Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Why Asian student graduation rates just dropped sharply at UAA.
Be sure to catch AYDC September Coalition Meeting — Spotlight: FY27 AYDC Annual Plan Presentation and Discussion on the Anchorage Patch…
Good morning Anchorage! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Why Asian student graduation rates just dropped sharply at UAA.
- Are new city efforts easing downtown Anchorage's safety concerns?
- How new crisis centers could change mental health care in Anchorage
Today's riddle: Why did the burglar wear blue gloves? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high of 64 and low of 48 degrees.
- Thursday: Decreasing clouds, temps: high: 60, low: 47.
- Friday: Partly sunny, with a high of 61 and low of 51 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Anchorage Municipality's six-year bachelor's degree completion rate for Asian students was 18.3% by 2024 (scalaskanews.com) — Asian students at the University of Alaska Anchorage, the city's only public four-year college, had an 18.3% six-year bachelor's completion rate for the 2018 cohort, well below the statewide average. The rate also dropped sharply from the previous year's cohort, with many students transferring, stopping out, or earning shorter credentials instead. 
2. Amid new efforts on mental health and public safety, several in downtown Anchorage say issues are on the rise (adn.com) — Downtown Anchorage residents and business owners say crime, disorder, and visible crisis on the streets are worsening, even as city officials roll out new shelter beds, treatment options, and enforcement tools. Police Chief Sean Case and mayoral aide Thea Agnew Bemben outlined upcoming crisis centers, diversion programs, and budget decisions, while locals pressed for stronger responses and easier ways to report camps and problems.
3. Much-needed mental health resources to open soon in Anchorage (adn.com) — Anchorage is set to gain two new crisis stabilization centers and a major expansion of Southcentral Foundation's downtown Quyana Clubhouse, significantly boosting local mental health and homelessness services. Opening between this winter and 2028, these facilities will offer emergency stabilization, withdrawal management, and culturally rooted long-term support, aiming to ease pressure on emergency rooms and first responders while serving both Alaska Native and broader community members.
4. State clears Anchorage officers of wrongdoing in deadly May shooting (alaskasnewssource.com) — State prosecutors have ruled that three Anchorage police officers were legally justified in the May 19 shooting that killed Emil McCord near Bragaw Street and Reka Drive, ending the criminal review. The article details the incident, officers' actions, and their prior involvement in other Anchorage shootings, information many residents will weigh as debates over police use of force continue.
5. Lawsuits against Anchorage provider now working with city allege thousands in unpaid bills, fraud (adn.com) — Anchorage Recovery Center, now running the city's Willow Commons tiny home program, faces liens, lawsuits over unpaid bills, and questions about unsafe facilities even as the municipality plans to expand its contract to the Golden Lion site. City officials say performance at Willow Commons is satisfactory and are continuing the partnership, raising important questions about oversight of critical addiction and homelessness services.
📸 Around Anchorage
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Anchorage
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- AYDC September Coalition Meeting — Spotlight: FY27 AYDC Annual Plan Presentation and Discussion
Center for Safe Alaskans , 4241 B Street, #100, Anchorage, AK, 99503, United States
1:30 pm - West Volleyball @ Chugiak C JV 6:15, V 7:30
West High School Chugiak High School, 16525 S Birchwood Loop Rd, Chugiak, AK 995
5:00 pm - Open House Family Welcome
Kasuun Elementary Anchorage, AK 99507
5:00 pm - Swim Eagle River @ West
West High School Bartlett High School, 1101 Golden Bear Dr, Anchorage, AK 99504\
6:00 pm - Football JV @ Service
West High School Service High School, 5577 Abbott Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507, USA
6:00 pm - XC Run Class Race
West High School Delaney Park, W 9th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA
6:00 pm - Football Varsity @ Service
West High School Service High School, 5577 Abbott Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507, USA
4:00 pm - Tennis Varsity @ South
West High School South Anchorage High School, 13400 Elmore Rd, Anchorage, AK 995
5:00 pm - Tennis Open vs South
West High School West Anchorage High School, 1700 Hillcrest Dr, Anchorage, AK 99
5:00 pm - IT Preventative Maintenance (PM)
Benson Secondary/S.E.A.R.C.H. Anchorage, AK 99507
Thursday September 10
Friday September 11
Saturday September 12
📣 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!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Middle School Progress Report Cards Due Today
Fronteras Spanish Immersion Fronteras
10:00 am - Coed Varsity Swimming @ Bartlett High School
Wasilla High School 1101 Golden Bear Drive, Anchorage Alaska 99504
5:00 pm
Thursday September 10
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
- Great day of fishing on the kenai with my brother n law on his drift boat.
Caught this big Rainbow and 5 min. Later caught the biggest Dolly Varden ive ever caught. Trout 20"- Dolly 22" (Nextdoor Abbott Loop North) - The owner has been found & the dog returned home.
FOUND Black, intact male, dachshund mix September 6th, 11:00 pm near 9th and A. Park Strip area. He had on a red reflective collar and harness… (Nextdoor University Area)
- City of Wasilla Alaska posted a job opening for Sport Center Facility Operator in Wasilla. Apply here.
- Albertsons Companies, Inc. posted a job opening for Bakery Clerk-Packager closing shift in Wasilla. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Anchorage here.
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: So he wouldn't get caught red handed. (Thank you Vicki B. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
👉 Help make Patch AM better
- Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
- Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
- List items for sale or services offered
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.