Good morning, Anchorage.

Downtown Hope Center is purchasing a larger building to double its workforce training capacity (currently focused on culinary skills) and add 30 shelter beds while expanding programs to include construction and housekeeping; the center will move to the new location by mid-summer at 240 E. 3rd Ave.

Anchorage will break ground today on a one-mile trail linking Elderberry Park and the Ship Creek Trail — the project connects the moose loop system and honors Ship Creek’s cultural significance for the Dena'ina people.

Construction will begin this summer.

Today, the fourth annual UAA Auto and Diesel Expo is at the Auto Diesel Technology Building from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering career showcases, family activities, food trucks, and a burnout contest at 2:30 p.m. ($5 for spectators, $10 for car show entrants).

Anchorage’s cruise ship season got underway Friday as Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam docked at the port — additional visits are scheduled through Sept to support local tourism.

Alaska North Slope oil is trading at a record premium over Brent that has boosted state revenue with prices averaging $75.71 per barrel today; lawmakers plan to allocate $96M for an energy relief payment to raise the Permanent Fund dividend plus $111M for public schools.

Recent surveys by Alaska Survey Research show that Alaskans remain pessimistic about local economic conditions with a score of 42.6 and 60% describing them negatively.

A Dittman Research poll finds most residents believe the downturn could affect personal gains — a sentiment that may guide upcoming election campaigns.

A flood warning remains on the Draanjik River near Chalkyitsik today as melting ice jams raise flood risks; intermittent showers and cooler temperatures are set for Southcentral, Interior, Western and Aleutian regions (Alaska’s News Source forecast).

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is expanding its Park, Ride and Fly Lot to add 150 parking spaces to ease parking demand (the lot will be closed until Oct.

1 for construction).

State officials are reconsidering the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project to meet about 60% of the Railbelt’s electricity need as gas supplies diminish.

They will study federal tax credit incentives and public-private funding options next, but no extra funds were included in the FY27 budget to support further licensing.

Anchorage runner Riley Howard clocked 2:15:37 at the Boston Marathon on May 5 — the fastest time by an Alaskan — which qualifies him for the U.S. Olympic Trials in 2028 and underscores his commitment to training locally.

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.