🌱 How UAF’s new $1 million grant could reshape Fairbanks mining careers.
Fairbanks, Alaska Patch AM: a 4 min readHey there, Fairbanks! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How UAF’s new $1 million grant could reshape Fairbanks mining careers.
- Got a bright idea? Here’s how to enter UAF’s 2027 contest.
Also on today's calendar: Alaska Park Science Lectures and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Why did the math teacher write "41596" on a napkin after lunch? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Friday: A little snow, up to 1", with a high of 27 and low of 19 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
- Saturday: Cloudy, temps: high: 24, low: 12.
- Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 22 and low of 7 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• UAF to receive $1 million in first Department of Energy funding for critical minerals workforce (alaskasnewssource.com) — The University of Alaska Fairbanks is receiving $1 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to train more students for critical minerals and mining-related careers, with much of the money going directly to scholarships and hands-on experiences. UAF plans a new Critical Minerals Alaska track and could receive several million more if its work plan succeeds, potentially boosting Fairbanks’ role in this growing industry. 
• Arctic Innovation Competition submissions open for 2027 (alaska.edu) — Fairbanks innovators can now submit ideas for the 2027 UAF Arctic Innovation Competition, which offers more than $45,000 in cash prizes and scholarships across youth and adult divisions. Hosted by UAF’s College of Business and Security Management, the contest welcomes any North American idea, with submissions due Feb. 26 and finals in Fairbanks on April 17.
📸 Around Fairbanks
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
Fairbanks
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
-
Babula Planetarium Family Matinees →
Fairbanks
Saturday November 7
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
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Alaska Park Science Lectures →
Morris Thompson Cultrual and Visitors Center, 101 Dunkel Street, Fairbanks
2:00 pm -
SIP'N DRIP | PAINT PARTY [20% FALL SPECIAL] →
Elks Lodge, 1003 Pioneer Road, Fairbanks
7:00 pm -
Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series →
UAF Museum of the North, 1962 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks
7:00 pm -
Hip Hop Night at Pakalolo Supply Co. →
Pakalolo Supply Co., 1851 Fox Avenue, Fairbanks
7:00 pm -
Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series: Alaska Literary Field Guide Public Reading →
Arnold Espe Auditorium, University of Alaska Museum of the North, 1962 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks
7:00 pm -
Wilderness First Aid (Alaskans Afield) →
Fairbanks AK -
Local 1243 Apprentice Applicant Meeting →
Local 1243, 25 Timberland Dr., Fairbanks
5:00 pm -
Local 1243 Foreman Steward ALP Meeting →
Local 1243, 25 Timberland Dr., Fairbanks
6:00 pm -
State of the Installations →
Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce, 100 Cushman Street, Fairbanks -
Trivia Night at The Banks Alehouse →
The Banks Alehouse, 1243 Old Steese Highway, Fairbanks
6:00 pm -
2026 International Marine Summer Camp recap →
BP Design Theatre, Engineering Building (Room 401), 1764 Tanana Loop, Fairbanks
6:00 pm
Saturday November 7
Sunday November 8
Monday November 9
Tuesday November 10
📣 Fairbanks 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
- "Zoë Asleep"
Oil on wood gallery panel Portrait of my daughter I did when she was a baby...I composed the source photo in the style of French Impressionist… (Nextdoor Hamilton Acres) - Great value and selection.
Welcoming atmosphere and helpful staff. They are a good company with local people who try hard to provide service to their neighbors (Nextdoor Farmer's Loop)
- Balducci's Food Lover's Market posted a job opening for Starbucks Barista in Fairbanks. Apply here.
- Holland America/Princess posted a job opening for Dish Steward in Fairbanks. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Fairbanks here.
🗞 Nearby News
North Pole
- 'America's Got Talent' comedian Tom Cotter comes to Fairbanks (newsminer.com)
- Drop-off date changes for NP Grange November Show (newsminer.com)
- Looking Back in Fairbanks - Nov. 5 (newsminer.com)
Ok Fairbanks! 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 did the math teacher write "41596" on a napkin after lunch?" — Because he wanted a piece of pi(e)! (Thank you Greg S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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