Good morning, Anchorage.

Anchorage police are looking for a man between 25 and 30 after his blue Dodge Ram hit Pel' Meni on the 400 block of K Street, damaging the restaurant and giving an employee an eye injury—witnesses say he ran off on foot and a white Ford F-150 may also have been involved.

On April 16, the House passed HB 57, which requires local school districts to limit cellphone use during school hours while allowing phones for emergencies, translation and instruction purposes — the bill now faces a reconsideration vote before moving to a Senate Finance Committee hearing today. Legislators stress local control as school officials prepare to adjust policies in line with the new rules — setting the stage for the next step in the legislative process.

The Alaska House passed HB 57 requiring school districts to set rules that limit cellphone use in class but allow phones for emergencies, medical needs, and instruction—passing with a vote of 34—6 and moving to a Senate Finance Committee hearing today before further review.

Julie Kitka, the federal co-chair of the Denali Commission, said she is fighting to save Alaska's infrastructure projects from federal grant cuts—efforts that include linking local investments to national defense—and met with Elon Musk's DOGE team in Nome to defend the commission's role.

The Alaska Supreme Court ruled that the state's seizure of Kenneth Jouppi’s plane was legal after he transported 72 cans of beer from Fairbanks to a town that bans alcohol—citing the serious harm caused by alcohol in rural areas.

The decision sent the case back to the Court of Appeals for further action.

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.

Alaska Cancer Partnership Annual Meeting 2025

8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. — BP Energy Center — Free admission — Collaborate on strategies for a cancer-free Alaska with informative sessions and networking opportunities.

Alaska State Adult BJJ Tournament 2025

1-3 p.m. — Avis Alaska Sports Complex — Registration required — Catch the excitement as competitors face off in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu matches.

Chris Murphy Music Night at Little Italy

6 PM — Little Italy — Family dining — Enjoy a delightful evening of violin music alongside traditional Italian and Greek cuisines.

City Nerd Nite: Hear Me Out

6-8 p.m. — King Street Brewing Company — Free entry — Local thinkers present inspiring ideas to envision a brighter Anchorage.