Good morning, Anchorage.

The Anchorage Weekender outlines nine local events for the weekend, including Bike to Work Day today at Chester Creek Trail, a family-friendly comedy show at Williwaw Social, and a Chinese New Year celebration on Sunday at Dimond High School (events span today through Sunday).

The Alaska Senate voted 19-0 on Senate Bill 20 that requires public school students to learn hands-only CPR as a measure to combat heart disease risks on Feb.

12; the bill now moves to the House for further review.

Anchorage School District faces a $90M gap next school year and plans to cut over 500 positions and programs (including staffing measures that may increase class sizes).

The board will review new closure proposals by Feb. 14 and vote on the budget at a special meeting on Feb. 24.

Federal fisheries regulators set a Bering Sea chum salmon bycatch cap for the pollock fishery to protect subsistence stocks in Western Alaska, and the North Pacific Fishery Management Council voted 8-3 on Feb.

6 to approve a limit of 45,000 fish (after extensive public testimony) with potential partial closures if the cap is exceeded.

Governor Dunleavy reported a 19% drop in overdose deaths for 2025 + state officials stressed that law enforcement and prevention efforts will continue statewide to address ongoing challenges.

The opening races of the 2026 Iron Dog kicked off Thursday with around 30 racers competing in ambassador and expedition classes + featuring a new option to finish in Kotzebue, while the pro class will start Saturday at Big Lake.

Kotzebue basketball star Butch Lincoln was honored in the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame.

He is recognized for breaking social and racial barriers on the court and setting a path for Alaska Native players.

Volunteers at Air Land Transport in Anchorage are packing nearly 900 42-pound bales of straw (used for sled dogs' bedding) to prepare for the Iditarod trail.

The race's ceremonial start is set for March 7.

At the Winter Olympics in Italy, Gus Schumacher crashed in one race and did not qualify in the sprint while JC Schoonmaker advanced to the semifinals finishing eighth + meanwhile, Ben Ogden earned a silver medal that marks the first US men's honor in cross-country skiing in 50 years.

Three mushers, including a perennial frontrunner, have withdrawn from the Iditarod, leaving 36 competitors scheduled to race.

West Valley beat Chugiak 2-1 at Sullivan Arena on Thursday, Feb.

12 as the Wolfpack scored twice in the first period and held off a power play response; they will face Wasilla in the semifinals Friday (after a strong defensive effort).

The Iditarod will run its normal northern route with enough snow after last year’s low-snow start in Fairbanks (a welcome change).

It kicks off with a parade like ceremony in Anchorage on March 7 and officially begins in Willow on March 8.

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.

Mariculture Nerd Night: Talks, Tastings & Shell Painting

6-8 p.m. — 49th State Brewing — Free entry — Dive into mariculture with engaging talks, tasty samples, and a little shell painting fun.