Good morning, Anchorage.

The Alaska State Fair and the Salvation Army are hosting a food drive Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the fair’s entrances so donors can help stock the local pantry for winter and receive a free toy ticket to be picked up on Monday, Aug.

24.

Anchorage’s Ted Stevens Airport Police and Fire Department is hosting its annual Race the Planes 5K on Sunday, Aug.

23 at 10 a.m. at ANC, where runners will race with aircraft plus fundraise for the American Cancer Society to support cancer patients.

The Alaska State Fair opens Friday in Palmer, running through Monday before resuming on Aug.

27. Comedian Matt Rife, an inaugural half marathon in Eagle River, a cappella performance at Lakefront Hotel, and a classic screening of Casablanca at Bear Tooth Theatrepub will be featured.

Anchorage schools began a staggered start for the new school year when first to sixth graders and ninth graders attended class yesterday while older middle and high school students start today.

Teachers focus on building routines (like lining up for lunch and dismissal) and social-emotional skills to ease jitters.

Students and teachers at Trailside Elementary returned to class on Wednesday, starting the new school year with excitement for learning plus planning for the months ahead.

The school year lasts through May 28, with students eager to advance to middle school.

Several east Anchorage trails were closed Tuesday after bear encounters led to multi-agency warnings.

Officials closed paths in Far North Bicentennial Park and the Campbell Tract to allow bear foraging — residents are urged to avoid the areas.

Mary Peltola leads Alaska’s US Senate primary by five points over incumbent Dan Sullivan as 94% of precincts report, & voters face a competitive November contest with both candidates set to advance.

Federal Railroad Administration awarded a $28.8 million grant to Alaska Railroad on Wednesday to repair the 105-year-old Hurricane Gulch Bridge on the main line between Anchorage and Denali (the railroad will cover the remaining $7.2 million of the $36 million project) while ensuring seamless train service.

Governor Dunleavy declared a disaster for the Alaska Gateway REAA when the Mukluk Fire affected Tok, which activates state aid including housing+emergency repairs.

Residents can apply until Oct. 19 while some evacuations remain north of the Alaska Highway with shelters at Tok Dog Mushers Association and Tok School.

Anchorage Fish and Game warns residents to avoid river otters following two attacks, one near Taku Park this week and one at Sand Lake last month when a child on a paddleboard was bitten; people are urged to stay clear of watercraft and report any encounters.

Anchorage health providers are addressing gaps in perimenopause and menopause care as many women report symptoms like night sweats and hot flashes being overlooked.

Experts including nurse midwife Barbara Norton recommend patients ask about provider certifications (a trusted sign of advanced training) for safer hormone therapy.

Alaska has faced some of the highest healthcare costs for 15 years (costs run 50% above the U.S. urban average), putting strain on family budgets and business expenses.

Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield calls for more price transparency to help Alaskans access quality care at fair prices.