Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 16th of December.
Good morning, Anchorage.
💼 Business
Alaska Airlines has launched passenger flights with Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi on four Embraer jets — a rollout sped up by faster FAA certification — and will install similar systems on its 737 fleet next year.
Contango Ore announced a merger with Canadian firm Dolly Varden Silver to form Contango Silver + Gold and keep work on the Johnson Tract and Lucky Shot projects moving forward.
The combined company will finalize the deal in Feb or March.
🎭 Culture
Athabaskan fiddler Bill Stevens, who last played publicly in Fairbanks in 2023, died last month at 92.
Friends and music programs say his teaching of traditional fiddling has kept a cherished cultural heritage alive.
About 70 aviation-themed artworks by children 12 and under from Camp Fire Alaska are on display at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport; travelers can vote for their favorite pieces until Dec.
19, with winners announced Dec. 23 (the contest adds a festive boost to the holiday season).
🌲 Environment
Intense winds on Monday caused damage in West Anchorage when a resident said their house felt like it was about to fly away before losing power.
On Monday, intense winds swept through Anchorage, knocking out power in West neighborhoods as residents said their homes nearly flew away — historic conditions were recorded while extreme snow piled up in southeast areas.
🏛️ Government
The Alaska Department of Revenue forecast that oil production will rise from 457,000 to 517,800 barrels per day next fiscal year, yet oil revenue will slightly increase, providing 23% of the state’s general fund while a growing Permanent Fund transfer will account for most of the forecasted $6.2 billion.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy will introduce a bill today to set a 2-mill property tax on the Alaska LNG project to support long-term development and create jobs, though borough mayors worry about local revenue shortfalls & rising costs.
Federal funding for museums and libraries was restored after cancellations last spring, benefiting Alaska libraries like the Tuzzy Consortium Library in Utqiaġvik and the library in Klukwan.
The funding reinstatements (early December) follow a federal court ruling and restore vital support for staff hours and community programming.
🏥 Health
An Alaska Department of Health report revealed that between June 2020 and January 2021 COVID-19 death rates for American Indian and Alaska Native people were 5.5 times higher than for white people (factors include limited access to running water).
The report calls for long-term improvements in public health infrastructure.
At the close of Q2 fiscal 2026, the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority awarded $7.2m in grants to 22 organizations that provide mental health, disability, substance use and elder care services.
The funding supports local efforts including crisis intervention, school programs and caregiver support.
🏈 Sports
A Tanalian spiker from Port Alsworth clinched his second state championship title in Mix Six volleyball yesterday, showing a consistent winning streak (local sports news confirmed).
South Anchorage High wrestlers swept the Cook Inlet Conference championships Saturday at South High by winning team titles in both boys and girls divisions.
Local hockey teams also secured wins at the Big Lake Lions Classic and in town matches, reflecting a strong weekend of sports action in Anchorage.
🎉 Anchorage Events
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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.
🏠 Anchorage Real Estate
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💼 Anchorage Job Board
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📣 Anchorage Announcements
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