Good morning, Anchorage.

Alaska Senate approved a compromise that boosts school funding by $700 per student and adds incentives for reading students—moving past Gov. Dunleavy’s veto of a $1,000 increase.

The bill now awaits a fix for a drafting error—its next step is to pass in the House before being sent to the governor.

Alaska Education Commissioner Deena Bishop sent a letter on Monday urging school superintendents to support four reforms in the final education bill—reading incentive grants, enrollment expansion options, charter language updates, and full funding for correspondence students—and she warned that without these changes, Gov. Dunleavy may trim funding or veto the bill.

After a 48-foot fin whale washed up on Anchorage’s mudflats in November, Museum of Alaska CEO James Grogan and volunteers worked to recover the skeleton but faced dangerous soft mudflats and rising tides.

On Monday, a call from a local resident led them to a safer spot west of Lyn Ary Park—where they secured heavy vertebrae as they plan their next move before high tide returns.

Starting May 7, TSA will not accept state-issued IDs without the Real ID star for boarding flights or accessing federal facilities, so travelers lacking a passport, military, or tribal ID will face delays.

Anchorage residents needing a compliant driver’s license must visit the DMV with a passport & two proofs of address to apply for a Real ID.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski raised concern on April 29 about pending Department of Defense guidance that may cut sexual assault prevention services—efforts slated to include 2,500 personnel by fiscal year 2028 have already slowed due to a hiring freeze and paused trainings.

The senator added that even minor reductions risk undoing decades of progress in protecting servicemembers and urged swift action to preserve these programs.

Tuesday, 21 firefighters graduated from the Alaska Basic Wildland Firefighter Academy — where they spent nearly two weeks training 14 hours a day — and gained new techniques to fight wildland fires.

The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection sponsored the program to help protect property and lives as wildfire season continues.

Anchorage liquor stores and bars must soon display signs warning about alcohol’s link to colon and breast cancers—these new warnings will join existing alerts about birth defects from drinking during pregnancy—and the law will take effect on Aug.

1. The measure passed unanimously in the Senate before the final deadline.

On April 29, U.S. Attorney Michael Heyman spoke live on Alaska's News Source to warn about fentanyl's deadly risks as 74% of fatal overdoses in 2023 involved the drug and overdose deaths increased by about 40% from 2023 to 2024 — Sen. Sullivan extended the 'One Pill Can Kill Alaska' campaign deadline to May 31 so high school students can help warn their peers.

Over the past three days, 450 athletes competed in the Native Youth Olympics at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage, marking the highest turnout since the pandemic.

The games celebrated traditional subsistence skills & boosted local youth confidence, while organizers work to revive the event & expand its reach in the North Slope region.

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.

Alaskan Fishing Adventure: Scenic Anchorage Stream

Full-day guided fly-fishing trip — 4-6 hours — Pickup from local hotel — Starting at $299 — Experience the stunning beauty of Alaska while catching fresh fish in pristine wilderness.

Alaska Peace Officers Benefit Concert with Pam Tillis

7:30-10:30 p.m. — William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center — $55.00 — Enjoy an evening of music featuring country star Pam Tillis and special guests.

2025 Hale Borealis Forum

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center — Refunds available up to 30 days prior — Connect with global leaders in healthcare and emergency preparedness for arctic communities.