Thursday, September 25th, 2025
Good morning, Anchorage. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 25th of September.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Fat Bear Week 2025 has begun and on Day 2, contenders such as 26—a rookie with a family legacy—and 909—known for her fishing style—compete while fans can vote online from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In another match, the gentle 99 faces off against 856—a longtime boss whose power is waning—with online votes to decide the future champion. KTOO
- ➤ Mike Fitz, a ranger at Katmai National Park, helped start Fat Bear Week in 2014 when he saw online comments about a bear's growing weight—he turned the idea into a contest that now draws over 1 million votes. Locals cheer bear 32 Chunk, a frontrunner who overcame a broken jaw, as they vote for their favorite bear. Alaska's News Source
- ➤ Anchorage artist Deborah Hansen fuses saints, fairy tales and modern politics in her provocative exhibit 'Conversations' at the International Gallery of Contemporary Art, where it is on view through Friday, Sept. 26. The show features 11 large ceramic pieces alongside related works in the DUOS and Drawn North exhibits—public viewings begin Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m. with a closing reception Friday at 6 p.m. Anchorage Daily News
- ➤ Today, Anchorage chef Carlos Walker—executive chef at South Restaurant and Coffeehouse—will represent Alaska in the new season of Hell's Kitchen airing at 7 p.m. on Fox Alaska; he earned his spot after a production team noticed his work feeding mushers during the Iditarod. Your Alaska Link
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Anchorage city officials announced a new trash surcharge — it will fund cleanup efforts in local parks. Alaska's News Source
- ➤ Anchorage’s Solid Waste Services is running a pilot program at its midtown Materials Recovery Facility to speed up the composting of food scraps and yard waste using an aerated static pile system—this process breaks down organics faster than usual. The project will pause this winter and resume next spring while the curbside program ends in September and drop-offs continue until the end of October. Alaska's News Source
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ After the Assembly approved an almost $12 million tech contract, APD will boost its tools with new license plate readers, tasers, drones and a Real-Time Crime Center — Chief Sean Case said the new drones will help manage emergencies while the department pilots an opt-in camera feed program for local businesses and residences. Your Alaska Link
- ➤ The USS Ted Stevens was christened nearly two years ago and will soon be commissioned for use by the United States Navy in Alaska. Alaska's News Source
- ➤ Gov. Dunleavy vetoed Senate Bill 54 that would have licensed interior designers—saying the measure added cost and confusion without a public safety need—and this marks his eighth policy veto this year. Senator Claman, the bill’s sponsor, said he learned of the veto on Tuesday and that lawmakers may override it in January. Anchorage Daily News
- ➤ The Anchorage Assembly held public hearings on September 23rd on two housing ordinances—one that would let voters decide on a charter amendment to tax short-term rentals and another that would require landlords to help tenants relocate when their homes are unsafe. Both proposals will return for discussion on October 21. Must Read Alaska
- ➤ The Anchorage Community Development Authority launched Park It Forward today to use parking meter revenue for funding murals, events, and community projects that boost downtown vibrancy—nonprofits, small businesses, and community groups can apply for grants up to $25,000 until October 9. Winners will be announced within four weeks after the deadline. Your Alaska Link
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ UAA hockey will try to win more games this season by using key returners and new local talent, including coach Matt Shasby's son Camden. The team will play an exhibition game against Briercrest at 7 p.m. Friday at the Avis Alaska Sports Complex—hoping early games help them build a stronger team for upcoming series. Anchorage Daily News
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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.
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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.
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FIA Live in Concert
6-7:30 p.m. — Wendy Williamson Auditorium — 18+ (All ages with parent or guardian) — Enjoy a live performance by four-time Island Music Award winner, FIA, a rising star from Hawaii.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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