Good morning, Anchorage.

Challenge Alaska broke ground on the Keil Center Expansion Project on Tuesday, June 30 in Girdwood.

The nonprofit is doubling its facility size (adding over 5,865 sqft) and updating accessibility and safety features with phase one underway this summer and phase two set to finish by fall 2027.

Anchorage will celebrate Fourth of July on Saturday with festivities along the Delaney Parkstrip featuring carnival rides, live music, and a beer garden (for those 21+); an 11 a.m. downtown parade and a double-header baseball game at Mulcahy Stadium later will cap the day with $20 general admission.

Alaska school districts may get up to $115 million in one-time funding, but state officials will decide the final amount on Aug.

31 (if oil revenues hold), forcing board members to request estimates by mid-July to finalize staffing before the school year begins.

Anchorage experts shared wildlife safety tips in a Talk of Alaska broadcast aired Tuesday, June 30, advising residents on enjoying local animal sightings safely.

Experts from the Department of Fish and Game and local trail cam enthusiasts explained key precautions to avoid dangerous encounters.

Environmentalists petitioned the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to list the gray-headed chickadee as endangered, citing climate change and its last sighting eight years ago in Alaska.

The agency has 90 days to decide on the petition.

Anchorage Solid Waste Services warns residents not to toss vapes in the trash because their lithium batteries can start fires in the landfill.

Officials advise dropping them off at a Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Facility open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Federal fisheries managers now require charter boat operators in Southeast and Southcentral Alaska to buy a $20 halibut stamp for their catch this year.

Some operators say the fee, which funds buying commercial quotas, does not fix the drop in halibut numbers.

Anchorage Assembly approved new contracts that change management of city-owned ice rinks today.

All In 49 will operate Sullivan Arena while Anchorage Community Ice Management takes over Ben Boeke & Dempsey Anderson.

Senator Dan Sullivan introduced his Bycatch Reduction Act last week to strengthen reporting standards on industrial trawling in Alaska and reduce unintended catches of key marine species.

The bill offers a softer approach compared to previous measures and appears amid widespread local support for restrictions on harmful fishing practices.

Alaska Native leaders have long pushed for more veterinary care in villages, and a new two-year program will bring rabies vaccinations, tests, and spay/neuter services to 80 communities starting in July through a partnership between Alaska Federation of Natives and Alaska Native Rural Veterinary to protect both animals and people.

Team Alaska shined at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis last week as nearly four dozen athletes, including Anchorage's Emi Hamazaki, earned medals in sports such as gymnastics, track, and bocce (from communities like Fairbanks, Kodiak, and others) while showcasing Alaska spirit and sportsmanship.

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.

Cuddy Park Summer Concert Series Featuring Nervis Rex

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