Good morning, Anchorage.

Fairview residents gained access to food and prescriptions when a free shuttle was launched mid-July after Carrs closed this summer — Anchorage officials and NeighborWorks organized the service and early ridership averages about a dozen passengers daily.

September is National Preparedness Month—when the American Red Cross of Alaska gives tips on making go bags and family plans—to help Anchorage families prepare for unexpected emergencies.

The girlfriend of late Anchorage fisherman Baxter Cox said they had planned to marry and start a family—making his fatal pot cod accident even more devastating.

Northern Air Cargo announced a new Seattle—Anchorage service that will begin October 5 with three weekly flights to boost shipments of groceries, medical supplies and construction materials for local businesses; the service will also let communities access shipments coming from the Lower 48.

Today, Grammy-winning duo Mark and Maggie O’Connor visited Dimond High School and Mears Middle School as part of the Sitka Music Festival education program, reaching over 400 students.

They will perform at Alaska Airlines’ Autumn Classics at 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 13 at the Wendy Williamson Auditorium—blending classical, folk, and bluegrass sounds for Anchorage.

Fat Bear Week will begin next week when people from over 100 countries vote for the fattest brown bear at Katmai National Park and Preserve—junior brackets are revealed on Sept.

17 while voting takes place from Sept. 18 to Sept. 19 for the junior contest and from Sept. 23 at 8 a.m. until Sept. 30 for the main contest.

ConocoPhillips announced last week that it will cut 20%—25% of its global workforce during 2025, a move that may reverse oilfield job growth in Alaska where it employs about 1,000 people locally.

The layoffs are expected as part of the company’s plan to improve efficiency.

Alaska and Canada set a lower target for king salmon, but through Aug.28 only 23,806 kings were counted at the Eagle sonar site, falling short of the goal.

Officials said fishing restrictions remain in force as the low run is linked to warmer water and increased commercial fishing+its decline has raised concerns over the future of the Yukon River run.

The Department of Revenue said the first mass payment for the 2025 Permanent Fund Dividend will be made on Oct 2 at $1,000 per eligible applicant with applications in Eligible Not Paid status by Sept 18 — the second payment for those eligible by Oct 13 will be issued on Oct 23.

Lawmakers set the dividend last session amid ongoing debates following a 2017 ruling.

State lawyers are defending the Office of Children's Services in a federal trial that began on Aug.

25 in Anchorage, where former foster youth Matthew Vandenberg described poor care at a placement he called the ramen house. A Better Childhood—a group from New York—argued that low oversight and high caseworker loads have left Alaska's foster care system among the worst in the nation, and the trial will finish today.

The former Golden Lion, used as transitional housing for over 100 residents, will soon add outpatient drug and alcohol treatment in its second-floor lounge—city officials said the current tenants will remain.

City leaders also plan to install 24 tiny homes near Tudor Road for recovery support, with microunits opening in November and treatment services starting early 2026.

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.