Good morning, Anchorage.

Representatives from Bethel Friends of Canines, Anchorage Animal Care and Control, and the August Foundation are coordinating evacuation efforts—aimed at reuniting Western Alaska dogs with their owners.

The groups said the operation will continue—ensuring pets are safely returned as challenges persist.

Downtown Anchorage will host Trick or Treat Street this Saturday from noon until 4 p.m. along 4th Avenue — families can visit over 30 shops for trick-or-treating as they enjoy a block party with a petting zoo, photo booth, food trucks and a haunted trolley ride.

The Anchorage Weekender released a guide covering eight local Halloween events for this weekend, including family-friendly museum trick-or-treating and downtown festivities with a haunted trolley and vintage car trunk-or-treating.

Some events are free while others require tickets or donations—providing a variety of options for all ages in Anchorage.

About 320 evacuees from Western Alaska have been staying at a mass shelter in Anchorage since October 15 after Typhoon Halong caused severe damage to their homes — they feel safe but also sorrowful as they wait for plans to move them into private housing.

City officials are working with the Red Cross and other groups to set up services and answer the pressing question of when evacuees can return home.

People Mover is holding an art contest for Anchorage artists to redesign bus stop signs that are easier to read and reflect local culture—especially Alaska Native heritage.

Finalists will receive $1,000 while the top winner gets $4,000, with winning designs set to appear on over 600 bus stops and submissions accepted through November 4.

Retired Alaska Native journalist Joaqlin Estus was inducted into the Alaska Women's Hall of Fame on Tuesday alongside her great-grandmother Tillie Paul-Tamaree — a civil rights activist from the early 20th century.

She joins nine other honorees in a ceremony that recognizes Alaska women's contributions to journalism, activism, and public service.

Flooding and storm surges from ex-Typhoon Halong eroded 60 feet of beach in Quinhagak and exposed over 1,000 indigenous artifacts—items that are between 500 and 600 years old that local volunteers and archaeologists are now preserving with special treatments.

The preserved artifacts will be studied at the Nunalleq Museum and Anchorage Museum to protect their historical value.

Anchorage offers a busy weekend with eight events—including The Addams Family musical at Sydney Laurence Theatre and Lucky Chops' concert at Discovery Theatre today, a ski swap at Kincaid Wax Bunker, a fundraiser at O’Malleys On the Green, and film and Broadway celebrations later—each with set ticket prices and local venues to suit varied interests. Residents can choose from a range of cultural outings that provide live music, stage shows, and community fundraisers across multiple sites.

Teens now make up almost 4% of Alaska’s workforce, the highest share since 2008, working at local businesses such as Big Dipper Homemade Ice Cream in Palmer and ski areas in Anchorage; state reports show many of these young workers earn minimum wage plus tips and gain life skills + valuable responsibility experience.

The Alaska Division of Public Assistance announced that SNAP benefits will not be released for November if the federal government shutdown continues — about 66,000 residents may go without essential food aid.

Officials advised those affected by ex-Typhoon Halong to seek reissued October benefits and help at local food banks.

On Tuesday, U.S. House candidate Matt Schultz told Alaska Beacon he is running to help working-class Alaskans by addressing rising living costs and health care challenges.

He said his service as a pastor inspires him to build bridges in Congress — including planned trips to rural areas like Fairbanks.

A state report showed that only 8.7% of caseworkers in child welfare were Alaska Native or American Indian while over 71.9% were white.

The Office of Children’s Services has partnered with local tribes and increased training to help staff better serve indigenous children—nearly 70% of children in care are indigenous.

On Thursday, Secretary Burgum and Governor Dunleavy announced that the Arctic Refuge Coastal Plain reopened for oil and gas leasing, that Ambler Road received permits to connect the Dalton Highway to mining areas, and that King Cove Road linking King Cove to Cold Bay was approved while land allotments were granted to Alaska Native Vietnam veterans. Officials say these actions will boost local resource development—steps that honor native veterans and improve rural connectivity.

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.

AMA Annual Convention 2025

9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. — Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport — Cost Info not verified — Engage with marketing professionals, discover trends, and network in Anchorage's premier marketing event.

Anchorage Zine Fair

12-6 p.m. — The Nave — Free entry — Discover local artistry and creativity at the Anchorage Zine Fair.

46th Annual Alaska Resources Conference

Time TBA — Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center — Early bird registration ends November 1 — Engage with industry leaders and explore Alaska’s natural resources at this major economic event.

All Alaska Pediatric Symposium

Time TBA — Marriott Anchorage Downtown — Registration required — Explore evidence-based pediatric healthcare practices with leading experts and engage in valuable networking.

KillBill Sax Concert

6:15-10:15 p.m. — Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center — Cost TBD — Experience the smooth sounds of saxophone from a local talent rooted in Anchorage.