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Good afternoon. It’s Thursday, Dec. 4.

In today's newsletter:

Anchorage residents are worried about heavy loads of snow crushing their roofs, according to findings from a recent survey. Respondents also wanted better information for understanding the risks.
A man accused of a fatal shooting last month in the busy parking lot of a South Anchorage sports complex could be released on house arrest after a judge agreed to reduce his bail.
Misleading signs and fencing have prevented some Anchorage residents from accessing public trails and parkland. Under a new law, the city can fine property owners who put them up.

In this week's column, Alaska gardening writer Jeff Lowenfels asks, is the pesky poinsettia worth the trouble this holiday season? Breeding has improved these iconic holiday plants over time, but they still require careful care.

Anchorage weather

It's overcast with a high around 30 degrees today, and there's a winter weather advisory in place until 6 p.m. that calls for a mix of snow and ice. Looking ahead, the weekend forecast calls for mostly sunny skies, but a cold snap will plunge daytime highs down into the low teens.

Here’s what else is making headlines in Alaska today.

— Megan Pacer, mpacer@adn.com

Survey finds broad concern in Anchorage about more roofs collapsing under heavy snow →

The research was prompted by Anchorage’s recent heavy snow years and the public response to them. Even though the hazard overwhelmingly affects commercial structures with large, flat roofs, plenty of people worried about their houses and apartment buildings.

Judge reduces bail for man charged in fatal shooting after youth soccer practice →

The judge reduced Luke Simonson's bail from $300,000 to $250,000. He faces murder charges in a fatal shooting outside the Fox Hollow Sports Dome.

Anchorage can now fine property owners who block access to public land →

The Anchorage Assembly voted in support of a new ordinance that allows the municipality to fine property owners who impede access to adjacent public land for their own “private benefit.”

Freezing rain advisory in effect through 6 p.m. for Anchorage area and much of Mat-Su →

The Anchorage School District closed all schools and support facilities today, citing hazardous weather overnight that led to unsafe roads, including side streets.