Good morning, Anchorage.

Anchorage partners including the United Way, the municipality, and Southcentral Foundation launched the Home for Good program in 2019 to provide stable housing + early results show the initiative is helping improve health and safety for unhoused residents.

Ted Stevens International Airport will start nearly $160 million in cargo expansion projects in 2026 — the investment will boost cargo capacity as shifting trade tensions alter trans-Pacific routes.

Greg Matyas, owner of Speedway Cycles, picked up nine bikes stolen in a June 2018 break-in after they were held as evidence for seven years (the bikes were recovered two weeks after the theft) and he now sells them at a discount.

Mekoryuk's remote island community celebrates the holidays with annual events such as ice fishing, reindeer roundups, school plays, and New Year's Eve games (traditions that unite residents during Alaska's long winters).

Tourism industry leaders are optimistic for an upcoming strong winter season despite last winter’s drop of nearly 21,700 visitors (economic uncertainty) affecting travel plans.

Alaska Travel Industry Association president Jillian Simpson said the state will highlight unique experiences like northern lights viewing and dog mushing for both tourists and locals.

NOAA released its annual Arctic Report Card Tuesday (Dec.

16), showing that the Arctic has warmed faster than other regions with record low sea ice, rising precipitation, and rusting rivers affecting Alaska waterways. The report warns these trends could impact local ecosystems and community water quality.

On Tuesday, Dec. 16, Alaska Fish and Game reported the Western Arctic Caribou Herd now numbers 121,000—the lowest in nearly 50 years.

The working group recommended stricter harvest limits and a ban if numbers drop to 75,000, with the Board of Game set to decide in January 2027.

Alaska Native veterans must submit claims for allotments of 160 acres by Dec.

29, with only about 25% of the 2,000 eligible filing so far. Senator Dan Sullivan is working to extend the deadline while his team provides assistance with the application process.

South Anchorage high wrestlers, including undefeated senior Clayton McGuire (35-0) among 10 region champions, will compete at the ASAA state tournament at the Alaska Airlines Center.

Preliminary bouts start Friday at 9:30 a.m. and finals will run Saturday at 4 p.m. as the team seeks to continue its winning streak.

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.