Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Why are Anchorage big-box stores suddenly locking up everyday essentials?
Happening soon: Listening Post at MV on the Anchorage Patch calendar
Hello again Anchorage! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Why are Anchorage big-box stores suddenly locking up everyday essentials?
- Could your last Alaska car purchase qualify for a refund?
- What Anchorage reporters uncovered on Alaska News Nightly this week
Also on today's calendar: KIDZ BOP LIVE: The Concert Movie - Anchorage and 4 more events.
Find out what's happening in Anchoragefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: The world champion tongue twister just got arrested! 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Anchoragefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Tuesday: Cold with clouds and sun, with a high of 14 and low of 3 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
- Wednesday: Sunshine, but very cold, temps: high: 6, low: -2.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny and very cold, with a high of 4 and low of -6 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. ‘When did these stores get locked down?': Crime at Anchorage big box stores prompts new strategies (adn.com) — Anchorage shoppers are seeing more locked-up merchandise, security guards, and receipt checks as big-box stores respond to persistent theft and occasional violence, especially in Midtown. Police have created a dedicated “retail detail” and are bundling repeat shoplifting cases into felonies, while city leaders debate how to balance enforcement with addressing homelessness and addiction. 
2. Bought a car in Alaska? State orders refunds over hidden fees (alaskasnewssource.com) — If you bought a car in Alaska since early 2019, an Anchorage-based settlement with Lithia Motors could mean a refund for dealer fees that weren’t included in advertised prices. The state’s agreement requires restitution, audits, and a court-approved process for consumers to claim money they’re owed.
3. Alaska News Nightly: Monday, December 29, 2025 (alaskapublic.org) — Anchorage listeners can catch this Alaska News Nightly episode featuring local reporting from the city alongside coverage of new federal legislation creating a U.S. Arctic Ambassador. The show also looks at Mat-Su’s latest damaging wind storm and efforts to grow Southeast Alaska’s electronic music scene, with correspondents filing from communities across the state.
4. New USS Ted Stevens destroyer delivered to U.S. Navy (alaskasnewssource.com) — Anchorage readers are hearing about a new namesake destroyer: the USS Ted Stevens, now officially delivered to the U.S. Navy and touted as one of the world’s most advanced. Built by Huntington Ingalls, the Flight III Arleigh Burke-class ship features cutting-edge radar and combat systems and is part of a broader Navy push to expand and modernize its fleet.
📸 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!
★ Featured events ★
- Listening Post at MV
Anchorage Public Library (Mountain View Library), 120 Bragaw St, Anchorage
2:00 pm
Wednesday December 31
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- New Year's Eve dinner at Crimson
Crimson , 239 W 4th Ave , Anchorage
5:00 pm - Zoo Lights — The Alaska Zoo
Alaska Zoo , 4731 O'Malley Rd , Anchorage
5:00 pm - Turn Down for 10 - New Year's Eve Edition
Williwaw Social , 609 F St , Anchorage
6:00 pm - Anchorage New Year's Eve Celebration
Chinook , 225 E St , Anchorage
7:00 pm - KIDZ BOP LIVE: The Concert Movie - Anchorage
Cinemark Century Anchorage 16 and XD , 301 E 36th Ave , Anchorage
11:00 am - Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
49th State Brewing - Anchorage , 717 W 3rd Ave , Anchorage
4:00 pm
Wednesday December 31
Friday January 2
Sunday January 11
📣 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
- MyHouse "Morning Meeting with the Mayor"
Gathering Grounds Cafe , 300 N. Willow St. , Wasilla
9:00 am - Youth Group
Sutton Bible Church , 15748 Glenn Hwy , Sutton-Alpine
6:00 pm - Weirdo Wednesdays with Misfits
Shell , 3950 S Knik Goose Bay Rd , Wasilla
5:00 pm - PRS22 Precision Rimfire Fall/Winter League
Birchwood Recreation & Shooting Park , 20269 Birchwood Spur Rd , Chugiak
6:00 pm - Coffee with a Veteran at Black Birch Books
Black Birch Books , 2901 E. Bogard Rd #104 , Wasilla
10:00 am
Tuesday December 30
Wednesday December 31
Saturday January 3
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Anchorage PatchAM possible:
- Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Somebody missing this black short hair possibly female cat?
Been coming around at night looking for shelter, food and water which I provide for strays. Spenard and Breezewood area. (Nextdoor Spenard) - My cat, Edgar, is missing in Government Hill.
He’s not used to being outside in the Winter. PLEASE call/text (240)434-5324 if you see him! (Nextdoor Government Hill)
- McDonald's Restaurants posted a job opening for McDonald's crew Starts $16/hr dayside, openers, closers, overnights Airport, Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, Wasilla, Kodiak in Wasilla. Apply here.
- Lowe's Companies, Inc. posted a job opening for Cashier Part Time 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: I hear they’re giving him a really tough sentence.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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