Good morning, Anchorage.

Nuvision Credit Union has launched its annual holiday toy drive to help local children by collecting unwrapped gifts for the Shop With a Hero and Angel Tree programs until Saturday, Dec.

20; donations can be dropped off at any branch in Anchorage + Eagle River.

Crews are demolishing an abandoned building on Peterkin Avenue to clear the way for Happy Healing Homes (a transitional housing project for at-risk youth) in Mountain View.

The city is partnering with Flower Community Development and has contributed $70,000 for demolition, with construction plans to follow.

Small Alaska breweries are struggling as rising costs and strict state rules have led to five closures over the past two years—some operators hope a proposed bill will ease restrictions to boost customer traffic.

Hanukkah festivities kick off Sunday night statewide with family-friendly events and menorah lightings.

In Anchorage, the Alaska Jewish Campus will host a dinner and extreme pogo stick show at the Egan Center on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 5 p.m.

Local performers including the Ravenwood Elementary School Choir bring holiday cheer to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport as they entertain travelers today and through Dec.

28. Acts perform (Thursday to Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) with open sign-ups for new acts.

The ConocoPhillips layoffs cut 12.5% of its North Slope workforce in response to lower oil prices, said a UAA economist.

Ongoing projects like Willow and Pickup may shift construction roles to permanent positions as market trends continue to pressure oil jobs.

Contango Ore and Vancouver firm Dolly Varden Silver Corp plan to merge, forming Contango Silver & Gold as it continues work on projects including Lucky Shot near Anchorage and exploration at Hatcher Pass; the merger is expected to finalize in February or March with operations guided by Contango’s longtime CEO.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is considering allowing wheeled aircraft to land at McNeil River State Game Sanctuary—currently served only by floatplanes—to improve access for permitted visitors.

The department is accepting public feedback via a survey open through Jan. 23, and changes to the rules may take effect in the 2026 season.

Federal fishery managers set 2026 pollock catch limits using 2024 SAFE reports since a shutdown delayed updated data; they kept the Bering Sea quota similar and lowered the Gulf allocation (industry and environmental groups plan further review).

Anchorage Community Development Authority is inviting developers to propose a 24-unit workforce housing project on Fireweed Lane for residents earning 80–120% of area median income.

Proposals are due by 4 p.m. on Feb. 19, 2026.

Western Alaskans who left their dogs after ex-Typhoon Halong must reclaim them by Monday (Dec.

15) or the pets will be spayed or neutered and offered for adoption, according to the State Veterinarian. Unclaimed dogs remain in foster care and shelters in Anchorage and Mat-Su.

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.