Good morning, Anchorage.

Two Alaska teenagers from Eagle River High School and Polaris K-12 are part of Alaska Teens Against Abuse, a network spreading awareness on healthy relationships during Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April) with public service announcements on streaming and social media.

They hope that open talks on consent and abuse prevention will prompt lawmakers to act on needed changes.

A man died after being shot Wednesday evening in a South Anchorage residential area on East 66th Avenue — medics transported him to a local hospital but he later died and police made no arrests.

The Alaska Native Heritage Center will expand its healing garden with 9 new monuments using grant funding.

The project will take place over the next 5 years—bringing new ways to honor Alaska Native heritage.

Today, Anchorage hosts the Alaska Native Book Fair at the Cook Inlet Tribal Council building from noon to 4 p.m. where Indigenous authors, a live panel from 2 to 3 p.m., and a PBS Kids visit by Molly of Denali will engage attendees; later on Friday, the Spenard Song Circle at Rage City Vintage and the free performance by the Rick Zelinsky Quintet will entertain local audiences while on Saturday snowboarders compete for prizes at Shredfest at Arctic Valley and music fans enjoy the Anchorage Symphony season finale at Atwood Concert Hall along with the Hip-Hop Orchestra Experience at Discovery Theatre.

Natalie Hodge-Hannula, a Service High School senior, earned a National Honor Society scholarship and a $10,625 award at a ceremony in Washington D.C. last week—she works four jobs, leads a nonprofit, and earns straight-A grades.

She will graduate next month as valedictorian—she plans to defer the award for graduate studies in neuroscience to become a pediatric surgeon.

Education workers, school board members and parents in Anchorage and across the state were upset when governor Dunleavy vetoed a funding bill that would have added $1,000 to per-student allocations—a decision that critics say will force difficult cuts and larger class sizes.

They hope lawmakers will act quickly to override the veto while the governor plans to propose a new bill with a smaller increase.

At ComFish 2025 in Kodiak, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Sen. Dan Sullivan and Rep. Nick Begich III discussed how tariffs and federal cuts are already affecting Alaska's seafood industry — they explained the challenges faced by local fisheries and urged for measures to support fair trade and job stability.

The Anchorage Assembly approved measures that allow the city to borrow up to $1.1 billion in revenue bonds for the Port of Alaska modernization project — this clears a long-delayed financing hurdle.

They also awarded a contract to the Manson/Michels Joint Venture to rebuild Terminal 1, with work scheduled to be completed by December 2029.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoed an education bill that would have raised per-student funding by $1,000 and said yesterday he will introduce a new plan today that boosts base funding by $560 plus $35 million for extra aid.

Lawmakers plan to meet to try to override the veto and discuss changes to charter school rules and cellphone use in schools.

Meg Zaletel will step down as executive director of the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness this summer—after leading the group for 3.5 years and making progress in housing and outreach for vulnerable residents.

The Coalition is beginning its search for a new leader to continue its work.

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.

Alaska Barber Battle

1-7 p.m. — The Nave — Free entry — Experience a showcase of skilled barbers competing with creativity and talent.

Anchorage Scenic Tour: Explore Historic Towns

— May 1 — Visit Anchorage Log Cabin Visitor Information Center — Cost not specified — Discover Alaska's historic towns and scenic drives with expert local guides.

Paint on a Wooden Bear

5:30-7:30 p.m. — La Cabaña Mexican Restaurant — No cost listed — Unleash your creativity painting an Alaskan scenery on a wooden bear.

Turnagain Arm Trail Run

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Turnagain Arm Trail, Northern Trailhead — Entry fee required — Experience the thrill of scenic trail-running races along one of Alaska's best trails.