🌱 Patch AM: Thinking of staying in Anchorage? See what 2026 really costs monthly

What's up Anchorage! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• Thinking of staying in Anchorage? See what 2026 really costs monthly
• Why a former UAA police sergeant is fighting his firing in court

Also on today's calendar: The great Pumpkin Patch and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why was the scarecrow given an award? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Sunday: Cloudy with a few showers, with a high of 44 and low of 39 degrees.
• Monday: Remaining cloudy, temps: high: 52, low: 40.
• Tuesday: A couple of morning showers, with a high of 48 and low of 39 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• How Much Does It Actually Cost To Live in Alaska in 2026? (vocal.media) — If you live in Anchorage, this breakdown shows how much you can expect to spend on rent, utilities, groceries, and other basics in 2026, with local numbers compared to the rest of Alaska. It details typical Anchorage apartment costs, monthly heating and power bills, and realistic single and family budgets, plus how nearby Mat-Su communities stack up for commuters trying to save money.
   

• Mat-Su Assembly candidate fired from UAA police force after workplace misconduct investigation (alaskapublic.org) — A former University of Alaska Anchorage police sergeant who is now running for Mat-Su Borough Assembly was demoted and later fired after an internal investigation found he created a hostile work environment, and he's now challenging that decision in Anchorage Superior Court. His appeals and a related lawsuit by another UAA officer are still pending, raising questions about workplace culture and legal exposure for Anchorage-based university leadership.
   

📸 Around Anchorage

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Anchorage

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Monday October 5
• Ecosystem Committee Meeting (NPFMC) →
  Anchorage

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Monday October 5
• The great Pumpkin Patch →
  49th State Brewing @ The Rail, 721 Depot Dr, Anchorage
  11:00 am
• 41st Annual Alaska Diabetes Conference →
  Sheraton Anchorage Hotel, 401 East 6th Avenue, Anchorage
  1:00 pm
• Denny Wells Fundraiser →
  1006 Orca St, Anchorage
  5:30 pm
Tuesday October 6
• The great Pumpkin Patch →
  49th State Brewing @ The Rail, 721 Depot Dr, Anchorage
  11:00 am
• Alaska First: Anchorage Organizing Meeting →
  3400 Spenard Rd, Anchorage
  5:30 pm
• Anchorage AC Meeting →
  William Jack Hernandez Hatchery, 941 N. Reeve Blvd, Anchorage
  6:00 pm
• Bonny Sosa Tuesday Night Race Series →
  Anchorage AK
  6:30 pm
Wednesday October 7
• The great Pumpkin Patch →
  49th State Brewing @ The Rail, 721 Depot Dr, Anchorage
  11:00 am
• Intro to eBird at Audubon Bench →
  Anchorage AK
  5:30 pm
• Meeting Local 1281 →
  Local 1281, 407 Denali St., Anchorage
  7:00 pm
Thursday October 8
• The great Pumpkin Patch →
  49th State Brewing @ The Rail, 721 Depot Dr, Anchorage
  11:00 am

📣 Anchorage Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• My neighbor & I live in east anchorage.
  We have had the sweetest Hummingbird basically living in our gardens all summer. We are both avid gardeners w/plenty of Hummingbird friendly flowers… (Nextdoor Scenic Foothills)
• Does anyone have any recommendations for medical boarding or are there nearby pet sitters who would be willing to assist with medicating this sweet kitty?
  I have a 5-day work trip in early November and my housesitter doesn't feel confident in her ability to give Gwynn her meds. She gets one pill and two… (Nextdoor Campbell Park)

• Cold Stone Creamery posted a job opening for Crew Member in Wasilla. Apply here.
• Southcentral Foundation posted a job opening for Physical Therapist Assistant in Wasilla. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Anchorage here.

🗞 Nearby News

Palmer

• Warriors outlast Moose to win their first Potato Bowl since 2022 (matsusentinel.com)
• Pack mules haul supplies to Dome Fire crews (uniondemocrat.com)
• 40 Days for Life begins: A 6-week vigil to save babies (mustreadalaska.com)

Wasilla

• 9 Unassuming BBQ Joints In Alaska That Keep Hungry Locals Coming Back (newsbreak.com)
• Volleyball Preview: Dimond Riding a Win Streak into This One (maxpreps.com)
• DAVID EASTMAN: Reps. Underwood, Vance & McCabe claim they never voted to cut our PFDs – here are the receipts (alaskawatchman.com)

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: "Why was the scarecrow given an award?" — Because he was outstanding in his field! (Thank you Teresa M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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