Good morning, Anchorage.

Today, Anchorage hosts a busy weekend— the Tattoo Expo opens at the Sheraton and runs through Sunday, Arctic Thunder will feature military demos on Saturday and Sunday at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, and local venues offer music, comedy, and a 5K fundraiser across town.

Jeanine Moorman returned to Alaska Rock Gym to honor her late son by launching the Balin Scott Miller Foundation, which offers climbing gear grants to young climbers with financial need.

The foundation, now sponsored by Black Diamond, will accept applications from Oct. 1 to Dec. 1.

Anchorage comics podcaster David Harper earned an Eisner Award last month for his work on SKTCHD—a website and podcast featuring comics industry interviews.

After overcoming layoffs and a heart attack last year, he now works full time in his hometown and continues to draw praise for his creative venture.

On Wednesday, Aug. 5 at the Dena’ina Convention Center, Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook told 1,300 business leaders that after five years of high inflation she is prepared to raise rates if prices remain unstable.

She linked global energy issues and AI investments to rising consumer costs (and burdens).

At an AEDC luncheon on Wednesday (Aug.

5), President Jon Bittner noted that while jobs in logistics, construction and health are growing, Anchorage’s recovery lagged behind the rest of the state. He said a team will soon develop a five-year plan to improve housing and infrastructure.

Anchorage tourism surged this summer as Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport set a new record with over 14,500 passengers on Aug.

1. Visit Anchorage said the surge (bringing millions to the local economy) may boost tourism-linked jobs and revenue.

The Anchorage Economic Development Corporation is hosting its Economic Forecast Luncheon today, where economists offer a cautiously optimistic outlook amid local challenges & share important insights on factors shaping the economy.

At a special Tuesday meeting, the UA Board of Regents approved eliminating out-of-state tuition in favor of a single in-state rate for all programs.

The new rates will take effect in fall 2027 to simplify billing & attract more students.

A recent Alaska Department of Labor analysis showed that federal job cuts left the state’s workforce 10.5% smaller by the end of 2025, with 1,607 fewer workers – a decline driven largely by defense cuts that also reduced local earnings and affected services like weather forecasting and fishery science.

Hippie Sabotage & Waka Flocka Flame Live

6-9 p.m. — Williwaw Social — Ticket prices vary — Experience electrifying performances by Hippie Sabotage and Waka Flocka Flame in downtown Anchorage.

Dave Nihill: Live in Anchorage

7-11 PM — Wilda Marston Theatre — Cost Info Not Available — Experience the comedic journey of Dave Nihill from Ireland to the world.