Good morning, Anchorage.

Mary Shields—the first woman to finish the Iditarod—died this week at age 80.

She inspired many women mushing with her bold spirit and deep love of the outdoors.

On Friday evening, Anchorage law enforcement chased 31-year-old Darren David after he drove recklessly on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway, hitting multiple vehicles before crashing in Muldoon with a passenger seriously injured and he was arrested on charges including failure to stop, assault, criminal mischief, driving under the influence, reckless driving and fleeing the scene.

APD says a suspect is in custody—shots were fired near a midtown Anchorage sports complex and officers are investigating the report.

The USDA ended its Regional Food Business Centers program on Tuesday, pulling $6M in funds that would have helped over 50 local food and farm businesses.

The Alaska Food Policy Council said the move hurt plans to build better food systems because of high transport and cost issues (the council will push for new investments soon).

Anchorage School District Superintendent Dr. Jharrett Bryantt said delayed federal funds, capped community support, and a lack of state funding have forced layoffs and reassignments that hurt school programs.

He added that Governor Mike Dunleavy will call lawmakers to a special session in early August to address these funding issues—families are urged to contact their legislators.

Anchorage’s Fairview neighborhood will begin a free shuttle service to Carrs and Fred Meyer grocery stores this weekend with rides running hourly on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.—the route will stop at four locations including near Dr. Etheldra Davis Elementary during the Fairview Block Party and is set up by the Municipality, NeighborWorks Alaska and BAC Transportation using a city grant.

The city of Anchorage approved a $300K settlement with former fire department employee Benedicte Galligan, who alleged she was fired in retaliation after raising concerns about disparaging remarks against female employees and a racial discrimination claim; she resigned in March 2023 when her position was eliminated—settling her 2023 lawsuit.

Permit holders on Cook Inlet's east side tested experimental beach seine gear on Wednesday, July 9 in Clam Gulch to gather more data required by the state board after fishery closures driven by declining chinook runs.

The trial faced equipment snags — a net rope knot delayed progress — and produced only seaweed, and crews plan further tests as the board reviews fishery issues next year.

FREE Sports Camp

9 AM – 12 PM — Birchwood Behavioral Health — Free entry — Enjoy a week of sports, drills, and teamwork with friends.

AACVW Club Meeting at Guido's Pizza

7-8:30 p.m. — Guido's Pizza — No cover charge — Gather with fellow VW enthusiasts at the monthly club meeting over pizza.

RMG Career Launch Event

1-3 p.m. — RMG Real Estate Alaska — Free entry — Explore career opportunities in real estate with insights from industry leaders.

Jessica Michelle Singleton Live in Anchorage

7:00-8:30 p.m. — The Broken Blender — Tickets from $40 — Experience the raw and hilarious charm of Alaska-grown comedian Jessica Michelle Singleton.

Neil deGrasse Tyson

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Atwood Concert Hall — Tickets available — Engage with an astrophysicist on the wonders of the universe in a captivating evening.

Candlelight Concert: Rings and Dragons

6:30-7:30 p.m. — 49th State Brewing — Ticketed event — Experience a magical live music performance under candlelight at an iconic Anchorage venue.

Hawthorne Heights Live Concert

6:30-8 p.m. — SteamDot Williwaw — Tickets available — Experience the emotional sounds of Hawthorne Heights as they celebrate their latest album ‘The Rain Just Follows Me’.

Uniform Residential Appraisal Report Course

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Alaska Aviation Museum — $200.00 ($175 for AI members) — Delve into the new URAR training while enjoying a unique setting at the largest seaplane base in the world.

Battle of the Bands: Bike Week

5-11 p.m. — House of Harley-Davidson — Free entry — Experience local talent battling it out on stage during Anchorage's favorite bike week celebration.

Race Judicata 5K Fun-Run

10 AM – 2 PM — Westchester Lagoon Nature Trail — $35 entry — Support the Anchorage Youth Court while enjoying a community-themed run/walk.