Good morning, Anchorage.

The Alaska Zoo welcomed Marty, a Canadian lynx from Seattle, this week, and he quickly bonded with resident Julie to help her manage noisy wolverine neighbors — zoo curator Sam Lavin said extra heat sources helped Marty adjust to the colder weather.

Wild Scoops made Blueberry Bear Slime Co. its wholesale partner in 2025 by placing an order for 200 themed slimes for its 10th anniversary, and the young team will debut a new collection at the Homestead Spring Bazaar on April 4 at Homestead Elementary School (Eagle River).

Kim Heacox, a renowned conservation writer, celebrates 35 years of writing 15 books that share Alaska's wild landscapes and stories.

Now in his eighth decade (a sign of his enduring passion), he is working on two new books to continue his nature writing.

Rilke Schule German Immersion Charter School voted last week to move into the district-owned Lake Otis Elementary facility next school year after its current building proved too small for its growing program.

The change will lower lease costs and support a safer, long-term learning space.

Students at Denali Montessori watched NASA’s Artemis II mission launch on Wednesday, Apr.

1, uniting classroom science with real-life exploration. Teacher Brent Ramsay said the event sparked student enthusiasm for learning about space.

Alaska's Division of Forestry & Fire Protection now requires free burn permits for any open fire larger than a small campfire from April 1 through Aug.

31. Three human-caused wildfires have been reported so far, and officials advise checking local restrictions before burning.

Bering Strait communities urged Congress to pass the ARTIST Act, a bill that would bar states from banning authentic Alaska Native art made from legal walrus ivory.

Advocates testified on April 1, saying the measure will protect a long-held subsistence tradition.

Anchorage earned national acclaim as a 'Trail Town' after receiving recognition from the International Mountain Bicycling Association due to more than 20 years of work by Single Track Advocates and other local groups; trails like Kincaid Park and Hilltop support riders of all levels + boost outdoor recreation.

Hilltop Ski Area will become Hilltop Shred Area next season as it switches to a snowboard-only terrain park.

Blue and Gold Boardshop (the new owner) takes over after 40 years of operation following an April 1 announcement.

The Alaska Association of Basketball Coaches recognized West Valley’s Jayden Miranda and Mountain City Christian Academy’s Keelie Kronberger as Gatorade Players of the Year and 4A Players of the Year following state championship play last month.

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.