Good morning, Anchorage.

Fires in Interior Alaska flared earlier this week under hot, dry, windy conditions that forced crews to fight a spot fire near Mile 320 on the Parks Highway and led to lane closures at Nenana—officials then issued an evacuation alert for areas near Saint George Creek and warned drivers near Healy of delays. Burn permits were suspended in several areas as resources were shifted to control the fires ahead of the Fourth of July weekend.

Authorities have resumed ground and aerial searches for 62 year old Marites Buenafe—a missing cruise ship passenger—from her last known location, and Eagle River’s July 4 events began yesterday at Lions Park.

Updated fire danger warnings across Interior Alaska now place nearly 900 people under evacuation recommendations and urge residents to follow the Ready, Set, GO! plan.

On July 2, Senator Dan Sullivan told Pentagon leaders that a DoD role in the Alaska LNG Project could lower costs by buying gas from a pipeline running near military bases in Fairbanks and Anchorage.

The $44b project led by private firm Glenfarne may gain from a new energy loan program in Congress + possible federal support.

Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance completed her first year in office and will appear in a studio interview next week to share her past performance and future plans.

Residents are invited to submit questions that may help shape the discussion — their input will assist in setting her upcoming priorities.

On July 2 a federal judge ruled in favor of the Native Village of Eklutna to operate its Chin’an Gaming Hall near Anchorage, rejecting claims that the tribe lacked the right to run the casino.

Birchwood residents complained about traffic & noise and attorney Don Mitchell filed a motion for reconsideration that may lead to further appeals.

U.S. District Judge Sharon Gleason ruled in favor of the National Marine Fisheries Service, upholding Amendment 16 and confirming that federal management applies only in Cook Inlet’s federal waters beyond three miles from shore.

The decision affirms Alaska’s authority to manage its nearshore salmon fisheries—reinforcing state control after legal challenges.

Anchorage police reported that there have been seven infant deaths so far this year compared to four last year and health care professionals warned that co-sleeping practices—linked to these cases—pose risks, advising parents to follow safe sleep guidelines.

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.

FREE Sports Camp

9 AM – 12 PM — Birchwood Behavioral Health — Free entry — Enjoy a week of sports, drills, and teamwork with friends.

AACVW Club Meeting at Guido's Pizza

7-8:30 p.m. — Guido's Pizza — No cover charge — Gather with fellow VW enthusiasts at the monthly club meeting over pizza.

RMG Career Launch Event

1-3 p.m. — RMG Real Estate Alaska — Free entry — Explore career opportunities in real estate with insights from industry leaders.

Jessica Michelle Singleton Live in Anchorage

7:00-8:30 p.m. — The Broken Blender — Tickets from $40 — Experience the raw and hilarious charm of Alaska-grown comedian Jessica Michelle Singleton.

Neil deGrasse Tyson

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Atwood Concert Hall — Tickets available — Engage with an astrophysicist on the wonders of the universe in a captivating evening.

Candlelight Concert: Rings and Dragons

6:30-7:30 p.m. — 49th State Brewing — Ticketed event — Experience a magical live music performance under candlelight at an iconic Anchorage venue.

Hawthorne Heights Live Concert

6:30-8 p.m. — SteamDot Williwaw — Tickets available — Experience the emotional sounds of Hawthorne Heights as they celebrate their latest album ‘The Rain Just Follows Me’.