Good morning, Anchorage.

Volunteers cleaned Davis Park on Monday after municipal crews removed hazardous waste following the June 17 clearance of a homeless encampment in Mountain View.

The Healthy Spaces team from Parks and Recreation leads efforts to reactivate the park — more cleanup events are planned to welcome community users.

Anchorage recorded 10 pedestrian deaths this year, and officials noted that 15% of the 194 fatalities in the past 25 years occurred over the last 2.5 years—after a record spike in 2024—and they urge drivers and pedestrians to follow the revised jaywalking law, especially since October and November have been the most dangerous months.

The NTSB released a preliminary report on a North Slope helicopter crash that killed a pilot and a shorebird scientist in early June when a Robinson R66 from Pollux Aviation crashed 15 minutes after leaving Deadhorse and investigators have not yet determined if pilot error, low cloud ceilings or mechanical issues caused the accident—wreckage is now in Anchorage for further study.

Anchorage law enforcement wrapped up Operation Summer Heat—a five-day crackdown that arrested 103 individuals, made 143 traffic stops, recovered two stolen vehicles, and seized large amounts of illegal drugs (including 1,388.46 grams of fentanyl equating to 600,000 lethal doses) while specialized officers wore masks (to protect undercover identities).

Coalition for Education Equity plans to sue the state after Governor Dunleavy vetoed House Bill 57 that would have expanded school funding and helped fix rural schools.

The group said a $700 increase covers only a quarter of what is needed — leaving classrooms and community centers at risk.

Michael Tavoliero proposed an Alaska Education Reform and Local Control Act that would let local communities run their own school curriculum so lessons match their land and economic life.

The act would allow teachers to focus on topics like land ownership and resource care—key lessons for rural and Alaska Native students.

Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance said her administration spent last year fixing broken systems and laying a foundation for action on homelessness, housing, and public safety.

After a Davis Park encampment clearance led to a brief suspicious fire, she noted that more than fifty people moved into shelter or housing (with permit activity nearly doubling for multi-family projects) as the city works toward its goal of building 10,000 new homes in 10 years.

Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance proposed to make it a crime to camp in public areas such as streets, trails, playgrounds, and near schools to better deter dangerous encampments.

The Assembly will hold a public hearing on the proposal Friday at 1 p.m. (at Loussac Library Assembly Chambers).

Devon Mclaughlin from New Milford, Connecticut, will run 860 miles from Prudhoe Bay to Anchorage starting August 3rd and arriving in Delaney Park on August 22nd.

He will raise funds for a charity and cover gas and supply costs during his three-week run—he plans to have a friend join him in a truck converted into a mobile camping unit.

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’.

Uniform Residential Appraisal Report Course

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Alaska Aviation Museum — $200.00 ($175 for AI members) — Delve into the new URAR training while enjoying a unique setting at the largest seaplane base in the world.