Good morning, Anchorage.

A 21-year-old from Anchorage was killed late Friday on Sterling Highway when Milo Wiley, driving a Subaru and trying to pass another car, clipped a semi truck and lost control—troopers said the crash led to a highway closure for several hours.

A Nikiski man was convicted of first and second degree murder of his mother after DNA evidence linked him to the crime—he was also convicted of manslaughter and tampering with physical evidence and faces sentencing on Dec 9.

At a seven-hour resentencing hearing in Anchorage, Judge Jack McKenna ended the session without a ruling and told the parties to come back Monday—prosecutors and defense argued over lowering the 135-year sentence for convicted murderer Fletcher, who was 14 when she killed three people.

Katmai National Park’s Fat Bear Week will run from September 23-30, with the Fat Bear Junior contest scheduled for September 18-19.

The event celebrates Alaska brown bears as they bulk up for winter—NPS will soon reveal this year’s bear bios, continuing a tradition with past champions like Grazer and Bear 747.

Anchorage Metropolitan Area Transportation Solutions in partnership with the Municipality of Anchorage and the Alaska Department of Transportation is asking selected households to track travel habits in the Your Daily Journey survey over the coming weeks—data will guide plans for safer streets and better transit as participants receive gift cards.

A state report from the Division of Elections names 70 possible noncitizen voters—including 10 American Samoans from Whittier facing criminal charges—since 2015, although officials say many may have been flagged by mistake.

The U.S. Coast Guard shadowed two Chinese research ships last week as they operated over the disputed extended continental shelf near Utqiagvik—raising concerns over U.S. claims in the Arctic Ocean.

The agency queried the vessels by radio and deployed a patrol aircraft from Kodiak to secure the maritime border.

Anchorage Fire Department is asking residents to complete a survey by September 30 to help shape its Community Wildfire Protection Plan (they aim for 500 responses) and improve wildfire safety.

Residents can fill out the survey online as part of this effort.

Anchorage sports saw Bartlett High School secure a 27 to 0 homecoming shutout over Juneau as key players made crucial plays, and Alaska veteran Carlos Boozer was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday—recognizing his role with the Redeem Team.

This week highlighted significant achievements in local sports.

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.