Good Day
Anchorage
Friday, March 20th, 2026
Good morning, Anchorage. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ 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. Your Alaska Link
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 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. Anchorage Daily News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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. Alaska's News Source
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ 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. Alaska Public Media
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ 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. Alaska Public Media
- ➤ 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. Must Read Alaska
- ➤ 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. Must Read Alaska
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. Must Read Alaska
- ➤ 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. Your Alaska Link
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 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. Alaska's News Source
- ➤ 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. Alaska Public Media
- ➤ 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. Anchorage Daily News
- ➤ 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. Alaska's News Source
-
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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Good Day Anchorage
Welcome to the Good Day Anchorage, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Anchorage, Alaska community. If you like the Good Day Anchorage, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Anchorage.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Anchorage and across Alaska. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Good Day Anchorage
A free Anchorage community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://gooddayanchorage.com/sitemap