Good morning, Anchorage.

Alaska Works Partnership held a week-long construction workshop (40 hours of framing training) at its Mountain View headquarters for evacuees from Kipnuk after Typhoon Halong on Oct.

20. The program builds essential skills for recovery and seeks new funding for more classes.

The University of Alaska is gathering community input for its next president in listening sessions held in Juneau, today in Fairbanks and planned for Anchorage on Dec.

11. Community members can fill out an anonymous survey until Dec. 15 to help shape the leadership search after President Pat Pitney retires.

New data indicates educator turnover rates have increased beyond pre-pandemic levels, with 17% of teachers and 27% of principals leaving their positions in 2024, and state education officials plan to survey teachers in February to guide new retention policies.

Thousands of residents in Mat-Su face harsh winter winds today that have caused power outages and damaged fences; the Red Cross has opened temporary shelters to offer warmth and safety (experts urge community support).

Alaska reached a $5.8M settlement with Juul over claims it targeted local youth with flavored vaping products, with the first installment coming this month.

Half of the funds will support tobacco prevention + consumer protection programs over the next five years.

Alaskans impacted by October storms and Typhoon Halong have until Dec.

22 to apply for FEMA disaster aid and low-interest SBA loans, while those seeking state assistance can apply until Jan. 8 (via phone, online, or an app).

Hunters must apply online for the 2026–2027 big game drawing hunts by December 15 at 5 p.m. Drawing results will be posted on February 20, 2026 (review available hunts at ADF&G offices or license vendors).

Alaskans were urged to document how their families used the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) over 34 years amid debate over a legislative shift from a trust-based system to discretionary spending.

Legal experts cite court precedents as support for preserving the fund’s original structure.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted on Friday to drop the long-standing recommendation for universal Hepatitis B newborn vaccinations, raising concerns among local health experts that childhood liver cancer may return.

Alaska Native health organizations say they will continue offering the vaccine+ alerting families to maintain protection.

West High grads Alani Makihele and Thomas Witte faced off on rivalry weekend in Reno for the 545-pound Fremont Cannon trophy as Makihele’s UNLV Rebels won a key game + capped Nevada’s season at 3-9.

The former teammates also held a youth football skills camp, reinforcing their high school bond.

At Service High School on Saturday, Service teams swept the varsity ski titles as Vebjorn Flagstad and Miyana Kam-Magruder each claimed wins.

Later, state volleyball bouts saw an undefeated Unalaska girls team clinch the 2A title while Tanalian repeated as Mix Six champions at Dimond High School.

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.