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Good afternoon. It's Wednesday, March 4.

In today's newsletter:

The Anchorage Assembly is working on zoning to proactively regulate the building of local artificial intelligence-focused data centers, as their construction is rapidly accelerating across the country.
More than 100 Ukrainian refugees have left Alaska since President Donald Trump paused a humanitarian parole program. Gov. Mike Dunleavy wrote directly to Trump in January, asking that they be allowed to stay.
For the first time since his victory in 2020, Norwegian musher Thomas Waerner is returning to the Iditarod. This time around, he's not running to win, but will accompany the race's first-ever "Expedition Class" musher.

It's no secret that some of the country's most popular national parks have a congestion problem. Now, Yosemite and other parks are dropping reservation systems, raising concerns about overcrowding. If a popular park is on your bucket list, don't worry. Here are strategies for a more relaxed summer vacation.

Anchorage weather

It's sunny today with a high around 13 degrees. This spell of clear skies is coming to an end, with the forecast calling for snow for several days starting Thursday. Daytime highs will briefly climb into the 20s for a few days before dropping back into the teens.

Here's what else is making headlines in Alaska today.

— Megan Pacer, mpacer@adn.com

Data centers powering the AI boom demand local energy. Anchorage Assembly members want to regulate them →

Data centers are not defined in city code, meaning Anchorage currently lacks the ability to put guardrails on their development.

Back for his first Iditarod since his 2020 victory, Thomas Waerner isn't racing to win →

The 53-year-old mushing veteran is making the trip alongside billionaire businessman Kjell Inge Røkke, who has contributed more than $300,000 to this year's Iditarod and will be the event's first "Expedition Class" musher.

What do you want to know about the 2026 Iditarod? Let us know here. And if you'd like to start receiving our Iditarod newsletter to stay updated on this year's race, you can sign up by clicking on the button below.

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Dunleavy asks Trump to allow Ukrainian refugees to remain in Alaska →

Some Ukrainian refugees last month had their humanitarian parole status renewed, the advocates said, signaling a change in the Trump administration's position.

How to register to vote in the 2026 Anchorage municipal election →

The deadline to register is Sunday, and there are several other important election deadlines coming up soon.

• Reminder: You can opt in to receive texted updates from us about the city election, including important dates and deadlines. Text MUNI to 907-891-8889 to sign up.