Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of August.
Good morning, Anchorage.
Dustin Madden, an airport operations employee, was charged with four counts of stalking and one count of tampering with evidence after he secretly installed GPS trackers on at least six women's vehicles at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport—investigators said a total of 14 devices were used to monitor the women's movements while Madden was on administrative leave amid an ongoing investigation.
Alaska State Troopers are searching for 9-year-old Vencenza Fignoretti-Tyree from Wasilla—she was last seen riding a black and purple bike on E.
Village Loop while wearing blue pajama pants and a black hoodie and anyone with information is urged to call 907-745-2131.
Anchorage and nearby communities host 10 events this weekend, including live jazz, comedy shows, a tattoo expo, outdoor festivals, and a pop-up children’s museum scheduled from today through Sunday.
Ticket prices range from free to $50 — each event offering its own experience.
Anchorage businesses recorded a 9.1-point drop in their confidence index from last year, reaching a level 4.9 points below the 10-year average after a survey by AEDC was released yesterday—more than 170 local businesses reported uncertainty amid federal tariff fears and policy changes. Many owners now expect the local economy to worsen in coming months, although roughly 60% of consumers said they feel slightly more optimistic than last year.
The Anchorage School Board approved adding $3,670,000 to hire 20 classroom teachers before classes start next week after legislators freed an extra $10 million by overriding Gov. Dunleavy’s veto.
The district will also spend part of the funds on curriculum, extracurricular activities and additional support—officials say every day counts in recruiting skilled educators.
Anchorage officials followed the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s 2009 plan to reduce homelessness with a $300 million budget — but did not use its metric evaluations — and by 2025 homelessness has increased 50% over five years.
The agency remains silent on revising the strategy despite the plan’s outcomes.
Alaska lawmakers from both majority and minority caucuses overrode Gov. Dunleavy’s veto of $50.6 million in public school funding last Saturday, approving a permanent $700 bump and changes to class size rules.
Minority members said they voted for the measure after long talks and local pressure (from districts spanning the Kenai Peninsula to Fairbanks).
Alaska’s DOC said on July 10 that all 41 ICE detainees screened at Anchorage Correctional Complex on June 8 did not have active TB, but an attorney reported one detainee later began TB treatment after being transferred to Tacoma.
Health officials confirmed seven suspected TB cases at the Tacoma detention center — the detainee is receiving long-term care while officials investigate the exposure.
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.
ASA Alaska Chapter Annual Workshop and Meeting 2025
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — USGS Alaska Science Center — $400 — Explore spatial linear modeling concepts in environmental data analysis at this informative two-day workshop.
Power of Hope Cancer Support Group
Noon to 1 p.m. — Anchorage Native Primary Care Center — Free entry — A supportive learning circle for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers to discover educational resources and management strategies.
Meet the 4-H Horses
11 a.m. — France Equestrian Center — FREE — Experience a daily rendezvous with 4-H horses and learn more about their care and training.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise Concert
11 AM – 8 PM — Alaska State Fair — Ticket prices vary — Experience a genre-defying performance by Rainbow Kitten Surprise at the Alaskan Fair.
"Weird Al" Yankovic Concert
2-3:30 p.m. — Alaska State Fair — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary multimedia comedy rock show featuring classic parodies and fan favorites.
Hung Up on a Dream: The Zombies Documentary
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Bear Tooth Theatrepub — Cost not specified — A captivating journey through the 60-year career of The Zombies, highlighting their iconic hits and legacy.
ADF's Summer Socials: Bike Tour
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Anchorage Museum — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful bike tour around Anchorage, soaking in the summer weather and connecting with fellow biking enthusiasts.
Mastodon Concert at Alaska State Fair
6-8 p.m. — Alaska State Fair — $49-$71 plus Fair admission — Experience the iconic metal band Mastodon live on their Infinite Arc Tour.
Billy Currington Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre — Cost not specified — Experience a night of chart-topping country hits from multi-platinum artist Billy Currington.
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