AGP Executive Report

Alaska Sports: South’s John Lewis notched his 100th coaching win, powering a 16-6 shutout over Juneau-Douglas after a kickoff return and a defense that locked things down late. Hockey: Former Swift Current Broncos goalie Joey Rocha committed to NCAA Alaska Anchorage, bringing a strong junior track record and playoff experience to the Seawolves. Media & Journalism: RTDNA handed out nine National Edward R. Murrow Awards, with Gray Media stations earning the most National Murrow wins among broadcast groups. Politics & Alaska Life: Alaska’s governor primary is heating up as 17 candidates chase four spots for November, with multiple contenders weighing how they’ll handle press access, public engagement, and AI use. Arts & Community: A new “Speaking Volumes: Words Matter” exhibit is set to spotlight mental health through art and conversation. Bear Safety: A trail-runner was hospitalized after a brown bear attack on the Wolverine Bowl trail, though she escaped using bear spray.

Alaska Arts & Community: A bright new Yup’ik/Inupiaq-inspired mural is taking shape in downtown Fairbanks, with artist Drew Michael aiming to “bring bright colors” to the winter-dark city. Local Sports: Service and East kicked off the Cook Inlet Conference football season with a physical slugfest, while South’s flag football team kept rolling with a 20-0 shutout over Service. Entertainment Spotlight: Octavia Spencer is backing the true-crime docuseries Lost Women of Alaska, discussing how she approached the haunting stories and why she wanted the narration to feel empowering. Music & Touring: Portugal. The Man announced three Australia East Coast dates tied to its SHISH era and the band’s Denali Tour. Travel/Scenic Rail: A guide highlights the White Pass & Yukon Route’s 110-mile Gold Rush-era ride from Skagway into Canada’s Yukon and beyond. Arts & Culture (Broader): The Astra TV Awards crowned The Pitt, Hacks, and Beef as big winners.

Arts & Culture (Anchorage): Art & Light Gallery is spotlighting painter Shelley Cade at The Anchorage (virtual and in-person through Oct. 6), with an artist talk set for Sept. 10. Music (Alaska): The heartbeat of taiko is finding a home in Alaska, as local drumming communities keep growing. Food & Dining (Anchorage): Chef Frances Tariga returns with Taglish, a brash, Filipino-leaning “seafood steakhouse” concept built around her own language of flavor. Wildlife & Community Buzz: A brown bear encounter on Anchorage’s Wolverine Bowl trail sent a runner to the hospital after she used bear spray to escape. Sports (Alaska): The Alaska sports scoreboard and high school flag football results rolled in, including South’s 20-0 win over Service. Travel & Family Fun: A Disney Wish cruise review and a scenic White Pass & Yukon Route train ride highlight this week’s Alaska-friendly getaway ideas. Grants (Alaska Native Education): Sen. Lisa Murkowski says delayed federal Alaska Native Education Program grants are being expedited after grantees raised concerns.

Bearcam Boom: Katmai’s Brooks Falls livestream of Alaskan brown bears eating sockeye hit 7.3M views (up 70%), turning wildlife watching into a real-time global event. Music Spotlight: Anchorage’s Medium Build shares a mini-concert ahead of new album King of Having Fun (Sept. 4). Local Art: Art & Light Gallery teams with The Anchorage for a virtual-to-in-person show featuring oil painter Shelley Cade, running through Oct. 6, plus an artist talk Sept. 10. TV Buzz: Hacks, The Pitt, and Beef led the 2026 Astra TV Awards, with major acting and directing wins. Disney D23 Updates: Disney’s Experiences showcase teased a Figment refresh and a Tomorrowland revitalization, with more cruise and Disney Jr. news. Outdoor Safety: A trail runner in Anchorage escaped a brown bear attack using bear spray and was hospitalized. Community Arts/Youth: Rotary Club of West Seattle wrapped up Music4Life instrument donations—78 instruments collected, including violins, clarinets, and even a didgeridoo. Alaska Fair Fun: Alaska State Fair giant-produce fans got a new star: a record 1,820-pound eggplant.

Alaska Senate Race: Mary Peltola rejected Kamala Harris’s unsolicited fundraising push, doubling down on “Alaska-first” support as Dan Sullivan’s campaign tries to frame bycatch and trawling as the key issue. Fisheries Politics: A new look at how trawling and bycatch dominate messaging shows both sides leaning on outside groups and mailers, even as the policy details differ. Local Outdoors: A multi-day search for missing hiker Ben Le ended after authorities found his body near a cliff base in Port Armstrong. Arts & Media: “Lanterns” lands on HBO/HBO Max with a Sunday Aug. 16 premiere time listed for Alaska at 5 p.m. Entertainment Picks: A roundup highlights the best food movies streaming now, plus a separate “best milkshake” state-by-state guide. Sports: Colony opened high school football season with a 55-14 win over Dimond. Travel/Weather: Tropical Storm Lala is forcing closures and reroutes in Hawaii, including Haleakala and major flight cancellations.

Debunked Online Claim: A viral conspiracy says HAARP in Alaska caused Colombia’s 7.4 earthquake. Experts and the U.S. Geological Survey point to natural strike-slip faulting along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” not human activity. Local Arts & Community: Rockin’ B Ranch in Anchorage’s Rabbit Creek is seeking buyers after 20+ years of horse-riding camps that taught nearly 1,500 kids, with a focus on keeping the tradition going. Public Media Lifeline: Alaska Public Media secured $1.15 million in capital grants to modernize equipment and disaster recovery for remote stations—an effort aimed at keeping public radio on the air. Sports Spotlight: Alaska’s high school football season kicks off with Week 0 games, including big matchups across Anchorage and the Mat-Su. Politics & Alaska Culture: A new Alaska Public Media interview features governor candidate Bernadette Wilson, a conservative activist and Anchorage business owner, laying out why she’s running. Wildlife Conflict: Eagle River residents are reacting after Fish and Game killed a brown bear sow and three cubs, saying the deaths were preventable.

Arctic Winter Games: Fairbanks was named host of the 2028 Arctic Winter Games, with planning just beginning for venues across the Fairbanks North Star Borough and nearby communities. Arts & Culture: Ree Nancarrow opens an art quilt show at the University of Alaska Museum of the North, with an opening reception Friday, and the “Observations: Two Decades of Change” exhibit runs into January. Music: Fairbanks’ Music & More series kicks off its fifth year with a marimba recital by UAF faculty member Sean Dowgray. Community Calendar: Kodiak’s weekend lineup includes library storytime, LEGO Club, live music at The Rendezvous, garden tours, a 5K alumni run, and a kids’ pink salmon derby. Local Arts Picks: Anchorage is highlighted as a walkable city for museums, waterfront parks, and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Film Festival: A documentary screening at the National Library spotlights “The Meteorite Gang,” featuring Alaska residents and their Mars-meteorite story. Sports Entertainment: The West Region preseason All-USA football team was announced, listing top players from Alaska and across the West.

Arts & Community: Anchorage artist Kyle Holbrook wrapped up his 50-state peace mural project with a final Alaska mural at the Boys & Girls Club of Southcentral Alaska, with kids helping paint details. Local Arts in Sitka: “Names discovered, stories told” paintings are on display at the Pioneer Bar, spotlighting Sitka/Pelican fishing history and honoring figures from the past. Sports & Local Culture: The Anchorage Weekender highlights a blueberry festival, roller derby, and more events for Aug. 14–16. Entertainment & Travel: A Princess Cruises total solar eclipse sailing delivered a deck-to-the-horizon spectacle for thousands aboard the Enchanted Princess. Alaska Politics/Policy: Gov. Dunleavy says there’s “little reason” to keep the special session going on the Alaska LNG bill after legislative leaders won’t advance it. Alaska Life & Safety: Anchorage police shot and injured a man after he allegedly fired a handgun near a Wal-Mart on Debarr Road; he was in stable condition. Sports Notebook: Dimond’s Pili brothers headline the Lynx season opener as new coaches and preseason favorites set the tone.

Alaska Legal/Arts & Tourism: Acting Attorney General Mills reached a fourth settlement in six months targeting jewelry origin misrepresentations, aiming to protect Alaska craft and tourism branding. Wildlife Education: Katmai Stories launched free classroom resources for bear safety, wildlife safety, national parks, and Fat Bear Week. Cruise Buzz: Princess Cruises opened sales for its 2028 Alaska season with 185 departures across 14 itineraries on eight ships, including Star Princess. Mat-Su Weekend Picks: A new guide highlights what to do in the Mat-Su this weekend, from Houston Founders Day fireworks to Talkeetna’s Wild Salmon Weekend and more live music and races. Sports/Local Talent: Park City Nordic jumpers trained in a European wind tunnel, with Anchorage-area and Alaska-linked athletes among the group. Travel Perk Watch: American Airlines is changing elite upgrade rules, ending some free economy-to-business upgrades on select routes—an update Alaska travelers will feel. Community Calendar: Seward’s events rundown (Aug. 13–20) spotlights library programs, movies, and the Silver Salmon Derby.

Alaska LNG Drama: Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s Alaska LNG bill has collapsed again after House Majority leaders said it lacks the votes, despite a “compromise” version that adds a 2% S-corporation income tax provision—business groups still criticized it and Dunleavy called the legislature’s inaction “deeply disappointing.” Juneau Flood Watch: Residents in the Mendenhall Valley are preparing for glacial outburst floodwater, with officials urging evacuation by Wednesday afternoon as the river is expected to crest Thursday. Remembering a Firefighter: A procession in Minnesota honored Alaska firefighter Leslie R. Washington of Noorvik, who died while deployed to the Bear Trap fire near Ely. State Fair Music: Pop star Jesse McCartney is set for the 2026 Alaska State Fair in Palmer on Sept. 6, with tickets going on sale Aug. 14. Arts & Screen: Alaska Public Media is hosting a free advance big-screen double feature of PBS mystery premieres in Wasilla on Sept. 4. Sports Spotlight: UAA men’s basketball released a tough road-heavy schedule for coach Cameron Turner’s debut season. Community Picks: This weekend in Anchorage includes Blueberry Fest, a Hmong fest, Runfest, and a free Parlor in the Round.

Alaska Arts & Community: Anchorage mural project hits a milestone as artist Kyle Holbrook wraps his 50-state peace journey with local kids painting an eagle, moose, and peace-sign design at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska. Film & Festivals: Roswell Shorts Indie Film Fest announces 31 official selections for Sept. 25–26, including 10 New Mexico filmmakers, spotlighting the state’s growing indie scene. Local Creative Spotlight: “Alaska Grey” talks music, modeling, photography, and grief-driven art in a wide-ranging profile of the Anchorage-area multi-hyphenate. Eclipse Watch (Alaska): Totality wowed parts of Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, while a partial eclipse darkened Anchorage (28% coverage) this morning—plus NASA is streaming the next eclipse coverage for viewers who can’t travel. Safety/Recall: Schwarzkopf Professional Osis Grip Extra Strong Mousse is recalled in Alaska and other states due to a packaging defect that could leak under pressure.

Solar Eclipse Watch: A rare total solar eclipse hits Aug. 12, with totality visible across parts of Europe (including Spain) and partial viewing possible in northern Alaska; NASA livestreams and local forecasts are driving last-minute travel and viewing plans. Alaska Native Education Funding: Sen. Lisa Murkowski says delayed federal grants totaling $41.3M for the Alaska Native Education Program are being expedited after grantees raised concerns. Tragedy in Anchorage: Police report a child died after an East Anchorage crash that also killed her mother; the investigation continues. Local Arts on Screen: A Los Angeles film crew has been shooting in Talkeetna for “Halfway Nowhere,” casting local talent along the way. Sports & Community: An Anchorage golf tournament raised $90,000 for Challenge Alaska and Camp Fire Alaska, supporting adaptive sports and youth programs. Sports Film Night: Regal Cinemas will show a one-day Seahawks Super Bowl documentary in theaters across Alaska and the region. Public Safety/Community: A Superior National Forest worker died after a medical emergency; officials say the firefighter was from Alaska. Civic Vote Talk: A new Alaska ballot measure would limit donation check sizes to state legislative and governor campaigns.

Eclipse Watch: NASA says Wednesday’s Aug. 12 total solar eclipse will be total in parts of Greenland, Iceland, Portugal, Russia and Spain, but only partial in the U.S.—think a “cookie with a bite.” NASA plans live coverage starting about 1:15 p.m. ET on its site and YouTube. Arctic Travel & Expeditions: National Geographic-Lindblad just mapped out 2028–29 sailings, with expanded routes across Antarctica, the Arctic, Alaska and Southeast Alaska, plus new cultural programming. Alaska Cruise Buzz: Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises both teased big Alaska-forward schedules for 2027–2029, with more ships and longer itineraries. Spaceport News: Rocket Lab unveiled GHOST, a containerized, deployable launch system, with its first Alaska two-pad complex planned for Kodiak in 2027. Local Governance & Online Speech: The Alaska Supreme Court upheld a ruling that lawmakers can’t block constituents on Facebook just for disagreeing. Arctic Training: Operation POLAR DAGGER activities are set for Aug. 15–31 near Point Hope and other communities, with no public access restrictions.

Alaska LNG Politics: Gov. Mike Dunleavy says he’ll soon introduce an Alaska LNG bill that pairs a major property tax cut with a “compromise” corporate income tax expansion, including a 2% S-corp provision aimed at closing a loophole for privately held oil and gas firms (while still not applying to the pipeline). Maritime Drama in Southeast Alaska: Mark Zuckerberg’s $300M yacht Launchpad faced backlash after a skiff ran out of fuel near Kuiu Island; the Coast Guard says the boat wasn’t in distress and later issued a marine assistance request, while a cruise ship towed and refueled the stranded vessel. Anchorage Cleanup: Anchorage officials plan to tear down the Big Timber Motel as part of efforts to remove blighted, dangerous buildings. Arts & Culture (Fairbanks): A downtown Fairbanks log cabin with deep local history—built in 1959—has been highlighted ahead of its next chapter after the Yukon Quest vacated it. Sports Spotlight: Olympic gold medalist Kristen Faulkner rebounded to finish 26th in the Tour de France Femmes, her best American result. Local Outdoors: Cheryl Wagner leads the Valdez Silver Salmon Derby after landing a 16.02-pound silver.

Alaska Environment & Policy: The Alaska Department of Fish and Game denied Ketchikan Indian Community’s emergency bid to reclassify invasive European green crabs as a less-restricted banned species, saying there’s no clear food value and questioning links to eelgrass harm. Anchorage Sports & Community Fundraising: The Anchorage Dome launched a fundraising push to replace its aging fabric shell, seeking $6 million to avoid possible permanent closure. Southeast Alaska Boating Incident: A stranded 21-foot skiff near Petersburg and Juneau was towed to safety by the cruise ship Wilderness Legacy, while questions swirled around Mark Zuckerberg’s nearby yacht not responding—Meta says the crew didn’t initially hear the radio call and help was already underway. Arts & Culture (Alaska-linked): Composer Jim Nollman is releasing “Orcas’ Greatest Hits,” built from orca vocalizations he recorded off British Columbia. Youth Sports (LLWS): Little League Baseball U.S. regionals are underway, with ESPN carrying games and schedules for the path to Williamsport. Tech & Travel Convenience: Alaska’s Mobile ID is listed among states supporting digital driver’s licenses for faster TSA checkpoints.

Alaska Arts & Community: Soldotna Library closed out its summer reading with an immersive murder mystery built around women’s rights history, using Triumvirate Theatre and audience “clue” participation to solve a fictional shooting. Local Sports: Service Post 28 kept its season alive with a 7-1 win over Casper in the Northwest Class A Regional, as Connor Monahan threw a 5-hitter to reach the semifinals. Alaska Events: The Alaska International Senior Games kicked off in Fairbanks (Aug. 7–16), with 398+ athletes and events ranging from archery to bocce. Anchorage Culture: Downtown Anchorage is getting new public art, adding to the city’s growing mural and street-art momentum. Outdoor/Nature: A book review spotlights “A Place for the Birds,” the history of Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge and why it matters for Fairbanks wildlife viewing. Big Internet Moment (Alaska-adjacent): A stranded skiff rescue near southeast Alaska sparked a public backlash after reports said Zuckerberg’s yacht was closer but didn’t respond—then a spokesperson disputed the “ignored” framing.