Good morning, Anchorage.

Labor shortages and higher costs have forced many Anchorage restaurants to scale back hours, yet Boom Coffee stays open 24 hours to serve workers and travelers.

Located at the corner of Arctic Boulevard (International Airport Road), the coffee shop has ramped up staff since its decade-long opening.

The Anchorage Weekender lists seven local events for the weekend.

It features a free comics workshop on Thursday at the Chugiak-Eagle River Library, a Pride parade and festival Saturday on Delaney Park Strip, a baseball kickoff at Mulcahy Stadium, and a Korean festival at Dimond Center Mall.

Native groups (including Ketchikan Indian Community) denounced a social media trend where visitors danced around totem poles to a Lil Jon song, saying it trivializes Alaska Native culture.

They urged tourism companies and state officials to improve education on Native heritage and ensure respectful cultural representation.

Governor Dunleavy signed the FY27 state budget to boost University of Alaska funding by about 4% to more than $366 million.

The plan supports employee raises – funding mental health services, public safety, student recruitment, deferred maintenance and workforce training.

Firefighters have contained 60% of the 547-acre Starry Fire near Anderson, easing the evacuation alert as crews secure areas up to 50 feet inside the perimeter.

Crews continue mop-up efforts and expect warmer weather to help locate lingering heat (aiding suppression).

Governor Dunleavy signed House Bill 73 on June 25 into law, creating a new license for Complex Care Residential Homes (designed to offer individualized care in a home-like setting) that closes a gap for those with severe behavioral and medical needs.

Historic Crow Creek Mine in Girdwood is up for sale for $19.95 million and includes 53 acres and historic buildings + mineral rights.

The mine remains open to visitors this summer as the longtime caretaker family seeks an owner with passion for its legacy.

Alexis Lewis, a Fairbanks Special Olympian, won a gold medal in singles bowling on her 40th birthday Tuesday at the Special Olympics USA held in the Twin Cities; she celebrated the win with her family while Team Alaska continued to claim more medals.

Anchorage’s Obed Vargas helped Mexico secure a 3-0 win on Saturday, May 30 in Guadalajara while Tri-Valley’s Taylor Eddington broke the state record in the 300-meter hurdles at Dimond High —earning Alaska Gatorade Player of the Year honors.

Kjell Inge Røkke and Thomas Wærner will fund 80% of rookie entry fees for the 2027 Iditarod, with new support unveiled ahead of the Musher Sign-Up Picnic in Wasilla tomorrow (their commitment follows last year’s donation to lower barriers for new mushers).

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.

Ty Dolla $ign Live Concert

6-9 p.m. — Williwaw Social Outdoors — Tickets from $143 — Experience the unforgettable vibe of Ty Dolla Sign in Anchorage.

Summer Concert Series - Good Company at Stephenson Park

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

6th Annual Ship Creek Coho Rodeo

7 a.m. – 7 p.m. — The Bait Shack — $25 entry fee — Compete for cash prizes in a community fishing derby for silver salmon on the banks of Ship Creek.