Good morning, Anchorage.

Alaska SPCA is now Alaska PAWS to better show its local focus on animal welfare and pet care, explained CEO Kelly DonnAelly.

The organization is offering a 50% off coupon for spay and neuter services (one per household) that pet owners can use when booking via their website.

Dr. Art Ulene (90) summitted Kilimanjaro early Monday with a birthday cake and singing to unofficially break the record as the oldest climber, according to his daughter.

She said he remains determined and may aim for a Denali climb in the future.

Anchorage has begun its Town Square Revitalization Project, removing nearly every tree, and officials (and urban planners) say the new space will soon offer locals a welcoming area to gather.

Fuel prices in Anchorage may rise soon as global tensions in the Strait of Hormuz push up crude costs+ affecting local pumps and rural deliveries.

State lawmakers plan to boost fuel supply and adjust tax rules for a proposed LNG pipeline, which could add millions to state revenue.

Anchorage’s Hulda Cox and Palmer’s Konnor Kiddle won state-level first-place honors in the National American Heroes Student Art Contest and had their work shown nationally at the Great American State Fair, where pieces honoring Harriet Tubman and Neil Armstrong earned winners and a guardian a Washington, DC trip (July 7-9).

Biologists in Mat-Su reported that warming waters are fueling invasive northern pike’s appetite as they prey on salmon and trout near Willow.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is using netting and rotenone treatments (with local partner groups) to suppress the pike and help protect sportfishing areas.

A NOAA Fisheries and University of Alaska Fairbanks study published in April links Bering Sea heatwave conditions to a sharp decline in Yukon River Chinook salmon as warmer waters increase mortality among older juveniles and adults.

The report warns that such trends could limit future population recovery.

State regulators denied Enstar Natural Gas Co.'s request for advance approval of its proposed Cook Inlet gas storage project last week, citing gaps in data on feasibility, timing and customer costs.

Enstar said it needs regulatory approval before major capital investments+ and may explore other storage options once technical and leasing questions are resolved.

Obed Vargas, an Anchorage native, became the first local to play in a World Cup match with Team Mexico during their 2026 run, inspiring youth across the region.

He will soon join Atlético Madrid (a legendary Spanish club) to begin a new chapter in his soccer career.

Anchorage’s Daishen Nix posted double-digit points in his NBA Summer League debut for the Rockets over the weekend and former local star Allie Ostrander placed fourth at the U.S. 6K Championships in Canton (18:20 finish) on Saturday.

Other local athletes also excelled in baseball and basketball events across the state.

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.

Family Paint Night

6-8 p.m. — Ravens Ring Brewing Company — Supplies included — Create a colorful seasons-themed painting in a fun, welcoming environment.

Split the Pot drawing

A $2,000 minimum jackpot is guaranteed. The pot will increase when $4000 in sales is exceeded. Sales end at midnight 7/31/26. For the month of July Local 71 is running a Split the Pot raffle to fund the Local 71 Scholarship & Training Fund. The self-perpetuating fund provides a program of scholarships to assist eligible Local 71 Members and their families in furthering their professional training, certifications, licenses, and education.

Anchorage Tattoo Expo 2026

11 a.m. — Sheraton Anchorage Hotel — Tickets available at the door — Experience live tattooing by over 80 award-winning artists at Alaska's premier tattoo expo.

Hippie Sabotage & Waka Flocka Flame Live

6-9 p.m. — Williwaw Social — Ticket prices vary — Experience electrifying performances by Hippie Sabotage and Waka Flocka Flame in downtown Anchorage.

Dave Nihill: Live in Anchorage

7-11 PM — Wilda Marston Theatre — Cost Info Not Available — Experience the comedic journey of Dave Nihill from Ireland to the world.