Good morning, Anchorage.

ConocoPhillips workers on the North Slope have launched a union campaign that will let 243 electricians, mechanics and others be represented by United Steelworkers at Alpine, Kuparuk and Willow fields — the move comes as the company announced layoffs affecting up to a quarter of its global workforce this fall.

ConocoPhillips’ North Slope employees filed a petition to form a bargaining unit after the company sent layoff notices amid global workforce cuts.

Gaylan Prescott from United Steelworkers said the petition could represent up to 243 workers in roles like operators, mechanics and electricians—efforts driven by concerns over job security and changes in oil industry ownership.

Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage transforms into a festive holiday wonderland with twinkling lights, decorated trees, and a towering nutcracker — Santa will offer free photos in the main lobby this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hotel Captain Cook in downtown Anchorage has brought back its popular gingerbread village for the holidays, created by University of Alaska Anchorage students and the hotel's pastry program.

The display (which continues a 40-year tradition) is themed Christmas Town and features a scavenger hunt with hidden figurines (like a yeti) that will remain on display throughout the season.

Jakir Hasan at UAF is developing new grain strains like barley, wheat, and oats that will help Alaska rely less on imported food.

Researchers are testing these crops with local farmers in Delta Junction—details will be shared at a lecture on Dec 9 at the Geophysical Institute.

Anchorage School District halted hiring for roughly 200 vacancies Monday amid a projected budget shortfall of over $77 million for the next school year—only positions essential to student learning or safety may be posted as contract negotiations with the teachers' union continue.

The school board is set to review the freeze and other budget measures at its meeting Tuesday night.

Alaska regulators fined Hilcorp $695,900 for unauthorized enriched gas injections at two wells in a North Slope field that lasted 759 and 480 days—Hilcorp self-reported the gap and has not yet appealed while regulators approved a 12-month polymer flooding test at another well.

Anchorage goaltender Jeremy Swayman earned his 11th Bruins win in just 16 games with a 44-save effort and a shootout finish, and the Anchorage Wolverines claimed a 6-3 win over Kenai River—Luc Bydal scoring twice—as they headed into the holiday break.

Hilltop Ski Area in Anchorage opened right after Thanksgiving and drew over 2,400 guests from Friday to Sunday despite early season conditions limiting trail openings to about 15% — the Caribou run, Porcupine Terrain Park, King Salmon, and Turkey Trench were available for visitors.

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.

Alaska Winter Survival Day Camp

10 AM – 3 PM — Anchorage Museum — Check website for pricing — Engage in fun S.T.E.A.M activities exploring survival in Alaskan winters.

New Year's Eve in Anchorage 2025-2026

7-9 p.m. — Chinook — Free entry — Celebrate the New Year with fireworks and live music in Anchorage's downtown area.