Good morning, Anchorage.

Anchorage community members plan MMIP events to honor missing Indigenous persons by crafting beaded dress pins as a form of healing.

The next session is on April 14 and the Alaska MMIP Justice Summit is set for May 27-28 with the Red Dress Gala on May 29 at the Dena’ina Center.

The Food Bank of Alaska’s 17th annual Can-Struction event kicks off Friday as nine teams build free-standing dragon structures from nearly 24,000 donated cans to help feed locals; the public can vote via a QR code until the event ends April 24.

Food Bank of Alaska’s annual Can-Struction event returns for its 17th year as local residents gather to create art from recycled cans at a community venue.

The event highlights creative reuse and strengthens local participation.

Anchorage Weekender offers a schedule of local events including Dino Day with a T. rex skeleton at Z.J.

Loussac Library Saturday and a new exhibit opening at the Alaska Native Heritage Center Friday — families can also check out local concerts, craft fairs, and a brewery kick-off planned throughout the weekend.

Alaska Miners Association held its annual convention in Fairbanks this week and discussed industry trends as it marked 20 years of Pogo Mine.

President Dave Larimer said the group is working with state & federal partners to address environmental concerns like permafrost thaw and support future projects.

Rachel Penney has been named principal of Airport Heights Elementary after serving as acting principal this school year+ School officials say she brings a strong commitment to students, staff, and families to help the school thrive.

After Alaska experienced its coldest winter in a half-century — with Anchorage recording its coldest March — experts forecast a strong El Niño that will bring warmer temperatures and reduced snowfall from May to July.

Residents should prepare for milder winters and summers ahead.

Sen. Dan Sullivan’s campaign raised $2.1M in the first quarter (total on-hand funds reached $7.5M) while Mary Peltola’s campaign reported earning $600,000 in its first 24 hours.

Peltola’s quarter figures will be released next week.

Dick Griffith's life and legacy were celebrated at the Anchorage Museum on Tuesday ahead of his Alaska Sports Hall of Fame induction in June.

Loved ones and friends shared stories of his adventures (including over 10,000 miles on the trail) and his lasting love for the outdoors.

Liam Pettit, a versatile track athlete at Mountain City Christian Academy, signed his collegiate commitment for Hope College in Holland next year.

He plans to study exercise science and compete in decathlon, hurdles, and throwing events (he already set a record in pentathlon points).

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.

35th Annual Anchorage Salmon Run

10 a.m.–12 p.m. — Inlet View Elementary School — Cost info not provided — Participate in a unique 2 km running race in Anchorage and enjoy the local running community.

AkS SuperDraft 14

May 8-10 — Cartee Little League Fields — $50 — A fun-filled two-day softball tournament featuring custom jerseys and spirited competition for men’s and women’s teams.