Good morning, Anchorage.

A review by Michael Tavoliero finds that Alaska’s 2009 Education Plan and 2018 Education Challenge promise progress in public schools yet do not address key board election and labor rules that stop voters from changing the system (a gap critics say affects local control).

Blind woodworker Kevin Whitley teaches tool safety and crafting skills at the Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, sharing lessons from his own experience after losing his sight in 2009.

He now leads classes that help others gain independence and confidence.

Anchorage Assembly Chair Christopher Constant said he drove to verify that 17 once-large homeless encampments have been cleared for the first time in over a decade.

The press release credits many measures, such as expanded shelter capacity (and hotel-to-housing conversions), for the change.

City officials will launch a new residential rehab program this summer to offer cash for home repairs and incentives for converting vacant properties into rentals.

The plan uses $700,000 reallocated from HUD funds by the Health Department and will be detailed by the Assembly on March 24.

Indigenous mushers are racing in the 1,000-mile Iditarod that began Sunday in Willow, with top contenders Ryan Redington and Pete Kaiser pushing through checkpoints while three Indigenous rookies bring fresh competition along the snowy trail.

Musher Jaye Foucher was interviewed after reaching Finger Lake during the ongoing Iditarod race.

The interview came as teams continued their journey toward Nome with the 3rd Annual Dumbwaiter Invitational nearing its finish.

Musher Jessie Holmes is headed to Takotna — he will end his Iditarod 54 run there after blazing through the first third of the race.

Rookie musher Jaye Foucher scratched from the Iditarod after reaching the Finger Lake checkpoint (for personal reasons), making her the first competitor to drop out in this year's race.

Anchorage held Alaska’s first Golden Gloves Championships in decades on Feb.

28 (at Begich Middle School) with 36 boxers competing in 16 bouts, and veteran officials attended. Organizers said next year’s event will be even bigger.

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.