Good morning, Anchorage.

Two soldiers were injured during a land navigation training exercise when they encountered a bear at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Thursday (the 673d Air Base Wing quickly provided medical care while officials investigate the incident).

Anchorage’s Ted Stevens International Airport was ranked #1 in the U.S. and #3 globally for cargo after Alaska DOT&PF announced the rating on Friday, April 17.

Its strategic location lets aircraft reach nearly 90% of the industrialized world, proving its status as a major cargo hub.

Anchorage School District announced Friday that it will lay off 56 teachers after a failed funding proposition & reassign 203 teachers to new schools, increasing class sizes and cutting high school electives.

Superintendent Bryantt said the district will seek community engagement when the new board takes office in May.

A professor at Furman University told lawmakers that poverty affects Alaska's test scores (only 33% of students meet language arts and 32% meet math expectations statewide).

State officials said tests from the Alaska System of Academic Readiness are used to meet federal requirements and track student progress.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture launched its new Office of Seafood on April 15 to connect Alaska fishermen with USDA resources after pandemic-related market challenges — the agency invites local seafood industry members to share their feedback via an online form.

Beginning Saturday, a 156-ft northbound bridge on Glenn Highway will close for 45 days for repairs that remove concrete and apply a smooth overlay, state officials said (three southbound lanes will serve northbound traffic).

Reopening is planned for early June.

National statistics show one in eight women will develop breast cancer but many skip their yearly mammograms; Dr. Brittany O’Steen from Imaging Associates explains regular screening is crucial for early treatment (which saves lives).

Identity Alaska is closing its Anchorage clinic this month due to Medicaid payment delays and leasing challenges (affecting roughly 1,500 patients) and will help patients find alternative care options via in-person and telehealth services.

The 56th Native Youth Olympics brings together over 2,000 athletes for four days of competition and cultural celebration in a local gym + teams showcase handmade banners honoring long-held ancestral traditions.

Iditarod officials are preserving the race's historic core while expanding year-round fundraising programs, CEO Rob Urbach said.

The raffle has sold nearly 3,800 tickets and will award over $200,000 in prizes (winners draw Sunday at the Mat Su Outdoorsman Show).

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.

Women's Gold Nugget Triathlon

All day — Bartlett High School — Registration required — Empower women and girls through a spirited sprint triathlon event.