Good morning, Anchorage.

Anchorage Museum and Sierra Club Alaska Chapter host a free Earth Day block party today at the museum’s front patio that runs from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and features music, snacks + activities for kids and info on sustainability.

At Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, a group of Vietnam and Korean War veterans are set to depart on the Last Frontier Honor Flight for Washington, D.C.

They will return on Sunday, April 26 with a hero’s reception planned at the airport to honor their service.

Anchorage violinist brothers, Andy (17) and Kevin (15), were chosen for the National Youth Orchestras of the United States and will perform at Carnegie Hall this summer before touring internationally.

On Tuesday, the Anchorage School Board announced sweeping cuts affecting music and art programs for the 2027 fiscal year — citing a 90 million dollar deficit and failed referendums.

Changes include alternating semesters for elementary classes and uncertain high school allocations, prompting concern among educators and students.

A research team led by bear biologist Beth Rosenberg and Swiss computer scientists has developed the PoseSwin+ photo ID system to track individual brown bears using nearly 73,000 images from McNeil River.

The tool aims to boost bear research and conservation by reducing the need for physical tagging.

Allen Geffe, a Kotzebue man, won about $4.4M in Lotto Alaska’s Chase the Ace drawing on Tuesday in Fairbanks—he said he plans to pay off debt, support his family, and help his mother relocate to Anchorage for needed care.

A federal report showed Alaska’s child abuse rate dropped nearly 30% from 2020 to 2024, yet it remained almost twice the national average.

State officials said fewer reports may reflect changes in tracking rather than improved safety (staffing challenges and tribal partnerships play a role).

The FAA will add 64 weather cameras and 60 visual observation systems in Alaska by the end of 2028 + the upgrade will offer pilots near-real-time weather data to improve safety and reduce flight delays.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright endorsed the Alaska LNG project at a Senate hearing on April 21, citing it as his top infrastructure priority despite challenges in financing an 800-mile pipeline.

Officials continue exploring options to secure funds for bringing North Slope gas to market.

Fred Meyer and Kroger Health will host a drug take-back day on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Anchorage Fred Meyer at 2300 Abbott Rd where residents can safely dispose of unused prescriptions while law enforcement collects items outdoors.

A federal report shows Alaska's child abuse rate dropped nearly 30% since 2020, yet children are still identified as abuse victims at a rate 80% above the national average (officials are reviewing additional support measures).

Anchorage Fire Department is giving away free bike helmets to kids and teens this summer to help reduce head injuries.

Families can visit one of 13 stations (including Eagle River) to get a properly fitted helmet while supplies last.

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.

Wacky Women 2026 Kick-off Meeting

6-8:30 p.m. — Anchorage Golf Course — $35 — Social gathering with golf course reps, appetizers, and door prizes.