Good morning, Anchorage.

A free New Year’s Eve celebration will light up downtown at Chinook Lot on Dec.

31 with live music by Black Barrel and the Bad Men, food trucks, a sledding hill, and a fireworks show at 8 p.m. Families should dress warmly and arrive early.

Kimberly Michaca turned Kimmy’s Cakes & Delicacies into a full-time business two months ago after quitting her job, now baking over a dozen cakes weekly and launching a mobile cake bar (with her family behind the scenes).

Her venture links her with local party planners and community events.

Anchorage’s Lucky Wishbone, the city's oldest non-chain restaurant, celebrates 70 years today with warm meals and family recipes at 1033 E.

Fifth Ave & a rich legacy from founders George and Peggy Brown. It remains a community hub for families and workers.

AIDEA’s report, released on Dec.

23, finds that the proposed 211-mile Ambler Road poses minimal threats to the Western Arctic Caribou Herd (only 3-4.8% of collared caribou use the route) and, if built, could bring over $1.1 billion in state revenues plus 2,730 construction jobs.

Facing economic and environmental challenges, Alaska fisheries struggled under reduced NOAA support and federal pressures while some stocks like snow crab and salmon improved.

Invasive species and toxic rusting rivers add to pressures on native fish populations (state biologists note growing concerns).

On Dec. 26, an Anchorage man tested positive for mpox and was isolated; state epidemiologists reported it is likely an isolated case and advised clinicians to test for the virus and recommend vaccination for those at higher risk (first case in over a year).

Alaska Regional Hospital reported a rise in frostbite cases as temperatures dropped, with injuries occurring when tissues are exposed to sub-freezing air (a cold thermal injury).

Officials advise residents to dress warmly and monitor for symptoms amid high winds and heavy snow.

Alaska Regional Hospital is reporting an increase in frostbite cases as cold spells push temperatures below freezing.

Experts advise wearing layers & moisture-wicking fabrics to guard against wind chill, especially for those with conditions that reduce circulation.

Anchorage officials are inviting developers to submit proposals for a 6-million-dollar Denali View RV Resort at the 3rd and Ingra lot in East Downtown, which will offer 135 RV sites, a playground, pickleball courts (and trails) and will open in summer 2026.

After scoring 33 points last Friday in a game at a local gym, Alaska hoop star Brooklynn Haywood signed a scholarship with the University of Oregon today in the very gym where she trained, marking a homecoming that continues her basketball journey.

Maxime Germain from the Anchorage Biathlon Club booked his ticket for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy after a strong World Cup performance — finishing 11th in the sprint and 14th in the pursuit.

He is the first Alaskan to qualify in biathlon since 2010.

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.

Jason Russell at Koot's

8-11:59 p.m. — Chilkoot Charlie's — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a high-energy, family-friendly comedy show from the dynamic Jason Russell.