Good morning, Anchorage.

Homer author Naomi Klouda has earned high praise in a recent book review for her mystery novella The Octopus Murders, a tale where coastal locals face unexpected twists in a small fishing village.

The review highlights the work as her best yet, noting its refreshing take on detective storytelling.

Athletes from villages affected by Halong competed in the Native Youth Olympics, showcasing cultural resilience and traditional skills (organizers said the event provided a chance for these young competitors to rebuild community ties).

Anchorage’s Ted Stevens International Airport ranked first in the nation and third worldwide for cargo in 2025 after freight and mail volumes were measured by ACI World at this key hub for global commerce.

Airlines are raising checked bag fees and increasing main cabin upcharges as fuel prices surge — Anchorage travelers may still get free baggage on select flights with local benefits but will pay more for flexible fares on upcoming trips.

Car rentals and hotels are reporting higher rates too.

The northbound Peters Creek Bridge closed yesterday for 45 days as crews removed concrete and added a smooth overlay to fix the aging 50-year-old structure — ending years of temporary fixes.

Traffic was diverted into three southbound lanes reconfigured twice daily near South Birchwood Loop, affecting 38,000 drivers.

Olympians Kristen Faulkner and Gus Schumacher were named winners of the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame Directors Awards this week, joined by youth winners from Seward and Anchorage.

They will be honored on June 3 at the Anchorage Museum.

Don Heflin, a 16-year-old sophomore from Bettye Davis East, placed second in the Alaskan high kick on April 16 at the Alaska Airlines Center during the Native Youth Olympic Games and praised the event's community spirit in keeping tradition alive.

Luc Bydal scored all three goals for the Anchorage Wolverines in a 3-2 playoff win over Minnesota Wilderness Friday in Cloquet (giving his team a 1-0 series lead) and the teams will face off again Saturday at 4:15 p.m. local time.

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.