Good morning, Anchorage.

On Aug. 26, volunteers planted a native garden at a local Anchorage park as part of a five-year initiative to green public spaces, aiming to boost local natural beauty and create inviting outdoor areas.

A local nonprofit honored Native pilot Ellen Paneok at the Merrill Field hangar where she learned to fly — the same site where the organization started its programs.

The honor celebrates her contributions to local aviation and heritage.

Today the Alaska State Fair begins its second segment in Palmer, running through Monday with events such as Native Youth Olympics, antique tractor pulls, toddler races and main stage concerts.

Fair parking fees remain waived for a fourth year—special discount days add a festive touch for visitors.

A new documentary exploring life as an Alaska National Guard member will premiere in Anchorage on Saturday, Aug.

29 at 11 a.m. and noon at Regal Tikahtnu, with an additional screening in Fairbanks on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 11 a.m.

Bowman Elementary School opened a new inclusive playground on Monday, Aug.

24 that features a separate play area for younger kids and a sensory board for those with communication challenges. The $1.9 million project, designed with input from Northwest Playground Equipment, aims to bring all students together.

Today, ASD welcomed preschool and kindergarten students as they began classes across local schools.

Teachers helped the young learners adjust to new routines as part of the district’s transition.

Four overflights found no trace of the oil sheen reported near the inactive Spark Platform in North Trading Bay.

Officials are continuing to investigate its source and may test pipelines before returning them online.

Meta agreed Wednesday to pay $18 billion and add child-safety features to Facebook and Instagram after a trial over teen social media addiction; Alaska will collect about $16 million from the settlement (47 states were involved) to fund programs for children’s mental health.

Six Alaska Organized Militia members provided wildfire support in Tok after arriving Tuesday on State Active Duty from the State Emergency Operations Center.

They assisted with damage assessments, shelter support, supply distribution, and disaster-service registration so that wildfire personnel could focus on suppression operations.

Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield has proposed a more than 25% rate increase for individual health insurance plans next year (starting in 2027) after premiums nearly doubled over the past five years.

Enrollment has dropped by about 3,000, adding pressure on the insurance market.