Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why are Anchorage’s streets getting deadlier for people on foot?

Be sure to catch CHRISTMAS PARTY on the Anchorage Patch calendar

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Friday December 12th Patch AM
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Hello Anchorage! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why are Anchorage’s streets getting deadlier for people on foot?
  • Why did JBER suddenly blacklist this downtown Anchorage bar?
  • Why are five Anchorage school resource officer positions still unfilled?

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings and 3 more events.

Find out what's happening in Anchoragefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: I once read a book about anti-gravity. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Anchoragefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: Mostly sunny and cold, with a high of 19 and low of 11 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Saturday: Sunny, windy and cold, temps: high: 17, low: 8.
  • Sunday: Cold; breezy in the afternoon, with a high of 16 and low of 8 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Preventing pedestrian deaths (alaskapublic.org) — Anchorage residents are grappling with a sharp rise in local pedestrian deaths, and this Line One episode digs into why city streets have become so dangerous. Guests including a transportation aide to Mayor Suzanne LaFrance and state safety engineers discuss how street design, traffic patterns, and policy changes could make walking safer and improve overall community wellbeing.
   

2. JBER commander issues ‘off-limits' order banning military members from downtown Anchorage bar (adn.com) — Military members stationed at JBER are now temporarily barred from the Gaslight Lounge in downtown Anchorage after years of fights and shootings there, including a deadly July incident. The order, which could bring UCMJ punishment for violators, comes as Anchorage police increase late-night patrols and review ongoing safety concerns around the busy Fourth Avenue bar district.
   

3. ‘A significant security threat': Anchorage schools operating with five fewer school resource officers than normal (alaskasnewssource.com) — Anchorage schools are currently operating with only 10 school resource officers instead of the usual 15, prompting safety concerns from at least one school board member. Police leaders say officers are working overtime and shifting between buildings to keep coverage, and they plan to restore all 15 positions when staffing allows.
   

4. Anchorage small businesses face struggles during holiday season (alaskasnewssource.com) — Anchorage small businesses, especially downtown, are leaning heavily on holiday shoppers as rising costs, staffing challenges, and competition from online retailers squeeze their margins. A downtown salon owner says many local shops report 10–20% revenue declines, but also notes recent improvements in street conditions and growing optimism about new businesses and community momentum.
   

5. Christina Lynne Cook, age 50, of Anchorage, AK (kbrx.com) — Family and friends are mourning Christina Lynne “Christy” Cook, a 50-year-old Anchorage resident who died on November 10. A memorial service is set for December 20 in Ainsworth, Nebraska, and the family suggests donations to Anchorage’s Southcentral Foundation or to support her children’s education.
   

📸 Around Anchorage

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Anchorage

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Saturday December 13
  • CHRISTMAS PARTY
    Buzzed Beetle, 3024 Mountain View Dr #106, Anchorage
    1:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Anchorage Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Savers | Value Village posted a job opening for Retail Warehouse & Production Associate in Wasilla. Apply here.
  • McDonald's posted a job opening for MC DONALD'S starts CREW AT $16/hr dayside, openers, closers, overnights Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer, Eagle River, Kodiak 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 couldn’t put it down.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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