Good morning, Anchorage.

Wendy Wagner, director of the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center and former Olympic skier, died in her sleep on November 6 after battling ovarian cancer for a year and a half.

Her leadership improved avalanche forecasting—expanding coverage and building trust among local snow enthusiasts.

Jason Keith “Manu” Felder, 46, was struck while crossing King Street in South Anchorage on November 10 and became the 15th pedestrian fatality this year—police said the Chevrolet Silverado driver stayed at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.

The Anchorage School Board voted to keep Fire Lake Elementary and Lake Otis Elementary, stopping planned closures (which means students will continue to attend these schools).

The decision, made on Nov.18, ends months of uncertainty for local families.

An investigation by ProPublica and KYUK found that since 2003 the state Department of Education turned ownership of old rural school buildings over to districts that lack local funds in exchange for repair money—these districts now face heavy costs for fixes without strong local revenue.

The Anchorage School Board announced Tuesday night which school will close at the end of the 2025-26 year, with Fire Lake Elementary and Lake Otis Elementary both considered due to low enrollment.

Board officials noted that closing one school is part of a multi-year plan to save up to $800,000 a year to support quality programs.

The Alaska Children’s Trust has partnered with State Troopers to launch K9 Sunny’s Online Adventure—an online safety program that uses comics, educational cards, and interactive materials to help kids recognize online dangers—and families can access the program online or request the materials by mail.

Legislators reviewed school funding last week as experts and former officials explained that teacher pay is about 25% below the national average when high living costs are considered—especially in rural areas where vacancies cost schools extra money.

They stressed that additional funding is needed to better attract and retain teachers in Alaska.

The Anchorage School District voted Tuesday night to keep Fire Lake Elementary and Lake Otis Elementary open — despite plans to close them due to dropping enrollment and reduced state funds.

The decision disappointed charter schools planning to use the buildings — following public testimony from students, parents, and staff.

After Typhoon Halong, drones are being used in remote communities to assess damage to bridges and roads—federal SMART Program funds help emergency teams get real-time images for rescue and repair efforts.

The drone program speeds up recovery by reducing risks and shortening the time it takes to direct aid.

Alaska racing pioneer Earl Lackey died on Sunday at age 85 after a long career building Alaska Raceway Park into a community hub for racing.

His daughter Michelle said he made the track a place where families can enjoy races—his legacy will live on with every event held there.

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.

Winter Solstice Festival

5-8 p.m. — Cuddy Family Midtown Park — Free entry — Celebrate the shortest day of the year with winter activities, warm festivities, and holiday cheer.