Good morning, Anchorage.

Anchorage Daily News staff photographers share a best-of collection for February that features local moments including a sunset near the Point Woronzof parking area—captured on Feb.

9.

School officials and students testified at the Legislature Monday on failing facilities—black mold and broken water systems—that threaten Alaska’s public education.

Lawmakers now face budget negotiations and Gov. Dunleavy’s veto history as they consider additional funds to address decades of deferred school maintenance.

The House passed House Bill 176 on Friday with a 36-3 vote, which may require the University of Alaska to provide itemized bills and advance fee increase notices — the measure now heads to the Senate Education Committee for review.

Amid budget shortfall concerns in public schools, the private Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School keeps enrollment steady and focuses on faith and quality learning.

Students like 6th grader Yohannan Dodge (excited for learning) look forward to class and plan to join sister school Lumen Christi.

Researchers at Alaska Pacific University and Swiss scientists developed an AI system that uses head shape to identify individual brown bears without collars, offering a non-invasive way to study wildlife.

A similar program to track wolves will be tested to further advance this research.

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council approved a new chum salmon protection corridor in the Bering Sea on Wednesday, imposing a cap of 45,000 fish+ and requiring half the area to close from June 10 to Aug.

31 if the limit is exceeded to support local conservation and subsistence efforts.

The Anchorage Fire Department is accepting applications for a second 2026 Fire Academy and the 2027 program, with a deadline of May 15.

Applicants must meet basic requirements such as a high school diploma and a valid Alaska driver’s license.

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council increased the Gulf of Alaska Pacific cod harvest limit by 37.5% to 30,053 metric tons today after new data showed stock improvements following last fall’s federal shutdown (which had delayed analysis).

Anchorage man Kenneth (Kenn) Barnett, 78, was honored Wednesday by the Blood Bank of Alaska for donating blood 580 times over about 40 years, a record that has aided thousands of patients.

Anchorage-raised skier Peter Hinds, a UAA graduate, represented Slovakia at the Olympics in Italy on Sunday and finished 60th in his first sprint race, underscoring his roots in Alaska and his mother’s Slovak heritage.

Anchorage curlers celebrated the win after U.S. curlers Cory Thiesse + Korey Dropkin won a silver medal in mixed doubles curling on Tuesday morning, with local fans gathering to mark the milestone.

22nd Annual All Alaska Roundup

2 PM – 12 PM — Hilton Anchorage — Check event page for registration fees — An annual recovery event fostering community support and connection in Anchorage.

2026 ASBJJF Adult and Masters GI Championship

9:15 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. — Avis Alaska Sports Complex — Registration fees applicable — Experience the thrilling competition of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Alaska.

Mushing Dogs to the Top of Denali: The 1979 Expedition

6-7 p.m. — Anchorage Museum — Free entry — Experience the thrilling story of the first ascent of Denali through the eyes of expedition members and author Nan Elliot.

Alaska Fighting Championship 173

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Sullivan Arena — Tickets available — Experience a night of thrilling mixed martial arts action in Anchorage.

25th Annual Guns N Hoses Charity Hockey Game

3:30-6:30 p.m. — Sullivan Arena — Check local listings for ticket info — A thrilling charity hockey game putting local heroes on the ice for a great cause.

Sitting Still: A Documentary on Landscape Architecture

7:30-9 p.m. — Anchorage Museum — $5 — Discover the visionary approach of landscape architect Laurie Olin in this compelling documentary screening.

You Have This Day And Maybe Another

7 p.m. — The Nave — Care-based sliding-scale tickets — Explore the thoughtful connections of care through contemporary dance performances that reflect on everyday life.

Saint Martin's Saints at Alaska Anchorage Seawolves Men's Basketball

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Alaska Airlines Center — Tickets required — Catch an exciting college basketball showdown between the Saints and Seawolves.

Artist Connect at The Nave

12-5 p.m. — The Nave — Free entry — Connect with local artists while painting plates for a charitable project.

Fairview Spring Play Program 2026

1:30-4:30 p.m. — Fairview Community Recreation Center — Check website for cost — A fun-filled mini camp with games, STEAM projects, and field trips for kids.