Good morning, Anchorage.

Alaska climber Balin Miller died in a climbing accident on El Capitan when he tried to clear a stuck bag and his rope did not reach it—his mother confirmed his loss on social media.

Southwest Airlines will begin daily red-eye flights from Anchorage's Ted Stevens Airport to Denver and Las Vegas in May 2026 — ticket sales will start next week and it is not yet known if the service will run year-round or only in the summer.

More than 600,000 Alaskans received this year’s $1,000 permanent fund dividend starting Thursday, and University of Alaska economist Brett Watson’s study shows that after inflation the payment is the smallest in history.

His analysis compared 1982, 2003 and today—highlighting that rising housing costs have cut the dividend’s buying power despite better quality on many products.

Fourteen Alaska public radio stations that serve tribal and Alaska Native communities will receive about $4.5 million in one-time funding from the Bureau of Indian Affairs after congressional budget cuts threatened their operations—Unalaska’s KUCB will restore over $282,000 through a partnership with the Qawalangin Tribe as station managers work to secure long-term support.

Former Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson announced his bid for governor at a Fairbanks press event on Thursday — weeks after he left his post at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport — stating he will work to make living in Alaska more affordable and boost opportunities for families.

Fourteen small public broadcasting stations in Alaska received one-time Interior Department grants to make up for lost federal funds, with KUCB in Unalaska receiving $282,728 this week.

KYUK in Bethel partnered with local tribes and will get nearly $250,000 for radio and more than $800,000 for TV — though the funds may not arrive until after the government shutdown ends.

Mayor Suzanne LaFrance announced a $656.9 million operating budget proposal that continues nearly unchanged from 2025—coming $175,000 under the property tax limit and funding services such as snow removal, homelessness resources and public safety.

The administration will submit the proposal to the Anchorage Assembly for a vote on November 18 while also proposing a $48.9 million bond package for infrastructure projects.

Starting Oct. 6, Medicaid patients in Alaska will begin paying out of pocket at a sliding fee scale as federal changes cut free care — health providers warn that many patients in remote areas will face long travel times.

Planned Parenthood in Anchorage, which served nearly 70% of family planning visits, is exploring cost-cutting measures — but patients may face longer wait times for emergency treatment.

Anchorage residents have many events planned for this weekend—local markets, theater shows and community festivals offer activities for every interest.

Events include the Make It Alaskan Market at the Egan Center with theme days, plays at Jerry Harper Studio and Cyrano’s Theatre Building, a downtown scavenger hunt, a ski swap, a pumpkin patch and First Friday art shows that round out a busy weekend.

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.

October Meeting

6-9 p.m. — Campbell Creek Science Center — Free — Enjoy a potluck and share favorite native plant photos at this month's meeting.

Scream Zine Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Anchorage Public Library (Z.J. Loussac Library) — Free entry — Transform your fears into creative zines through writing and photography.

TREW To You Film Tour

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Williwaw Social — Donations accepted — Experience thrilling ski films and meet the talented women behind them while supporting a great cause.

Born Of Osiris Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — SteamDot Williwaw — Ticketed event — Experience the progressive metal sound of Born of Osiris, blending technical skill with brutal energy.

Alaska Bar Citizen - Citizencon Direct 2025

11 AM-1 PM — The Writer's Block Bookstore & Cafe — Free entry — Connect with fellow Star Citizen fans as you enjoy food, drinks, and a live stream of CitizenCon 2025.

Advancing Tribal Early Childhood through CCDF

10-11:30 a.m. — Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center — Free entry — Explore how CCDF empowers Tribal communities and nurtures their youngest citizens.

Enchanted Trails Adventure

2-4 p.m. — Goose Lake Park — Kids 2 and under free — Embark on a magical adventure and train alongside fairies, elves, and dragons in this family-friendly event.

Zoo Boo Celebration

10 AM – 6 PM — Alaska Zoo — $15+ — Enjoy a spooky day with candy stations, pumpkin carving, and fun activities for all ages.

Anchorage Dog Sledding and Animal Encounters Tour

2-hour adventure — 5100 Cordova St, Anchorage, AK — Cost varies — Experience the thrill of dog sledding and hand-feeding Alaskan wildlife in an immersive tour.