Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 22nd of May.
Good morning, Anchorage.
A suspended Anchorage attorney, Justin Facey, 44, was arrested Wednesday after a federal grand jury indicted him on drug trafficking and firearms charges — he now remains at Anchorage Correctional Complex and will appear in court today before US Magistrate Judge Kyle F.
Reardon.
Anchorage police said Officer Carter Mayes, who had been monitoring a vehicle linked to a suspect with a felony warrant, pulled over Utuva Alaelua on May 13 for a headlight issue when his car did not promptly stop and a second officer discovered a handgun on his lap—resulting in a fatal shot during the stop.
Tourists filled downtown Anchorage yesterday as three cruise ships docked and independent travelers arrived, and Visit Anchorage said summer tourism is expected to match pre-pandemic levels—providing crucial income for local businesses.
The next cruise ship will dock on June 25.
Two Anchorage elementary schools ended services after final celebrations that featured volcano experiments, heartfelt goodbyes, and community hugs — marking a close to decades of neighborhood learning.
The Anchorage School Board closed Lake Hood and Nunaka Valley due to declining enrollment and will repurpose the buildings for charter schools — while most students move to new schools next year.
Scientists say melting glaciers near the Alaska border are forming new fish habitats that could soon boost salmon runs — even as mining companies plan projects to tap the region's resources while local Indigenous leaders and environmentalists call for stronger protections.
This emerging dynamic raises concerns that future mining may impact the recovering waterways and the commercial fishing industry that depends on them.
Fifteen Alaska Army National Guard Soldiers and two Mongolian troops are competing in the Best Warrior Competition from May 19th through today, testing skills like live-fire exercises, obstacle courses and endurance training.
The event marks the first time the Guard has teamed with Mongolia as part of the State Partnership Program—strengthening ties established since 2003.
The North Star Volunteer Fire Department held a push-in ceremony Tuesday evening at its headquarters to welcome a new Pierce Pumper Tanker engine with a 2,000-gallon water tank, a pump that delivers 1250 gallons per minute, and cold-weather upgrades.
Captain Will Wright led the tradition and Board President Philip Wyman blessed the engine — which has a 550-horsepower motor, anti-lock brakes, seating for four and an Arctic insulation package — while firefighter Kelso Burke took the driver’s seat.
Anchorage's Team USA goalie Jeremy Swayman made 25 saves on Tuesday in a 5-2 win against Czechia at the IIHF Championships in Denmark—he will start when his team faces Finland today in the quarterfinals.
UAF named Michael Ricks as the new head coach of Nanooks Women’s Basketball and former Anchorage Wolverines players Danny Bagnole and Romulus Riego De Dios have committed to Division III hockey teams.
USPA Tested & Open 2025 Alaska State Championship
7 AM – 4 PM — Southside Strength and Fitness — $20 admission for spectators — Compete in a range of powerlifting categories with divisions for all ages and abilities.
California Honeydrops Live Concert
8 PM — Bear Tooth Theatrepub — Ticket priced TBA — Experience a high-energy night filled with unforgettable music, dancing, and good vibes from The California Honeydrops.
30th Annual Alaska Men's Run
10 a.m. — Kincaid Chalet — Registration required — Celebrate men's health awareness while participating in this iconic local running event.
Breakthrough Basketball Skills Camp
Youth Camp — Tue, Jun 3 – Thu, Jun 5 — O'Malley Sports Center — $97 for observing coaches — Enhance ball handling and scoring skills while building character and confidence.
Turnagain Training Kid's Summer Triathlon Camps
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Kincaid Chalet — Various fees apply — Fun-filled week of biking, swimming, and running for kids looking to improve their triathlon skills.
Candlelight Concert: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
6:30-7:30 p.m. — 49th State Brewing - Anchorage — Tickets required — Experience the enchantment of a candlelight concert featuring beloved hits by Coldplay and Imagine Dragons.
Spenard Jazz Fest at the Museum
4:30-6 p.m. — Anchorage Museum — Free entry — Experience the sounds of Alaska with local songwriters at this celebrated annual jazz festival.
Three Barons Renaissance Fair
Jun 7 – 15 — 3400 E Tudor Rd, Anchorage, AK — Check event page for entry details — Step back in time for nine days of Renaissance fun with crafts, food, and entertainment.
Corene Davis Graham Cancer Telethon
4:30-6:30 p.m. — Wilda Marston Theatre — Donations appreciated — Enjoy an evening of music and entertainment while supporting cancer research and honoring survivors.
June PATH Training
9 AM - 4 PM — Alaska Primary Care Association — Free entry — Jumpstart your healthcare career with free CPR and mental health first aid training.
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