Cheers Anchorage! We're back, helping you stay up to date with what's happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Tribute to ABBA & More and 7 more events.
Today's riddle: What is full of holes but still holds water? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. One year in, Anchorage officials say criminalized camping law is working (alaskapublic.org) — Anchorage officials say the city's year-old law criminalizing camping in certain zones is helping police quickly clear encampments and connect some people with shelter or treatment. Advocates note that limited shelter space left many unhoused residents focused on survival last winter, while police report most people comply voluntarily and only a fraction face charges or fines.
2. 'A lot of energy': Students 1st–12th grade enter Anchorage School District classrooms (alaskasnewssource.com) — Anchorage families just sent 1st–12th graders back into Anchorage School District classrooms for the 2026–27 school year, with younger and freshman students starting Wednesday and upper grades joining Thursday. South Anchorage High's principal says staff and upperclassmen are focused on welcoming students, helping them navigate schedules, and easing freshmen into routines before pre-K and kindergarten begin next week.
3. Anchorage police may expand surveillance capabilities. Some Assembly members want privacy protections first. (adn.com) — Anchorage officials are weighing a major expansion of police surveillance technology while some Assembly members push for strict privacy rules first. A new ordinance would limit data retention, require case numbers for searches, restrict sharing footage outside Alaska, and bar adding AI-based human recognition without Assembly approval, with a public hearing set for Sept. 1.
4. Alaska House candidates in Anchorage and Eagle River races drop out after primary (adn.com) — Two candidates have dropped out of key Alaska House races, including former Anchorage Assembly member Felix Rivera, clearing the way for Democrat Lisa Keller to run unopposed for a Midtown Anchorage-area seat. In Eagle River's district, Sharon Jackson exited and endorsed Ken McCarty, leaving him and Gina Wall as the remaining contenders. These shifts will shape who speaks for Anchorage-area neighborhoods in Juneau.
5. Attack from aggressive river otters in Anchorage leads to warnings (alaskasnewssource.com) — State wildlife officials are urging Anchorage residents to be cautious around local lakes and streams after aggressive river otters recently attacked people and pets near Campbell Creek and Taku Lake. One woman suffered multiple bites before a family dog drove the otter off. Authorities recommend using noise makers or bear spray, leaving the area, and reporting any negative encounters.
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Ok Anchorage! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A sponge (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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