Good morning, Anchorage.

Students at Airport Heights Elementary received new coats and hats Monday through Operation Warm — a program organized by the Anchorage Fire Department, Nuvision Credit Union, and Matson that provided winter clothing for 250 children.

Alaska’s education department has transferred 54 school buildings to rural districts in exchange for funds to repair or rebuild them, requiring local school boards to take on ownership and related liabilities.

Rural superintendents worry that these forced transfers will increase financial and legal risks—especially in areas with limited local tax revenue and ongoing maintenance needs.

The International Pacific Halibut Commission is cutting back its ocean surveys due to budget constraints as new models show halibut stocks near record lows.

Officials are working to secure extra funding—an effort aimed at strengthening assessments and protecting the fishery’s future.

Two orphaned northern sea otter pups rescued near Homer are now at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward; the under-two-month-old female is in critical condition and gets 24-hour veterinary care while the 4-6 month old male is undergoing tests for health issues.

The center now cares for four pups — all needing intensive support — and advises the public to report injured marine animals at 1-888-774-7325.

Ex-Typhoon Halong caused record winds and flooding in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta on October 12, damaging over 52 communities and displacing more than 1,600 people, with 622 people leaving Anchorage emergency shelters.

State and federal agencies are coordinating recovery efforts including airlifts, financial aid, and infrastructure repairs — aiming to help residents rebuild and return safely.

University of Alaska expects an 8–10% rise in health care costs for the fiscal year ending in July, covering 3,442 employees at a total of about $85.5 million.

Officials presented projections that mirror national trends in medical and pharmacy claims — and they are negotiating pharmacy prices to save around $3 million while promoting wellness programs to curb future expenses.

Blake Fazio, a high school swimmer from Chugiak, broke the state record in the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:39.44 at the ASAA Swim & Dive Championships and came within 0.2 seconds of his own 100 fly record while contributing strong relay legs — earning him Most Outstanding Swimmer honors. He said he will keep swimming in college as he ends his standout high school career.

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.

Python for Scientists Training Class

Dec 8-12 — Frontier Safety And Supply, LLC — $2250 — Enhance your Python skills with hands-on training tailored for scientists.

Holiday Wreath Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Dimond Greenhouse — $45 per wreath — Create your own festive wreath using fresh cut greens for the holiday season.

The Snow Globe Run

11 AM – 1 PM — Peanut Farm — Check for entry fees — Lace up for a festive run, walk, or cheer along at this community winter event.