🌱 Patch AM: Why did Anchorage’s teachers union president step down during contract turmoil?

Hey there, Anchorage! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Why did Anchorage’s teachers union president step down during contract turmoil?
• Could this vacant Midtown lot become Anchorage’s next affordable housing hub?
• Which Anchorage athletes delivered the week’s biggest highlight-reel performances?

Also on today's calendar: Weekly Storytime at 10:30am — The Alaska Zoo and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Sunny, but very cold, with a high of 6 and low of 0 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny and very cold, temps: high: 12, low: 5.
• Thursday: Partly sunny and very cold, with a high of 11 and low of 2 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. President of Anchorage teacher union resigns (alaskasnewssource.com) — Anchorage’s teachers union president, Corey Aist, has retired just days after educators picketed over an ongoing contract dispute with the Anchorage School District. Vice President of Communications Christi Sitz will step into the role as union leaders warn of a staffing crisis and push for more competitive contracts to retain teachers in Anchorage and across Alaska.
   

2. Anchorage wants a vacant Midtown lot turned into affordable housing (adn.com) — Anchorage’s development authority is seeking proposals to turn a vacant, city-owned Midtown lot on Fireweed Lane into roughly two dozen affordable workforce apartments, backed by new tax abatements and low lease rates. With bids due in February and potential construction starting in 2026, the project is part of Mayor Suzanne LaFrance’s broader push to add thousands of homes across Anchorage.
   

3. The Rewind: Bartlett girls and Service boys win basketball tournaments, plus more highlights from state wrestling (adn.com) — Anchorage sports fans get plenty to cheer about this week, from South Anchorage and Bettye Davis East wrestlers starring at the ASAA state championships to UAA hoops lighting up the Alaska Airlines Center. The Anchorage Wolverines struggled on the road, but several Anchorage-born college and pro athletes turned in standout performances Outside, keeping the city’s sports reputation strong.
   

4. Colleen (Casey) Gokey (pdccourier.com) — Anchorage readers may recognize the Gokey and Kuivila families, as Colleen Gokey’s children Patrick and Casey, and grandchildren Arlo and Forest, all live here in Alaska’s largest city. Colleen, remembered for her warmth, craftsmanship, and years at Pete’s Hamburger Stand in Wisconsin, died December 14 at 77; a graveside service is planned for July, with donations suggested to Coulee Cap Food Pantry.
   

5. New plan approves millions of acres to oil, gas leasing (alaskasnewssource.com) — Anchorage readers should know that federal officials have reopened about 82% of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska to new oil and gas leasing, with a lease sale planned this winter. Announced from Anchorage, the updated plan reverses 2024 restrictions and is framed as boosting domestic energy while maintaining environmental review and consultation with Alaska communities.
   

📸 Around Anchorage

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Anchorage

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Wednesday December 24

• Drop-in Tech Time
  Anchorage Public Library (Chugiak-Eagle River Library), 12001 Business Blvd, Eagle River
  10:00 am

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Wednesday December 24

• Weekly Storytime at 10:30am — The Alaska Zoo
  Alaska Zoo , 4731 O'Malley Rd , Anchorage
  10:30 am
• Listening Post at MV
  Anchorage Public Library (Mountain View Library) , 120 Bragaw St , Anchorage
  2:00 pm

Thursday December 25

• Christmas Dinner
  Eagle River Alaska Lions Club , Eagle River Rd & E Eagle River Loop Rp , Eagle River
  12:00 pm
• Listening Post at MV
  Anchorage Public Library (Mountain View Library) , 120 Bragaw St , Anchorage
  2:00 pm

Friday December 26

• Family Gaming at Muldoon
  Anchorage Public Library - Muldoon Library , 1251 Muldoon Rd #158 , Anchorage
  3:30 pm

Saturday December 27

• Sticker Contest Studio (Repeat) at Muldoon
  Anchorage Public Library - Muldoon Library , 1251 Muldoon Rd #158 , Anchorage
  4:30 pm

Sunday December 28

• Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
  49th State Brewing - Anchorage , 717 W 3rd Ave , Anchorage
  4:00 pm

📣 Anchorage Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Tuesday December 23

• Youth Group
  Sutton Bible Church , 15748 Glenn Hwy , Sutton-Alpine
  6:00 pm

Wednesday December 24

• Family Storytime at Gerrish
  Anchorage Public Library (Scott & Wesley Gerrish Library) , 250 Egloff Dr , Girdwood
  10:30 am
• Weekly Free Zoo Storytime sponsored by ConocoPhillips Alaska
  Gateway Hall , 4731 O'Malley Rd , Anchorage
  10:30 am

Thursday December 25

• Preschool Storytime
  Sutton Public Library , 11301 Chickaloon Way , Sutton
  11:00 am

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

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Porch pirate on Duke Drive.
  This is twice we’ve been hit. Criminals scouring the neighborhood! If anyone recognizes this guy, please respond. (Nextdoor Rogers Park)
• Unknown person walked up my stairs around 5:15 am this morning with a face mask on.
  Doggo was ready to tear him apart. Looked like he pulled out something shiny, possibly a weapon. Hard to see in the video. We reported it to APD… (Nextdoor Abbott Loop North)

• TradeJobsWorkforce posted a job opening for American Airlines Baggage Handler in Wasilla. Apply here.
• Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member 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 find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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