Good morning, Anchorage.

The Amblin’ for Alzheimer’s 2026 kickoff event is today at the Nave House on Spenard Road, where community members can register teams, begin fundraising and learn about support for families facing Alzheimer’s; the walk will take place on May 2.

Native Village of Eklutna is doubling its temporary gaming facility off Birchwood Spur Road by adding nearly 90 machines and extra space to open in May despite ongoing legal questions.

The expansion is expected to double local employment (to about 75) and begin training for potential alcohol sales.

Artists are showcasing murals on a construction fence along G Street between 4th and 5th Avenues under the Block 41 Construction Beautification Project funded by the Anchorage Community Development Authority’s Beyond the Beige grant; 10+ panels were unveiled yesterday and more will come until construction ends early next year.

On Wednesday, a federal lease sale in the National Petroleum Reserve generated record $163 million in high bids from 11 companies for more than 1.3 million acres offered, including protected areas — legal challenges now loom over the disputed tracts.

Budget cuts bite some school districts as a $700-per-student boost added only $20 each and the Mat-Su district might close three schools to fill a $22.5 million gap (flat funding) while bills to raise support have yet to secure commitments.

The House Education Committee met today to review gubernatorial reappointments to the state Board of Education and debate SB 23, a proposal offering three options for high school civics credit.

Witnesses highlighted challenges like large class sizes and special-ed needs and the committee will analyze aligned social-studies standards at its next session.

Senate Education Committee advanced three leadership nominees and began debating SB 277, a reform package to adjust school funding and support as teachers and families provided input + suggested clarifications for reform details.

The committee will consider a substitute bill at its next hearing.

The House Resources Committee hosted a Lunch and Learn session today with experts on deep sea mining risks — they warned that offshore extraction could harm fisheries and subsistence areas and urged a careful review as BOEM’s extended 60-day comment period ends April 1.

Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority awarded over $1.8M in grants to expand behavioral health, housing, and recovery services statewide during Q3 fiscal year 2026.

The funding supports programs for individuals facing mental illness, substance misuse, developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injuries & Alzheimer’s disease.

Jessie Holmes won the 2026 Iditarod race on Tuesday night and swept all trail awards; he earned $80,000 in prize money plus an extra $10,000 in cash & gold nuggets for a second straight title.

Jesse Terry was crowned Rookie of the Year after finishing the nearly 1,000-mile Iditarod trail in 10 days, 13 hours, and 36 minutes on March 19.

He and his 12 dogs overcame harsh conditions before celebrating with his wife (Mary England) at the Nome finish line.

Iditarod mushers reached Nome this week as Jessie Holmes claimed his second championship on Tuesday, March 17, with teams such as Jesse Terry and Matt Hall finishing over the following days.

Fans greeted racers at the Nome convention center and along Front Street.

Jesse Terry was named the 2026 Iditarod Rookie of the Year — he spoke at an award ceremony in Nome yesterday following a strong finish that impressed local fans.

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.

Spaffdaddy Live Performance

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Peanut Farm — Ticket info TBA — Experience the energetic performances of Spaffdaddy, a local talent with Alaskan roots.

Superhero Showdown

2-5 p.m. — Chuck Albrecht Softball Complex — Check website for cost — Put on your super suit for an exciting afternoon run or walk followed by a BBQ.

Easy Hikes at Ruth Arcand Park

10 AM – 12 PM — Ruth Arcand Park — Free entry — Enjoy easy to intermediate hikes and the stunning beauty of Alaska's outdoors.