Good morning, Anchorage.

Anchorage will host seven local events this weekend, including the NYO Games at Alaska Airlines Center, a musical at Jerry Harper Studio, pet adoptions at PetSmart, a superhero run at Chuck Albrecht Softball Park, a fashion show at the museum, free entry at the zoo, and Shred Fest at Arctic Valley—offering something fun for everyone.

Anchorage Museum hosted the Far North Fashion Show on April 15, where 10 designers blended Indigenous heritage with modern techniques to create garments that reflect evolving cultural practices — the event was part of the annual Arctic Encounter summit.

The Alaska Native Artist Market is open to the public today at the Arctic Encounter Summit at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center.

The event features more than 70 local artists selling handmade jewelry, carvings, clothing, accessories, and artwork, and runs through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

AAA reports Alaska gas prices have risen by about a dollar since last year, now averaging more than $4.60 a gallon, as drivers in Anchorage change budgets and commuting habits to manage cost increases due to the Middle East conflict+ some are carpooling and reducing grocery spending.

Anchorage School District faces larger classes & delayed safety upgrades today as early election results show two key funding measures trailing.

Superintendent Bryantt warned that if the margins hold, the district will proceed with fewer teacher positions and a growing deficit affecting future school operations.

In October 2025, local inspectors discovered a shipment of illegal shark fins in Anchorage that triggered a global crackdown on endangered species trade; officials seized 50,000 dried fins across 20 shipments (valued over $1 million) as part of the effort to dismantle the trafficking network (official statement).

Alaska DOT is designing a $20 million rockfall safety project at Milepost 113.2 on the Seward Highway between Potter Marsh & Bird Flats, which will expand netting and stabilization measures to reduce hazards for drivers starting next summer.

Mabel, a 15-pound therapy dog, visits young patients at Providence Hospital as part of the PAWS program to offer comfort.

The program helps brighten days after patients use sanitizer before meeting the friendly dog.

Guardian Flight now carries blood on every North Slope flight from its Deadhorse base, letting medics start transfusions mid-air on long transports to Anchorage — officials expect the program to improve emergency care while urging blood donations to maintain supply.

Aspen Suites Hotel Anchorage Downtown has reopened after a renovation and now offers updated guest spaces, local artwork and an artist residency program in partnership with the Anchorage Museum.

The reopening follows Aspen Hotels’ acquisition last October, and further improvements will occur through early 2026.

Eagle River teen Rylan Kirby has advanced rapidly in CrossFit after winning his age division in the largest virtual competition, moving into the quarterfinals ahead of semifinals set for May 7 — 11.

He aims to compete at the CrossFit Games in July, marking a first for an Alaska athlete.

Nearly 400 Native athletes from 50 teams competed in 11 traditional events as the 56th annual Native Youth Olympics kicked off on Thursday at Alaska Airlines Center.

The free games run through Saturday and end with an awards ceremony reconnecting youth with ancestral traditions — a nod to Alaska's heritage.

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.

Yukon River Science Symposium

9 AM-4:30 PM — Denali Tower North — Register to attend virtually — Engage in discussions about Yukon River science and conservation.