Good morning, Anchorage.

In South Anchorage, longtime foster Karen Rappe is rehoming 48 parakeets after an owner left his birds, a situation that reflects how seniors increasingly give up their pets when moving; she has already found homes for 20+ birds and is working to rehome the rest amid rising demand statewide.

Residents who bought commemorative bricks in the early 1990s can reclaim them later this summer — the Parks Department is sorting the bricks from Town Square Park as reconstruction continues downtown.

Volunteers can also sign up to help with the process.

Alaska’s minimum wage increased from $13 to $14 on Wednesday under Ballot Measure One passed in November 2024.

The law sets three scheduled raises, and the final increase to $15 will occur in a year (annual adjustments for inflation apply).

Great Land Trust and Alaska State Parks plan to reroute Eagle River Greenbelt Trail to bypass a collapsed boardwalk, restoring safe, year-round access for hikers, bikers and skiers.

The Trust will purchase property by this time next year, and the Parks will take over by June 2027.

Environmentalists submitted a petition on June 25 asking for Endangered Species Act protections for the gray-headed chickadee, last seen in Alaska in 2018 (experts cite climate change and development as major threats to its habitat).

Five tribes challenged a Clean Water Act permit for IPOP LLC’s gold mining project dredging 2.7 miles of the Bonanza Channel near Nome.

They argued before a federal judge in Anchorage on June 16 that key concerns were overlooked, and the case now awaits a ruling.

Alaska's oil companies and three municipalities filed appeals this month after a state appeals board set the pipeline's value at $13 billion in May + municipalities claim the asset is worth about $20 billion while the companies contend its value is near $2 billion.

Gordon Sloane of Camp Bow Wow (a local dog daycare) urges pet owners to prepare for fireworks during the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations by keeping dogs in a quiet, safe environment and checking for toxic foods.

He advises updating ID chips and remaining vigilant during the festivities.

Experts warn that Fourth of July gatherings may trigger PTSD symptoms for service members and veterans and advise Anchorage residents to offer extra support during holiday celebrations.

Debbie Erickson of AURORA Wellness Services in Wasilla runs an equine-assisted psychotherapy program where patients process trauma and grief nonverbally (this therapy aids first responders, veterans, and at-risk youth and is available through insurance).

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.