Good morning, Anchorage.

Alaska’s largest Black Friday event is set to take place at Fairbanks’s Carlson Center where local vendors will offer hunting gear plus a new beer and wine experience.

In Anchorage, more than 30 downtown businesses are celebrating Small Business Saturday by offering special deals and a chance to win two round-trip Alaska Airlines tickets.

Erica Watson’s debut essay collection, Ghosts of Distant Trees, examines Alaska’s nature by mixing personal tales from working at Denali with insights from her global travels.

The review explains that the book challenges myths about untouched wilderness — it shows how human presence reshapes nature’s reality — offering fresh perspectives for local readers.

Alaska regulators fined Hilcorp $695,900 for unauthorized enriched gas injections at two Polaris field wells that lasted 759 days and 480 days, following a months-long probe.

Hilcorp reported the problem and may appeal the fine while regulators approved a 12-month test of polymer flooding at another well—an effort to boost production—despite the earlier violations.

Alaska state utility regulators approved secrecy orders for billionaire John Malone, letting him keep his personal finances and those of three GCI Liberty subsidiaries secret as he tries to increase his voting power above 50% (current filings show he controls 53.5% but his direct stake stands at 49.32%). The approvals came just before 4 p.m. yesterday (67 public comments opposed the move) and a final decision on his takeover will be made by April 1.

Wendy Wagner, director of the Chugach Avalanche Information Center, died on November 6 after a long fight with ovarian cancer and is remembered for her work to improve snow safety in the mountains—she expanded the center’s team and forecast reach to help keep people safe.

Scientists explained that power wires move when a gentle wind hits them at their resonant frequency—like a jump rope forming a perfect loop—and that snow on the wires can boost the movement.

The explanation shows how small, spinning air currents push the wires to dance even when the breeze feels light.

At the November 19 board meeting, Chugach Electric Association reported that it increased gas production at Beluga and secured new storage agreements with Hilcorp to prepare for winter demand.

The utility will initiate additional drilling in 2026 and is set to pursue imported LNG and a solar project to further protect its supply.

Anchorage travelers will enjoy a festive holiday season at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, where a concert series is scheduled from Dec.

4 through Dec. 27 (11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) while airport officials warn that all parking lots are full and some American Airlines Airbus planes have been grounded due to increased solar radiation that requires a two-hour software fix. Travel deals on cruises, hotel rooms, and useful gadgets are available to help both young and old plan their trips for the season.

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.