Good morning, Anchorage.

Anchorage Fire Department and North Slope teams received hands-on extrication training this week at a four-day session hosted by the Puyallup Extrication Team (a vital update for their emergency response skills).

The training offered firefighters practical experience in auto rescue scenarios.

The Friendship Circle Play Center opened at the Alaska Jewish Campus to provide accessible outdoor equipment for children with all abilities, with operating hours from Monday to Saturday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Sundays, 1 to 6 p.m.; organizers plan an indoor phase for winter play.

Anchorage Weekender features nine upcoming local events including a free group ride at Girdwood Brewing, a pub run at Skinny Raven, and the 90th Alaska State Fair opening today with family fun + magic shows and food.

Other highlights include electronics help at Loussac Library and a UAA Campus Kickoff.

Alaska Airlines has launched seasonal nonstop flights from Seattle to Athens and Paris using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners+ ticket sales began Thursday.

The Athens route operates three times a week from May 12 to October, while the Paris route runs five times weekly from May 25 to October.

Students from first through twelfth grade entered Anchorage School District classrooms today as the new academic year began, with school officials expecting renewed energy and promising opportunities for learning.

Students in grades 10-12 are at school today as the Anchorage School District reminds families to update required vaccines for measles, mumps, chickenpox, polio and whooping cough.

The district will hold a free vaccine clinic Monday, Aug. 25 from 1-7 p.m. at the ASD Education Center.

A federal judge voided the land trade needed for an 18.9 mile road through Izembek National Wildlife Refuge; the state plans to start building a 2.8 mile section on King Cove-owned land after Sept.

1 and will appeal the ruling.