Good morning, Anchorage.

The Anchorage Fire Department is giving away free bike helmets to kids and teens with Safe Kids Alaska and Providence.

The program—running for 20 years—has given out 1,000 helmets this summer and over 35,000 since it started, with helmets available at every fire station when a child or teen is present.

ConocoPhillips said it plans to drill four exploration wells and conduct seismic surveys in the National Petroleum Reserve Alaska this winter as it seeks approval from the Bureau of Land Management.

The project will target the Bear Tooth and Greater Mooses Tooth Units plus cover a 300 square mile area using temporary ice roads to protect the tundra, and it could employ up to 750 workers if approved.

Preliminary data from the Alaska Department of Education shows that K-3 students improved in reading proficiency last school year, with overall benchmarks rising from 44% to 60% and kindergarten scores increasing from 23% to 62%.

The gains came after implementing the Alaska Reads Act—providing teacher training and screening—even as challenges with absenteeism and teacher turnover persist.

The Anchorage Assembly voted 7–5 on Tuesday to ban camping and building structures within 500 feet of schools, playgrounds and daycares (and within 200 feet of trails, busy streets and railroads), and the rule will take effect next week.

Some critics say the measure will push homelessness into areas with few legal options while supporters say it will help keep public spaces safe.

Residents in Fairview will soon get a free shuttle to midtown grocery stores and pharmacies as part of a $75,000 grant approved by the Anchorage Assembly after the Carrs store closed in May.

The service will run Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. until October — it offers a safe ride for those without a private vehicle.

Anchorage approved a new beekeeping ordinance on July 17th—city officials will soon share details on the updated hive management rules.

Mary Shields, the first woman to complete the Iditarod, died at age 80, family said.

Fellow musher Rod Perry recalled her steady travel during the grueling 1974 race—marked by harsh blizzards and extreme cold—and noted that her calm approach inspired many future competitors.

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.

Battle of the Bands: Bike Week

5-11 p.m. — House of Harley-Davidson — Free entry — Experience local talent battling it out on stage during Anchorage's favorite bike week celebration.

Race Judicata 5K Fun-Run

10 AM – 2 PM — Westchester Lagoon Nature Trail — $35 entry — Support the Anchorage Youth Court while enjoying a community-themed run/walk.