Good morning, Anchorage.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels return to headline the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson this weekend after a decade-long absence - they will perform at 3 p.m. on Saturday and again on Sunday with free admission for Anchorage residents.

The Dome faces possible closure if $1.5 million is not raised to complete the $6 million project that will extend its life by 20 to 25 years.

Officials plan to order the new fabric shell this fall (with construction set to begin next summer) and install it by Oct. 2027.

Anchorage hosts the 9th annual Inkmaster’s Tattoo Expo this weekend; the event features over 80 local and international artists offering live tattooing, body piercing and raffle prizes, with tickets at $25 for one day or $40 for three days.

At the annual Junior Classic, 120 Anchorage kids learned fishing skills and traditional Alaska culture from local instructors.

The event featured hands-on lessons that gave children a taste of native techniques and storytelling.

Anchorage Economic Development Corporation released a report at a luncheon on Aug.

5 at the Dena’ina Convention Center that said a planned $2 billion investment in JBER will bring roughly 2,700 military personnel and boost job growth in logistics, health care and construction while spurring increased housing permits.

Alaska lost 4.5% of its federal workforce (about 700 jobs) in 2025 as cuts hit defense and resource agencies, the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development reported.

Federal employment is now at its lowest level in over 35 years, with rural areas registering high loss percentages.

Enstar and its affiliate initiated arbitration against Cook Inlet gas producer HEX over discretionary gas allegedly sold to a third party that is needed to refill storage ahead of winter (a shortage that could leave the region 3 BCF short during cold weather).

On Aug. 4, gubernatorial candidate Shelley Hughes and community leaders met in Eagle River to outline a three-step plan to expand Nome port and railway links that will connect Alaska to global commerce.

The plan is backed by private industry to lower shipping costs and boost local economic opportunities.

The University of Alaska Board of Regents approved offering in-state tuition for all degree-level students, eliminating the out-of-state rate.

The change will take effect fall 2027 and is expected to simplify billing (by ending a complex waiver process) and boost enrollment.

On July 30, superintendents hosted a debate in Juneau where six gubernatorial candidates (including Click Bishop and Tom Begich) shared plans to boost education funding, address deferred maintenance, and improve teacher retention amid budget shortfalls.

Lieutenant Sarko Gergerian from Winthrop Police will speak at the Arctic Visions Psychedelic Conference on Aug.

8 to 9 at the University of Alaska Anchorage campus (Fine Arts Building) where he will discuss new mental health treatments using psychedelic therapies for first responders and civilians.

Anchorage’s Abbott-O-Rabbit Little League Majors 12U team won its third state title on Monday in Ketchikan and advanced to the Northwest Region Tournament.

The tournament will start Saturday at 8:00 a.m. Alaska time against Idaho’s state champion.

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.