Good morning, Anchorage.

Operation Homefront distributed back-to-school supplies (backpacks and school materials) to 200 junior enlisted military children on July 17 to ease the financial burden for military families.

This annual campaign helps them start the school year on the right foot.

Anchorage has a busy weekend with events on Thursday and Saturday.

Live After Five features H3 downtown Thursday, while the Summer Concert Series plays blues and rock at Stephenson Park—Saturday brings a dog jog at Service High School, multicultural and street fairs, and improv shows across the city.

Ash from the Shiveluch volcano disrupted flights at Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Nome yesterday due to an ash cloud that forced Alaska Airlines to cancel 10 flights (affecting roughly 1,100 passengers) as airports continue monitoring the situation.

The Beach Boys have postponed their Alaska State Fair performance scheduled for Aug.

31 as part of the ConocoPhillips Alaska Concert Series, with shows from today to Sept. 3 delayed while the band takes a break — fair ticket holders will receive automatic refunds if purchased through the fair’s website.

Alaska scientists are studying Ichthyophonus, a parasite that multiplies in warm conditions and has worsened declines in Yukon River Chinook salmon using data collected through 2024.

The research — supported by new federal funding — aims to improve management of the fish run.

Officials urge residents to secure their trash (using locking cans or timely placement) after increased calls about bears raiding garbage, aiming to lessen bear encounters and avoid fines.

Senate candidates are clashing over pollock bycatch today as community advocates and local fishers report that trawlers accidentally catch many salmon plus call for tighter factory trawler rules to protect local stocks.

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear Alaska bush pilot Kenneth Jouppi’s appeal over the forfeiture of his 1969 Cessna 206 after an alcohol misdemeanor in Beaver, and Anchorage attorney James Crowson said the ruling could reshape how excessive fines are measured—oral arguments are expected by mid-2027.

The Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation board is considering a new Benchmark Review Committee—set for discussion at the Sept.

30-Oct. 1 Annual Meeting—to review investment benchmarks and ensure consistent oversight in its long-term investment strategy.

Anchorage is seeking contractors to run new nighttime-only emergency homeless shelters this winter.

Proposals are due Aug. 11 as officials say the move will help reduce cold weather risks and support year-round efforts amid budget challenges.

The Municipality of Anchorage is seeking public input on repurposing the former Campbell STEM Elementary building until Aug.

14 (neighbors stressed the importance of retaining the site as a community hangout for kids).

Blood Bank of Alaska is urging local donors to help meet the increased need during the summer surge (reports show a sharp rise in demand as weather warms), stressing that each donation is essential for ensuring a steady supply for hospitals.

Anchorage housing permits reached 330 units this year & already surpassed last year’s total as faster review times and a new tax incentive sped up multi-family construction under the 10,000 Homes in 10 Years plan, which aims to cut red tape and boost affordable housing.

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.