Good morning, Anchorage.

A solo fisherman was rescued from a mudflat after being trapped waist deep in mud on August 16 — rescue officials quickly reached him and ensured his safe removal.

Anchorage sees changes at its businesses—Pearl, a Champagne and oyster bar, AK Burger Zone and Alaska Overlander are now open while Regal Totem theater shuts down.

Other new spots include a bike-cargo showroom, nail salon, brewpub, cafe within a cafe and a cat cafe in Wasilla, with a trampoline park in Northway Mall also set to close.

Federal prosecutors said that an international drug trafficking ring targeted Sand Point when Richard Frye of Anchorage pleaded guilty last week to smuggling dangerous fentanyl and methamphetamine destined for the small town—co-defendants Tiffani Couch and Anna Petla also pleaded guilty while over 50 others have been charged.

The Alaska State Fair in Palmer opened Friday with a museum-quality Da Vinci Exhibit and about 70 food vendors offering rides, games, and food; the event runs until Labor Day.

Visitors should note that Glenn Highway construction has slowed traffic near the fairgrounds—new traffic signals remain offline until after the fair.

The 2025 Alaska State Fair kicked off Friday night in Palmer—drawing crowds eager to enjoy the annual event.

US Coast Guard officials reported that five Chinese research ships were operating in US Arctic waters and a C-130J from Kodiak was deployed on Wednesday to query the vessels—coordinated with Northern and Alaskan Command.

Rear Adm. Bob Little said the service boosted its fleet with new cutters, including the icebreaker cutter Storis that arrived in Seward on Saturday, to counter rising foreign influence.

Bartlett High’s Golden Bears defeated the Dimond Lynx 12-0 Friday night.

The win handed Dimond their first loss since 2023 and ended a 679-day winning streak by the state champs.

On Aug 16, local high school flag football, football, and cross country meets showed strong competition as teams like North Pole, Dimond, and Eagle River won games—while runners at Anchorage RunFest and Military Mile ran fast times.

These results highlighted local athletes performing well ahead of upcoming contests.

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.

Wiz Khalifa Live at Alaska State Fair

10 a.m. — Alaska State Fair — Fair admission is additional — Experience a live performance by multi-platinum artist Wiz Khalifa.

The Beach Boys Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Alaska State Fair — $49-$101 (Fair admission additional) — Experience the enduring sound of America's iconic surf rock band.

Candlelight Concert: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

9-10 p.m. — 49th State Brewing — Ticket purchase required — Experience the magic of candlelight concerts featuring beloved hits from Coldplay and Imagine Dragons.

2025 Demolition Derby

3:30 AM – 9:00 PM — Alaska State Fair — Adults $16, Youth $12, Kids free — Experience the thrill of destruction as vehicles clash in an exciting and loud demolition derby.

All Star Monster Truck Showdown

1-2:30 p.m. — Alaska State Fair — Adults $18, Youth $13, Kids $8 — Witness thrilling monster truck battles including wheelies, racing, and freestyle action.

All Star Monster Truck Show

1:00 – 2:30 PM — Alaska State Fair — Tickets from $37 — Experience the thrill of monster trucks as they roar and race at the Alaska State Fairgrounds.