Good morning, Anchorage.

Federal law enforcement announced Wednesday that 39 defendants were charged in Alaska as part of Operation Take Back America—an ongoing effort against violent crime, drug trafficking, and transnational criminal groups with further arrests expected soon.

Alaska will raise its minimum wage to $13 per hour on July 1 because voters approved Ballot Measure 1 in November 2024 — the law will raise wages to $14 on July 1, 2026 and $15 on July 1, 2027 and increase the minimum weekly salary for exempt workers to $1,040.

UAA Provost Denise Runge said the College of Health is training local nurses to serve communities across the state.

The School of Nursing produced more than 2,750 graduates from 2013 to 2023 and now enrolls over 450 students as it plans new hands-on training facilities.

Chugach State Park is using private donations to improve the muddy Williwaw Lakes Trail with new boardwalks, bridges and rerouted paths after a helicopter delivered supplies on June 11.

The $175,000 project—supported by donors like ConocoPhillips Alaska and the Carr Foundation—will be carried out by a crew of six paid workers this summer to help maintain a park that draws over 1 million visitors annually.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy declared a state disaster after spring flooding damaged the Dalton Highway between MP 315 and 404 last weekend, halting freight and fuel deliveries from the North Slope.

Emergency repairs reopened the road today—crews continue fixing a 90-foot gap and damaged culverts to restore full service.

The U.S. Senate is considering a bill that would require federal agencies to sell up to 3.3 million acres of land, boost logging orders and open more oil lease sales on federal lands—including ANWR and NPR-A—while proposing that Alaska receive 90% of future rentals and royalties from key North Slope leases; lawmakers say the proposal could address housing needs and promote resource growth, though conservation groups are warning of environmental impacts.

20-year-old former Palmer resident Sophia Lee is trying to break two Guinness World Records by the end of the year and has already visited 150 countries while traveling full time—she aims to become the youngest to visit every country and the fastest to do so including both poles.

She plans to submit extensive documentation via GPS files, witness statements, photos, and receipts and will travel next to Western Africa after her recent trips in the Pacific and Asia.

20-year-old Sophia Lee from Alaska is trying to break two Guinness World Records by becoming the youngest person to visit every country—she is also aiming to do it faster than anyone else.

She has visited 150 countries and is working to finish her journey in the near future.

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.

2025 BOMA Annual Golf Tournament

7 a.m. — Anchorage Golf Course — Fundraising event — Swing into action for a great cause supporting the Special Olympics.

EPA Lead Renovation, Repair & Painting Certification Course

8 a.m. — Environmental Management Inc. — Certification fee applies — Learn to safely work in homes with lead-based paint and meet EPA guidelines.