Good morning, Anchorage.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska announced it will close its Anchorage clubhouses and two child care centers on Christmas Eve due to mounting financial pressures - past fundraising efforts raised only $70,000 and paused programs for 500 kids.

The move will affect 136 employees and roughly 100 children.

A Mountain View building is coming down — making room for new modular homes for at-risk youth and a campus center that will provide employment training, education, and health services.

The project is funded by opioid settlement funds without taxpayer money and will move forward soon.

On Wednesday, volunteers at South Anchorage Target shopped and wrapped holiday gifts for children and parents of JBER soldiers in the third annual Gift Together program, a partnership with the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska.

A Mountain View building will be demolished to make way for modular homes and a campus center that will offer wrap-around services including training, education, + health services for at-risk youth.

Project planning is underway with construction expected to begin soon.

Today, the *Rasmuson Foundation* announced awards for 50 artists who will receive $10,000 each—including 21 Anchorage-based creatives—and eight sabbatical grants of $50,000 for nonprofit leaders and tribal administrators across the state.

State biologists reported that the Western Arctic Caribou Herd has fallen to 121,000 animals at a meeting in Anchorage & the decline has forced plans for tighter hunting limits.

Rural hunters depend on these animals for food while meeting members discuss ways to help the herd recover.

The Alaska State Troopers will appear in a new self-titled documentary series on A&E starting January 7, 2026.

The show follows troopers responding to calls in urban and rural areas — a tool to boost recruitment in underserved communities.

A ribbon cutting was held for the new tiny home village that will help people experiencing homelessness.

The two-year pilot project, funded primarily by opioid settlement funds, did not use taxpayer money for construction or future operations.

Anchorage officials signed an updated wildfire protection plan yesterday, creating a dedicated division to address growing wildfire threats across the city.

Senator Dan Sullivan celebrated today the SBA 8(a) policy reform that removes the 'bona fide' office requirement (a rule he fought to change since 2020) to boost federal contracting for Alaskan small businesses in key industries.

Chugach President Katherine Carlton said the move will help disadvantaged contractors compete.

The Archangel Road Winter Trail at Hatcher Pass was groomed for the first time this season and skiers are enjoying fresh tracks.

Cross country skiers of all levels can take advantage of twice weekly grooming and scenic views.

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.

Anchorage Symphony - Silent Film Night

7:30 p.m. — Anchorage Symphony Orchestra — Ticketed event — Enjoy a unique pairing of live symphonic music with classic silent films.