Good morning, Anchorage.

Anchorage residents have a busy weekend with several local events from arts to sport.

Highlights include a student dance showcase Friday at Discovery Theatre, a Spring 5K and bike rodeo Saturday at Westchester Lagoon and Chanshtnu Muldoon Park, and live shows by ATLiens and Jo Koy Saturday at local venues.

Anchorage Fire Department and partners host a free wildfire open house this Saturday at Hilltop Ski Area from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to teach residents wildfire safety, equipment checks, and home protection (with live demos and free hot dogs).

A state investigation found that on April 16 a male brown bear attacked two 11th Airborne Division soldiers during a training exercise at the remote Arctic Valley training area (JBER) and both are now released from the hospital and on leave while officials confirm the bear has not returned.

High school student Tracy Tungiyan interviewed whaling captain William (Wiyu) Parks in Gambell to learn about a tradition that feeds the local community.

Parks said that shorter ice windows and changing weather are making the hunt more challenging than in the past.

Alaska’s North Slope crude sells at a record premium (an extra $8.70 per barrel over Brent) amid global price surges, state officials report, boosting funds for Permanent Fund dividends and school budgets.

The state expects lower prices later this fiscal year.

Inlet View Elementary held its opening ribbon cutting on May 7 and became Alaska’s first IB Primary Years Program, with community members gathering to celebrate the milestone.

Dr. Jamin Burton, the band director at Colony High School in Palmer, has been named Alaska’s 2027 Teacher of the Year after an early morning assembly by the Department of Education; he will now serve as the state’s nominee for National Teacher of the Year.

A study released Wednesday revealed that an August 2025 landslide triggered a tsunami with a 1,578-foot run-up in a Southeast Alaska fjord, and cruise lines have since canceled summer trips amid hazard warnings.

A judge in Anchorage allowed the state to resume its bear cull program in Southwest Alaska to protect the Mulchatna Caribou Herd during calving season (the program is based on over a decade of research) despite legal challenges from wildlife groups.

Anchorage officials instituted fines for wildlife feeding after eagle incidents raised public safety concerns.

The ordinance went into effect April 28 and fines range from $100 to $500 based on whether the feeding is intentional.

Chugiak resident and Air Force veteran Joshua Cantrell will lead a Pacific Northwest team in the 2026 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup next week at Chester Valley Golf Club in Pennsylvania.

Cantrell uses his passion for golf to support veterans + hopes a top-three finish earns his section an invite.

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.

2026 Kids Alaska State Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournament

9:15 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. — Avis Alaska Sports Complex — Registration required — A day filled with exciting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions for kids of all skill levels.

Skinny Raven Twilight 12K & 6K

7-10 p.m. — Skinny Raven Sports — Registration fees vary — Kick off summer with a fun 12K or 6K run and enjoy live music and refreshments at the finish line.

Breakthrough Basketball Essential Skills Camp

June 2-4 — O'Malley Sports Center — $97 for observing coaches — Elevate your basketball skills with high-intensity drills designed for young players.