Good morning, Anchorage.

Anchorage city-run shelters added 50 extra beds before winter set in, but many people were still turned away each night due to high demand.

City officials are planning to use additional funding, partner with faith groups, and launch The Good Neighbor Fund — a community-supported program—to help more people get emergency housing as the colder weather continues.

Anchorage Weekender lists nine indoor events to help residents beat the chill—guiding locals to shop at the Changepoint Christmas Bazaar, explore the makers market at Atwood, and enjoy free activities at the Anchorage Museum on First Friday.

The guide also features a book sale and baby shower at Loussac Library, a toy swap at The Workshop, a Radiohead tribute by Portland Cello Project, and a food and brew tasting event in Seward.

Anchorage Army veteran Natalie Wallace Edison, a former combat medic, received a 2023 Ford Edge at a ceremony on Thursday at Progressive’s office on West 36th Avenue given through Progressive’s Keys to Progress program + the gift honors veterans ahead of Veterans Day.

Anchorage unveiled a new arch marking the entrance to the Mushing District between Fourth and D Streets after 12 years of planning.

The landmark honors Alaska's sled dog history and will be installed the week of November 17 with a lighting ceremony planned for the first Friday of December — community members can support Phase Two by contributing to the donor panels.

Legislators met last week for the education funding task force where school boards, administrators, and teachers said there are no easy fixes for the public school system—citing challenges like high class sizes and teacher loss.

The task force will submit its report before the next legislative session and will hold its next hearing on November 10.

Alaska has canceled its annual Veterans Day ceremony at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson—scheduled for November 11—because of a federal government shutdown.

Officials urge residents to honor veterans at home.

In Feb. 2025, the Tebughna Foundation received a $20 million grant from the Community and College Partners Program to design new housing in Tyonek and train local craftsmen—plans include building a solar field to help reduce high electricity costs.

The grant was terminated in March 2025 after the EPA froze funding following a change in administration—group leaders hope the funds will be reinstated so the project can be finished in three years.

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation is set to take over hazardous waste permits, inspections, and clean-ups if the EPA approves its new program.

Six trained state workers have been preparing for three years while the public can give feedback on the plan until December 8.

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport confirmed that it remains fully operational even as Alaska Airlines will cut a limited number of flights today amid operational cutbacks—travelers should check with their airlines for the latest updates.

The airport advised passengers to use online resources and contact carriers directly for any flight changes.

Alaskans with federal health plans could see premiums rise by hundreds or thousands of dollars each month if Congress does not extend tax credits before year end — about 25,000 enrollees, including small business owners and retirees, are invited to share how they are preparing for higher costs.

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.

After Hours Featuring Midnight Son & Kala Jenkins

7-9 p.m. — Momentum Studios — Ticketed event — Experience soulful music and captivating visual art from Anchorage's local talent.

Candlelight: 90s Unplugged

4-5 p.m. — 49th State Brewing - Anchorage — Tickets available — Experience the nostalgic tunes of the 90s played by a string quartet under candlelight.