Good morning, Anchorage.

The Alaska Girl Scouts sold 235,000 cookie packages and plan to keep selling as their cookie drive continues in Anchorage + strengthening local troop programs.

The record sale shows strong community support for the youth effort.

Anchorage school board candidates met at the Alaska Zoo on March 5 to discuss district budget, safety, and teacher autonomy as they vie for two open seats.

Ballots will be mailed (by March 17; return by April 7) to registered voters.

U.S. and allied military personnel are taking part in Arctic Edge 2026 in Alaska + Greenland, training to counter drone and missile attacks on key installations; the exercise will wrap up on March 13.

Mushers began their near 1,000-mile trek to Nome at Willow Lake Sunday at 2 p.m. after a lively ceremonial start at Iditarod 54, with both veteran and rookie racers stressing proper pacing and strategy on Alaska's rugged northern route.

Anchorage hosted the Special Olympics Alaska Winter Games this weekend, with athletes from Kodiak, Tanana Valley, Mat-Su and Anchorage competing in skiing, snowboarding, hockey and snowshoeing.

Special Olympics Alaska now plans the summer games (June 5) in Anchorage.

UAA seniors including local stars Hasaan Herrington, Bishop Tosi and guard Elaina Mack ended their home season today at Alaska Airlines Center after a 66-52 loss to Saint Martin’s, and will enter the GNAC tournament (their second berth in recent years).

At 4 p.m. Monday, champion Jessie Holmes led mushers over a challenging stretch of the Alaska Range with more than a 40-mile lead over younger teams at the Finger Lake checkpoint as competitors braved cold conditions + gusty winds.

Iditarod organizers report that costs have doubled in the past three years and they are seeking new revenue streams to support mushers and operations.

Sponsorships from local companies and a new Expedition Class program plus lowered entry fees aim to keep the race competitive.

Thirty-seven mushers began the 1,000-mile Iditarod race from Willow to Nome on March 8 — officials confirmed that the event is underway.

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.

Yukon River Science Symposium

All day — Denali Tower North — Free entry — Explore the latest research and developments concerning the Yukon River ecosystem.

Katherine Blanford Stand-Up Comedy Show

7-9 p.m. — Bear Tooth Theatrepub — Ticket prices vary — Experience the hilarious antics of comedian Katherine Blanford, who's won hearts with her charming and energetic performances.

B4uDie Kick Off Party

7-9 p.m. — Chilkoot Charlie's — Check for admission details — Celebrate the start of Alaska's week-long comedy arts festival featuring top national comedians.

Spring Improv Comedy Night

8-9:30 p.m. — The Nave — Mocktails available — Celebrate the return of daylight with a lively night of improv comedy and community spirit.

Candlelight: The Soundtrack of the 60s

6:30-7:30 p.m. — 49th State Brewing - Anchorage — Ticket required — Experience a magical evening of The Beatles' classics performed by a string quartet under candlelight.

Grade Checking IV - GPS Training

8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Alaska Laborers Training School — Pre-requisite required — Engage in hands-on GPS training for grade checkers in Alaska.

Hidden Valley Hustlers Comedy Show

6-8 p.m. — Chilkoot Charlie's — Admission varies — Enjoy an evening of standup comedy featuring local talent from Hidden Valley.

Bear Grillz Live in Alaska

10:30 PM – 2:30 AM — Williwaw Social — Ticketed event — Enjoy an electrifying night with Bear Grillz in Anchorage.

Alaska SHRM Conference

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Hotel Captain Cook — $369 – $849 — Connect with HR professionals, enhance skills, and gain new insight at this annual conference.