Good morning, Anchorage.

On Saturday, Hilltop Ski Area hosted its 4th annual Pond Skim event where people in costumes skied on slushy slopes and splashed in the water.

The event offered live music, food and drinks — along with a hot tub for extra warmth.

A man fell from a cliff along the coastal trail near Point Woronzoff while walking his dog and was taken to a hospital — rescue teams then lowered his pet safely to the beach as officials stress the importance of staying on paved paths.

Local historian David Reamer reviewed Alaska’s long history of burning effigies as political protest, detailing events from early 1900s actions in Cordova, Juneau and Fairbanks (including the burning of Gov. Walter Clark’s effigy on April 26).

His review shows how these symbolic acts expressed community opposition to policies and shaped local culture.

The carpenters union will soon start building a $13 million training center near Boniface Parkway at 5800 Boundary Avenue along the Glenn Highway—this 32,000-square-foot facility will replace an aging center, offer indoor classrooms and a welding lab, and support apprenticeship programs to meet growing demand. Construction is set to begin in May and be ready by next spring, which will help boost Anchorage's workforce for upcoming projects.

SmartAsset says an Alaskan must earn at least $58,000 a year to live comfortably, with middle class income ranging from $58,000 to $173,000; Anchorage living costs rose 2.90% over the past year and many homeowners face property tax bills over $7,000 on homes averaging $460,000 to $490,000—factors that keep prices high compared to the national average. The report shows that despite lower tax rates in most areas, rising housing assessments continue to push up overall costs.

Federal funding cuts have hurt food security programs in Alaska Native villages — local projects like a community food forest in Tyonek and support for reindeer herders near Nome face uncertain futures, and agencies must soon find new money to keep these programs running.

Nearly seven years ago, Gov. Bill Walker signed a deal with state-owned Chinese companies to plan the Alaska LNG project but Gov. Mike Dunleavy cancelled that pact early in his term and turned to private developers to secure non-communist partners such as Taiwan.

Dunleavy has less than two years to finish deals with builders and buyers to complete the privately owned gasline—Glenfarne Group now holds a 75% stake and is set to decide on further investments in the fourth quarter.

State health officials said that 27 cases of a rare gonorrhea complication were reported in 2024—a rate more than triple that of the previous year even as overall cases declined.

Most cases occurred in Anchorage and led to serious issues such as hospitalizations and invasive treatments as officials investigate whether a new strain is responsible.

The Alaska Fighting Championship took place this weekend at Sullivan Arena to mark 20 years of professional fighting in Alaska with six bouts in Muay Thai, MMA, and Bare-Knuckle Boxing.

Tim Watson and Richard Strom the Third fought in a Wasilla bout that showed both fighters pushing their limits — the event celebrated the sport’s growth.

Deluxe Trolley City Tour in Anchorage

10 a.m. | Visit Anchorage Log Cabin Visitor Information Center | Ticket prices vary | Explore Anchorage's sights on a deluxe trolley tour with opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Cabin Fever Comedy Showcase

7:00-9:15 p.m. — Whale's Tail — Free entry — Enjoy standup from a lineup of local comedians followed by an open mic night.

The Ataris Live in Alaska

7-11 p.m. — Williwaw Social — $25-$35 — Experience a night of nostalgic punk rock with The Ataris and an official Emo Night after-party.

Alaska Electronic Orchestra Concert: Bass, Saxophones, & Great Vibes!

4-5:45 p.m. — The Nave — Check website for admission — Experience an electrifying musical fusion of saxophones and bass with stunning visuals at this unique concert.

Mat-Su Outdoorsman Show

12:00 AM — Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center — Check website for ticket info — Explore outdoor vendors and discover products for your Alaskan adventures.

Anchorage Home Show

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Alaska Airlines Center — $10 General Admission, $8 Seniors & Military, Free 17 & Under — Discover the latest in housing solutions and enjoy family activities.

Bright Ideas

3-7 p.m. — Anchorage Community Theatre — Tickets available — Experience an engaging performance that promises to spark creativity and inspiration.

KillBill Sax Performance

7 PM – 1 AM — Chester Park Senior Housing — Free admission — Enjoy a night of soulful saxophone melodies from local artist Bill, rooted in Anchorage's music scene.

Free Easter Meal Giveaway

6-7 p.m. (Additional times: 3 p.m. on 4/19, 10:30 a.m. on 4/20) — Life Church Bus Ministry — Free entry — Enjoy a festive Easter meal with prizes, an egg hunt, and pizza every evening.

Alaska Statewide Tribal Business Office Conference

8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. — Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium — Refunds up to 7 days before event — Connect and learn at this annual training in Billing & Coding.