Good morning, Anchorage.

After Typhoon Halong destroyed homes in western Alaska, over 600 evacuees in Anchorage hotels received traditional subsistence foods — muktuk, salmon strips and herring eggs—from a tribal organization.

The Alaska Native Heritage Center and local groups delivered donation bags last week to bring a taste of home before Thanksgiving.

On Monday, hundreds lined up at Mountain View Community Center to pick up free Thanksgiving dinners with options to choose what they needed.

Food Bank of Alaska officials said that Typhoon Halong, a government shutdown and SNAP delays raised demand by about 15 percent this holiday season — community volunteers and donations helped meet the need.

Anchorage customers flocked to A Pie Stop on Thanksgiving Eve to pick up about 300 preordered pies and fresh treats — owner Steven Satterlee said the bakery kept baking extra pies for last-minute orders — marking a busy day for local pie lovers.

Anchorage hiker Victoria Lydle was attacked by a brown bear on the Dome Trail on July 22 and suffered cuts and nerve damage before calling 911 from her Apple Watch—she was rescued by a helicopter with help from public safety workers led by Ted Fussell—and she later met the responders at a fire station to thank them.

Anchorage gym Alaska Club for Women will close on December 1 for renovations that will replace its women-only space with new strength training and family recreation features—an abrupt change announced after a drop in attendance.

Members expressed frustration and are looking into other gyms for their safe workout needs.

Three dangerous dogs that attacked and killed another dog were safely captured and are now held at Anchorage Animal Care & Control — authorities thanked the public for their help.

The gingerbread village display returns to the Captain Cook Hotel marking 47 years of the tradition—this year UAA students and the hotel’s pastry team built detailed figures like Santa’s house and an elf workshop that are on view through December.

Yesterday, a 47-year Thanksgiving tradition was celebrated at an Anchorage school with parades and feasts—highlighting a long-standing custom that united local residents.

The Alaska Small Business Development Center is urging Anchorage shoppers to support local businesses this holiday weekend and described Small Business Saturday as the 'Super Bowl' for shops—helping keep more money in the local economy and preserve jobs.

Several craft fairs and markets, including events at the Hotel Captain Cook, Double Shovel Cider Co., and the Anchorage Museum, offer residents a chance to find unique handmade gifts.

Alaska Pacific University earned statewide and national recognition for its high Native graduation rates and top median wages—averaging $54,300 annually—and ranked 57th among Best Private Colleges as well as among the top 200 for Indigenous students.

Last month, remnants of Typhoon Halong hit western Alaska and reminded us that forces like tectonic motion, melting glaciers, big tides and shifting light quietly move water and nutrients to our ecosystems.

These natural processes help fish, shorebirds and local traditions thrive, supporting our cultural practices and economy.

Anchorage ski areas are getting ready for the season as Hilltop Ski Area will open this weekend with passholder events on Friday and public skiing on Saturday—teams have groomed and made snow for 16 days.

Arctic Valley will run its lifts on December 13 after tubing this weekend, and Alyeska is already open for skiing and snowboarding.

Skinny Raven’s Turkey Trot returns downtown today—runners start at 8th and G Street by the ConocoPhillips building and finish inside the Dena’ina Center at 10:30 a.m.

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.

West Anchorage High School Basketball Game

6:00 – 7:15 PM — West Anchorage High School — Free entry — Catch an exciting girls basketball matchup at the local high school.

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings

8:30-9:30 p.m. — 49th State Brewing - Anchorage — $38 — Experience a magical evening of Christmas carols performed by a string quartet in candlelight.