Good morning, Anchorage.

Writer’s Block, a local bookstore and coffee shop in Spenard, will host a poetry slam this month as part of Second Saturday and National Poetry Month celebrations.

Owner Vered Mares said the event’s theme is 'walking on eggshells' (a nod to both Easter and the current political climate) and the three-round contest will award a $100 cash prize to poets of all ages.

An analysis by state economists in Alaska Economic Trends found that Alaska’s median rent was $1,373 in 2023—equal to the national median with 19 states having higher costs, a turnaround from when Alaska had the nation’s highest rents.

Slow price increases are linked to steady utilities costs, net outmigration and local economic shifts.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski called on Homeland Security today to allow Ukrainians with temporary protected status to remain after mistaken emails threatened their legal stay.

She and—Sen. Jeanne Shaheen—demanded immediate clarification and a briefing as fears grow among Alaska’s Ukrainian community.

Alaska lawmakers are working to draft a state budget amid volatile oil prices and an uncertain federal tariff pause as the legislative session ends mid-May.

Governor Dunleavy’s proposal for a larger dividend and debates over funding for schools (and other priorities) highlight the state’s struggle with its oil-dependent revenue.

Morgan Aldridge, a 43-year-old from Soldotna, won the Lavaman Duathlon in Hawaii by finishing in 2 hours, 19 minutes and 53 seconds—she became the fastest competitor overall after training in Alaska for the race's heat and rough lava trails.

Anchorage Christian alum Sayvia Sellers became a starter for the University of Washington Huskies after being named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team and setting career-high marks as a sophomore—she scored 15.3 points per game, led with assists and steals, and helped the team earn its first NCAA tournament berth in nearly 10 years. She plans to work on her defense and further improve her game this offseason.

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.

The Adventures of Tortoise & Hare: The Next Generation

7:15-8:15 a.m. — Alaska Junior Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beloved fable in a modern setting as Tortoise and Hare navigate new challenges with their children.

Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA

9-10 p.m. — 49th State Brewing - Anchorage — Ticket prices vary — Experience classic hits by Queen and ABBA performed by a string quartet in a magical candlelit setting.

Alumni & Friends Alaska Assembly Dinner

5:30-8:00 p.m. — 4025 W 88th Ave, Anchorage, AK — $15 per adult, $5 per child, $50 family cap — Celebrate with food, stories, and community spirit.

All Alaska Reptile & Exotics Expo

11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. — The Arctic Rec Center — Admission details unavailable — Experience an exciting day of reptiles and exotic animals with local breeders and veterinarians.