Good Day
Anchorage
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025
Good morning, Anchorage. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 31st of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Alyeska Ski Patrol members recovered Girdwood dog Otis near the resort on Dec. 29 after he went missing on Dec. 17. The dog is healthy despite losing weight and is now safe with a friend. Alaska's News Source
- ➤ Anchorage Weekender has detailed 11 upcoming events for New Year's celebrations. Highlights include a downtown event today at the Chinook lot with fireworks at 8 p.m. plus family-friendly gatherings and themed parties across the region. Alaska Public Media
- ➤ People Mover launched a vanpool program with Enterprise to serve commuters with hybrid schedules traveling between Anchorage, Eagle River, the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, and Girdwood. The program aims to cut traffic and improve air quality while saving riders up to $10,000 a year (including a $450 subsidy). Your Alaska Link
- ➤ The Alaska National Guard hosted Operation Santa at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in December, where 210 children met Santa and received gifts as families displaced by Typhoon Halong were welcomed in Anchorage. Alaska's News Source
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Lithia dealerships in Alaska agreed to pay $300,000 for charging extra fees not included in advertised prices; the company will review records from Jan. 3, 2019 to offer refunds within 270 days after a judge approves the settlement. Your Alaska Link
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Anchorage Daily News photographers captured Alaska's diverse 2025 moments through images of storms, community events, sports, and cultural celebrations. The photo series (a 2025 year in pictures) offers a visual record of local life that shaped the year. Anchorage Daily News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Earlier this year, lawmakers overrode Gov. Dunleavy’s veto to boost per student funding by $50.3 million for elementary through high school programs while federal funds were frozen and adult education cuts occurred. School districts in Western Alaska re-enrolled hundreds displaced by Typhoon Halong (the largest mass evacuation in state history). Alaska Beacon
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ State officials proposed a settlement that may reimburse hidden document fees to Lithia Motors customers at five dealerships in Anchorage & Wasilla; under the plan, eligible buyers will have 270 days to file documents after approval while the company pays a $300,000 fine. Anchorage Daily News
- ➤ Alaska was offered $1.36 billion for rural healthcare but the funding will require new state laws that lawmakers claim they were not briefed on. Officials announced the deal on Dec. 30 as they plan improvements in rural health services. Alaska's News Source
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Officials announced that Alaska received $272M through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program to strengthen rural clinics and support local workforces. The funds will help tailor health care to community needs in 2026, making the investment one of the largest per person aside from Texas. Alaska Public Media
- ➤ Yesterday, Alaska received a $272 million CMS award as part of the five-year Rural Health Transformation Program that will invest $1.4 billion to expand rural healthcare services. The funds will improve local care, build the health workforce, and modernize infrastructure & support innovative care models. Must Read Alaska
- ➤ Alaska officials said the state will receive $1.36 billion from the Rural Health Transformation Fund over the next five years, including $272 million in 2026, to help rework its fragmented health care system & support tribal community services. The funding announcement was made at a news conference in Anchorage. KTOO
- ➤ Alaska state health officials continue to recommend the hepatitis B vaccine for all newborns due to the state’s high infection risk despite recent federal changes. Officials say the approach has lowered chronic infection and liver disease rates over decades. Alaska Public Media
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Talisa Rhea, an Alaska native from Juneau-Douglas, has risen from intern to general manager of the Seattle Storm, leading the team to two championships. She discussed plans for outreach events in Alaska that mirror local sports camps + boost community engagement. Anchorage Daily News
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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.
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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.
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Candlelight Concert: Rings and Dragons
6:30-7:29 p.m. — 49th State Brewing — $27.65 — Experience an enchanting musical journey with a tribute to fantasy themes by candlelight.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.
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Reveal the authorAbout Good Day Anchorage
Welcome to the Good Day Anchorage, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Anchorage, Alaska community. If you like the Good Day Anchorage, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Anchorage.
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