Good morning, Anchorage.

Hundreds of members of Anchorage’s Polynesian community gathered at Dave Rose Park on Saturday for a summer closing event that featured Samoan cricket, music, and food—an occasion organized by the PAOA for the first time since 2006.

The group has begun discussions with city officials about creating a more permanent cricket ground given the park’s limited space.

Yesterday at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer, thousands drove through heavy traffic to enjoy rides, games, food booths, and a Weird Al Yankovic concert.

The fair runs until Sept. 1 with gates open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays).

Rep. Kevin McCabe said Alaska’s education system has focused on spending money rather than improving how students learn—he calls for local reforms to update outdated practices and boost reading, math and graduation rates for a stronger future.

His plan for 2026 aims to give every child the chance to succeed.

Alaska Pacific University has started a new lab that uses a high-tech microscope and spectrometer provided by a $5M NASA grant to check water across Alaska for microplastics.

Associate professor Dee Barker said the lab will work to gain official approval so it can charge for tests and help rural areas monitor water quality—efforts that may change how microplastics are tracked in the state.

Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom certified a ballot initiative that would legalize and regulate psychedelic substances — including psilocybin, mescaline, DMT and ibogaine—and supporters must now gather signatures equal to 10 percent of the last general election votes from at least three-quarters of Alaska’s House districts before the measure reaches the ballot.

Duop Tharjiath, a 29-year-old patient at API for over five years, was found dead in his room late March with the autopsy showing no anatomical or toxicological cause, prompting an open Anchorage Police investigation.

API fired four employees for missing required checks and promised staff retraining—federal inspectors had recently flagged the hospital for patient care issues.

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.

David Spade Live Comedy Show

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Alaska State Fair — $59-$89 (additional fair admission required) — Enjoy laughs with the comedic legend known for his timeless roles and sharp wit.