in Alaska’s Coastal Plain through the Bureau of Land Management’s 2026 lease sale, expanding operations beyond Cook Inlet.

AIDEA support at a board meeting underlined that responsible development would respect subsistence traditions and boost job opportunities.

Glenfarne, the developer of an 807-mile pipeline, proposed a $16 per MMBtu cap to protect Alaskans + lawmakers continue debating tax breaks and updated project estimates during a special legislative session in Juneau.

The House Finance Committee is expected to vote on solutions soon.

A new report by the Annie E.

Casey Foundation shows Alaska dropped seven spots to 47th in child well-being from 2019 to 2024. Education outcomes were weak with the state ranking 49th, and advocates warn that declining investment in children & families could worsen future prospects.

Alaska Natural Burial is seeking Assembly approval today for a land transfer from Heritage Land Bank to create the state's first certified conservation burial ground on a vacant Goldenview Drive parcel near Moen Park.

Once approved, the nonprofit will fundraise and develop the site while preserving the natural landscape.

Wildlife inspector Chris Andrews uncovers smuggled goods at Anchorage airport, including thousands of shark fins and rare live animals, in his ongoing effort to protect Alaska’s ecosystems.

He handles unpredictable finds regularly—each shipment underscores his vital role in enforcing conservation laws.

Anchorage volunteers are preparing 10,000 native plants grown at Government Hill Commons to restore habitat along Resurrection Creek in Hope, and the plants will be trucked there tomorrow to help prevent erosion from past mining.

The U.S. Department of Defense plans to lease land at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Clear Space Force Station and Eielson Air Force Base for advanced AI data centers, with the lease proposal accepting offers until June 29.

Some local residents near Eielson worry the centers could affect water supplies, noise levels and property values.

A federal judge in Massachusetts struck down the visa fee for H-1B workers on Monday, June 8, ruling it an unlawful tax, while Alaska legislators earlier urged waiving the fee to help local school districts recruit international teachers amid a shortage, and the decision may ease hiring in rural areas.

High school baseball and softball ended with thrilling finishes, including Juneau-Douglas winning the Division I state title at Mulcahy Stadium on Saturday.

The UAA women's basketball team strengthened its lineup by adding local talent (with hometown players returning to boost the program).

Dimond High School soccer player Zophia Lucero overcame a torn ACL and Achilles injury to return to the pitch this season, inspiring teammates during a state cup run.

With her diploma in hand, she will head to Texas to study sports medicine (a hopeful next chapter).

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.

Summer Concert Series: Matt Hopper & The Roman Candles

7-8:30 p.m. — Ray E. Storck Homestead Park — Free entry — Enjoy local music in a beautiful neighborhood park setting.