Good morning, Anchorage.

A building near Sixth Avenue — Ingra Street caught fire Thursday afternoon and sent large black plumes over downtown Anchorage with no injuries as firefighters closed Ingra to traffic for at least an hour while they worked to control the blaze.

Former Anchorage Police officer Nathan Michael Keays, convicted in April 2024 for defrauding ConocoPhillips of over $3 million on charges including wire fraud and money laundering, filed a motion on June 26 seeking a new trial and alleging misconduct by a former US District Judge and a federal prosecutor (accused of perjury and a conflict of interest), while the Justice Department insists these issues did not affect his case.

Anchorage rebuilt its prosecutor’s office after dropping over 250 domestic violence assault cases and 270 drunken driving cases last year due to short staffing (the office now has 12 frontline prosecutors with one supervisory vacancy).

At a hearing at Boney Courthouse, Assistant Municipal Prosecutor Andy Garbe said the team will now take cases to trial, including domestic violence assaults, drunken driving and weapons charges (officials will still dismiss cases when evidence is weak).

On Friday, July 11, 2025, city officials will meet at Loussac Library Assembly Chambers to gather public comments on a proposed ordinance that would criminalize unauthorized camping on public property — following a cleanup that removed 744,000 pounds of encampment debris from Davis Park. The effort, completed with 1,914 man-hours, reflects a renewed focus on addressing long-standing issues at the park — as the Assembly seeks community input on future enforcement measures.

Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance visited Girdwood to check on key projects including Little Bears Daycare's expansion—which will let it serve four times as many children—and ongoing improvements at Alyeska Resort along with plans for new commercial spaces and a future conference center aimed at boosting local work and quality of life.

Anchorage's new ordinance makes bus rides free for everyone under 18 starting Thursday—city officials say the change will lower transportation costs for families during the busy summer season.

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson is hosting large-scale military exercises through August that are increasing aircraft noise and traffic in Anchorage and nearby communities.

Officials say drivers should use extra caution near the base — as the operations boost readiness and test logistics for rapid response.

Anchorage Wildfire Division Chief spoke on Interior wildfire status and outlined current challenges in managing the fire conditions.

DOC denied claims that ICE detainees contracted tuberculosis in the Anchorage jail—an immigration attorney said one of 41 detainees was hospitalized upon transferring to the ICE Processing Center in Tacoma.

Doctors warn Anchorage families against co-sleeping after seven infant deaths have been reported this year, compared to four last year.

Health experts advise placing babies in a crib (with no extra bedding) to help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation.

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.