Good morning, Anchorage.

Anchorage will host a community celebration on Friday, Apr.

3 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Town Square Park to honor local Olympians, Paralympians and Team Alaska athletes. City leaders will speak and the event (free event) features demos, food and ways for residents to connect with their athletes.

Alaska Wild Berry Products expects a surge in special Easter orders and seasonal sales in Anchorage as staff note that the popular one-foot chocolate bunny remains a longtime tradition.

Easter is the shop’s third busiest holiday behind Christmas and Valentine’s Day.

Anchorage was honored as “Trail Town” Tuesday by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) for its top mountain biking trails in the city.

The award highlights the growing outdoor culture that attracts riders from around the region.

Anchorage chef Nathan Bentley of Altura Bistro became a James Beard Award finalist (his first nod after previous semifinal recognitions) in the Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific category; meanwhile, Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop earned its inaugural finalist nod for Outstanding Bakery as it readies for a busy Easter weekend downtown.

At the Alaska Jewish Campus today, a 10-year-old delivers handmade matzah to families across Anchorage in preparation for Passover, where a special seder will feature traditional dishes + 50 pounds of potatoes.

Rabbi Greenberg said everyone is welcome at the celebration that runs through Thurs, April 8.

Five mayors expressed concerns on Friday about Gov. Dunleavy's proposed tax break for the $46B Alaska LNG project that would cut local property taxes and shift costs to communities.

Negotiations continue with New York-based Glenfarne (the pipeline developer), leaving municipal budgets at risk.

NOAA researchers linked a toxin from algae to a rise in fur seal deaths near St. Paul Island after several animals washed up in mid-August.

Multiple agencies will meet soon to plan testing programs to ensure seafood safety + protect marine life.

Carnival Corp withheld scrubber data from state inspectors after visible water pollution was observed on ships in 2025 (raising environmental concerns).

Regulators and Carnival are now negotiating a joint sampling program to gather accurate wash water data.

Alaska lawmakers passed House Joint Resolution 29 last week & sent it to Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Monday, urging him to extend the ban on Russian seafood imports with stronger enforcement to help the fishing industry recover & provide stability as a dwindling pre-ban stockpile nears depletion.

A new Nordic Spa will open early next week at the Eastside Alaska Club off Tudor Road, offering steam rooms, saunas and hot and cold plunges as a new wellness option for Anchorage residents.

Cameron Turner became UAA's new men's basketball head coach after longtime coach Rusty Osborne retired — he served as an assistant and led teams in Arizona.

Turner plans to recruit local talent like Parker Kroon as he builds on his past success.

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.

2026 Alaska Emergency Nurses Association Conference

8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. — BP Energy Center — $25 – $325 — Discover current topics in emergency nursing while earning credits and networking with colleagues.

ASIST Training Workshop

9 AM – 5 PM — Cook Inlet Tribal Council — Free — Learn essential skills to help save lives with suicide first-aid training.

Spring 2026 Graduation Ceremony

10 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Wendy Williamson Auditorium — Free entry — Celebrate the achievements of Alaska Pacific University graduates at the annual graduation ceremony.

Teacher Tales: A Night of Storytelling

6-8 p.m. — Bear Tooth Theatrepub — Free entry — Experience inspiring stories from educators about courage and creativity in teaching.

2026 Alaska Science of Reading Symposium

12 p.m.—2 p.m. — Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center — Registration required — A three-day conference empowering Alaskan educators with reading science strategies.