Good morning, Anchorage.

Alaskans gather today at the Dena’ina Center for the annual Empty Bowl Project—hosted by Nuvision Credit Union and Bean’s Cafe—to support food-insecure neighbors.

More than 1,400 people will enjoy 15 varieties of soup along with a silent auction and live music.

Governor Mike Dunleavy signed Senate Bill 43 into law on April 3, officially designating March as Women’s History Month in Alaska—the law takes effect next year and urges schools, communities and organizations to honor the contributions of Alaskan women who have shaped both state and national history.

Anchorage election results from Tuesday show that most candidates aligned with the current majorities won, while campaign spending and public events were much lower due to voter fatigue — many candidates had less time for traditional campaigning than in previous cycles.

Election officials said turnout was normal for non-mayoral contests and more ballots are still being counted.

The House Majority Coalition passed the Governor’s FY25 Supplemental Budget on Thursday by a 21+19 vote, which funded wildfire response, Medicaid and other essential services.

However, a vote to authorize a draw from the Constitutional Budget Reserve failed, leaving some emergency funds in uncertainty.

The Alaska House of Representatives passed House Bill 56 by a vote of 21-19 to address a nearly $200 million deficit but did not approve spending from the state savings account needed for immediate costs — disaster relief and fire protection.

The bill will move to the Senate and the House will revote on the reserve clause after Senate review.

U.S. Sen. Murkowski voted on Wednesday to end the emergency tariff on Canadian imports, warning the move will raise costs for Alaskans by hurting trade, while Sen. Sullivan supported keeping the tariffs, saying they help curb the illegal drug trade—I the split vote reflects deep partisan differences on policies that affect our state.

Alaska leaders and Alaska Native Tribes have proposed a plan to transfer federal lands to local control—reforming state agency processes to simplify permitting and boost natural resource development.

The proposal aims to ensure sustainable economic growth and honor longstanding agreements by improving local autonomy and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

The House Finance Committee advanced a $14 billion state operating budget that includes a full Permanent Fund dividend of about $3,800 per eligible Alaskan after an error by Rep. Andy Josephson left nearly $2 billion unfunded.

Lawmakers on the floor remain skeptical and may call a special session as they negotiate funding from the $2.8 billion Constitutional Budget Reserve to cover the deficit for the fiscal year starting July 1—adding pressure to resolve the budget gap before the final deadline on April 20.

The Alaska Department of Health cut 30 positions and dissolved its Healthy and Equitable Communities unit after losing $50 million in federal funds following the cancellation of 12 grants on March 24th.

The loss of funding has raised concerns among state employees and may impact public health services from Anchorage—Homer.

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.

Bright Ideas Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — Anchorage Community Theatre — Affordable tickets available — Experience the excitement of Bright Ideas in a vibrant live performance setting.

Alaska Aviation Museum Hall of Fame Gala

6:00-10:30 p.m. — Marriott Anchorage Downtown — Tickets required — Celebrate aviation legends in Alaska with dinner, auctions, and special awards.

Bright Ideas Performance

3-7 p.m. — Anchorage Community Theatre — Cheap tickets available — Experience the excitement of the live ‘Bright Ideas’ performance in Anchorage.