Good morning, Anchorage.

The Alaska Permanent Fund surpassed $85 billion, marking a record milestone built over 45 years as legislative changes have led to smaller dividend payouts.

The $1,000 dividend will be deposited on Oct 2 and mailed on Oct 23 (details set by the Legislature).

Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance named veteran city administrator Mike Abbott as interim director of the Don Young Port of Alaska and he will assume his duties later in September—while the administration tapped Shanna Gamble to lead Parks and Recreation and she awaits Assembly approval on Tuesday.

A new report by the Honest Elections Project shows that while 17 states passed laws to stop foreign funding and ban ranked-choice voting, Alaska’s lawmakers did not act—leaving the state exposed to over $5 million in dark money that could influence local ballot measures.

The report warns that without reform, Alaska, one of only two states using ranked-choice voting statewide, remains vulnerable to outside influence.

Matanuska-Susitna Borough must repay $5.8 million in federal transit grants used for its failed ferry project or face hefty fines—officials will discuss the debt order at a closed-door session on September 16.

Mat-Su Borough must repay $5.8 million in federal transit grants used for its never-used Knik Arm ferry project or face fines and withheld funding if the payment is not made by late this month—borough officials will meet on Sept.

16 to plan a response.

Oktoberfest 2025

5 PM – 1 AM — 49th State Brewing - Anchorage — Cost information not provided — Celebrate German culture with pretzels, cheese, and joyful festivities.

Candlelight: Rings and Dragons

9 PM — 49th State Brewing - Anchorage — Ticket prices vary — Experience enchanting music from Rings and Dragons under the glow of candlelight.

2025 JBER Air Force Ball

5-10 p.m. — Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center — Ticket prices range from $50-$70 — Celebrate the USAF's 78th Birthday with a formal evening of dining and camaraderie.

Kody West Live Concert

3-7 p.m. — Williwaw Social — $ — Celebrate the end of summer with Kody West and local bands in a lively Americana music festival.

Lift & Lengthen Workshop: Cupping and Stretching Techniques

9 AM – 6 PM — Alaska Career College — Registration required — Explore cupping and stretching techniques to enhance your body’s flexibility and circulation.

Linux Fundamentals GL120 Training Class

Mon-Fri, Sep 22-26 — Frontier Safety And Supply, LLC — Costs Vary — Enhance your IT skills with comprehensive training on Linux fundamentals.

Candlelight Concert: Neo-Soul Classics

6:30-7:29 p.m. — 49th State Brewing - Anchorage — Tickets required — Experience the soulful sounds of artists like Prince and Childish Gambino under candlelight.

Comedy Night with Mike Glazer & Sam Miller

8:00 – 11:59 PM — Chilkoot Charlie's — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening of laughter with acclaimed comedians Mike Glazer and Sam Miller.

Nic's Race 5k, Kids 2k, & Duathlon

12:00 AM – 11:59 PM — Kincaid Park — Participation fee required — A thrilling weekend of races for competitive athletes and families alike.

Alaska Whole Life Festival

11 AM – 6 PM — Coast Inn at Lake Hood — Various costs — Explore a diverse range of metaphysical, holistic, and healing products and services at this engaging festival.