AGP Executive Report

Misinformation Crackdown: Nepal’s flood response is getting tangled in fake and AI-made disaster clips, prompting the Nepal Press Council to open a special portal and order 72 users to remove misleading posts. Reality Check for Alaskans: One widely shared “glacier flood” video tied to Nepal was actually filmed in Alaska’s Columbia Glacier. Travel Tech Safety: A reminder for flyers: portable chargers are allowed, but they can pose fire risks—know the rules before you pack. Rural Health Watch: A $50B rural healthcare program is facing calls for more transparency as oversight can lag behind fast-spending deadlines. Local Arts & Community: Fairbanks’ Fungi Festival returns for its fifth year, blending art, food, and science for mushroom lovers. Music in Alaska: Twisted Sister’s new era kicks off with Sebastian Bach, with a Palmer stop set for Sept. 4. Cruise News: Holland America is adding Nootka Sound to its 2028 Alaska lineup. Sports: Lathrop starts 3-0 after beating South Anchorage 27-16; UW volleyball opens 3-0 at home. Tragedy: A small plane crash near Seldovia Slough killed four, including former Bethel mayor Eric Middlebrook and three Bay Area residents.

Aviation Tragedy: A small Piper PA-24 crash into the Seldovia Slough killed former Bethel mayor Eric Middlebrook and three Bay Area passengers—Ronald Schmidt, Lance Schmidt, and Daniel Simons—after responders waited for the tide to recover the submerged wreck. Local Arts: Juneau is staging “Kutulagaaw: The Tlingit-Russian Battles,” a Tlingit-language opera about the 1802/1804 clashes, running Sept. 11–20 after a lighting failure forced a venue change. Art Spotlight: Anchorage-area audiences can catch painter Amy Noon’s “Window to my Soul,” built from extreme-closeup botanical photos, opening Sept. 4 at Bear Gallery. Streaming & Pop Culture: HBO Max’s “Lanterns” returns with Episode 3 on Sunday at 5 p.m. Alaska time. Community & Safety: Alaska’s Public Safety Report updates charges and incidents statewide, including DUI-related cases. Sports: Soldotna fell to Star Valley 35–28 in a marquee matchup, while UAA and high school action filled the weekend slate.

Alaska Politics: Tom Begich is suspending his Alaska governor campaign and endorsing Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, saying the race would require millions more than his team can raise. Anchorage Public Safety: Police say a woman shot and killed in a downtown standoff was armed with a BB gun made to look real, and another East Anchorage incident ended with an officer shooting a man who was walking away with a gun. Arts & Community: Ketchikan Indian Community opened the Yee gu.aa yax xˈwán Permanent Supportive Housing facility, with Native art and ceremonies marking the milestone. Music & Live Shows: Twisted Sister’s reunion run with Sebastian Bach includes an Alaska State Fair stop in Palmer. Sports: UAA volleyball’s Lee Ivakina says she’s “hitting her stride” after a strong start, while Soldotna fell 35-28 to top-ranked Star Valley. Cruises & Travel: Norwegian and other lines are rolling out Labor Day cruise sales, with deals and second-guest promos highlighted for Alaska travelers.

Alaska Politics: Tom Begich has suspended his Alaska governor campaign and endorsed fellow Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, a move that could force Democrats to consolidate behind one ticket as the general election field reshapes. Native Community & Housing: Ketchikan Indian Community celebrated the grand opening of Yee gu.aa yax xˈwán, a new 28-unit Permanent Supportive Housing facility, with elders set to move in this September and Native art filling the space. Music & Live Shows: Metal icon Dave Mustaine says he’s pushing through health setbacks for what he calls his final tour, with Megadeth’s last run including dates opening for Iron Maiden. Arts in Anchorage: “Everyday Anchorage” at the Anchorage Museum pairs Duke Russell’s paintings with Ward Wells’ historic photos, running through August 2027. Sports: Bartlett rallied late to beat West Valley 28-10 in Fairbanks, with Sithri Fainuulelei and Colt Jardine driving the comeback. Local Culture: London-based Floating Poets brought music to the Kenai Peninsula, playing community shows and running a drama camp with support from the Alaska State Council on the Arts.

Alaska Arts & Culture: Anchorage Museum’s “Everyday Anchorage” pairs Duke Russell’s whimsical landmark paintings with Ward Wells’ vintage photos, running through August 2027. Live Entertainment: Emmy winner Nick Offerman brings his dry wit and music to the Alaska State Fair Sunday at 1 p.m. Music on the Road: London-based Floating Poets returned to the Kenai Peninsula for shows in Soldotna, Kenai’s Triumvirate Theatre, and Ninilchik’s Salmonfest—supported by the Alaska State Council on the Arts and local musicians. Local Media: Ohana Media Group Alaska names Cat Okegawa VP/GM overseeing six Anchorage-area radio stations starting Sept. 1. Sports & Community: Colony and Palmer stage a rare cross-town “Battle of Bogard,” complete with a new in-game bell tradition. Big Picture (Alaska-relevant): A federal appeals court dealt a blow to prediction markets in a Nevada sports-contract case, while the Trump administration speeds up environmental review for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System renewal.

Alaska Media Leadership: Cat Okegawa has been named VP/GM for Ohana Media Group Alaska, overseeing six Anchorage/Mat-Su stations starting Sept. 1. Local Arts & Film: “The Sun Never Sets” lands a sensitive love-triangle review, with Dakota Fanning starring in Joe Swanberg’s return to Anchorage-set drama. Sports (UAA): UAA opened at home with a come-from-behind volleyball win over Texas Woman’s University at the Alaska Airlines Center, powered by Kyana Gabriel’s 11 kills in a key second set. Sports (Kodiak): Kodiak swimming and diving is rebuilding around a more evenly matched roster as the Bears kick off their season with a home meet vs. Wasilla. Community & Culture: A new Alaska Airlines push grows Seattle as a bigger international hub, adding routes like Seattle–Athens. Public Lands & Environment: Conservation groups are urging more time for public comment on a federal move to rescind the Roadless Rule, citing impacts across millions of acres. Music/Live: Twisted Sister’s upcoming Alaska show (Sept. 4 in Palmer) is set as Sebastian Bach officially steps in as frontman. Weather/Policy: Homer Rep. Sarah Vance asks Alaska officials to press for an immediate halt to Kenai Peninsula cloud-seeding after Rainmaker’s drone operations. Crime & Justice: A Nome jury convicted Isaac Ozenna Sr. on 28 counts of sexual abuse of nine children across decades.

Broadcast Leadership: Ohana Media Group promoted Cat Okegawa to VP/GM for its Alaska stations, overseeing six Anchorage/Mat-Su outlets and continuing to lead sales. Sports Spotlight: KTUU’s 907 Sports checks in with Super Bowl champ Brandon Pili ahead of his Seahawks season, plus a Week 3 high school football preview. Community Journalism: KYUK, Alaska Public Media and KNBA won a national Edward R. Murrow award for collaborative coverage of ex-typhoon Halong’s impact on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. Outdoor & Local Culture: The Kenai chamber canceled the Silver Salmon Derby due to poor silver runs, while ADF&G kept the Kenai coho limit at two fish through November. Safety & Tragedy: Alaska identified four men killed in a small plane crash near Seldovia, including former Bethel mayor Eric Middlebrook. Family News: An Anchorage mobile home fire sent a family of six to the hospital for evaluation. Music & Memory: A piece on how familiar songs can help unlock connection for people living with dementia.

Meta Settlement: Alaska is set to receive $16M from Meta’s $17.1B multistate deal over Instagram and Facebook child-safety claims, with sweeping new limits and protections for kids and teens. Aviation Tragedy: A Piper PA-24 crashed into shallow waters near Seldovia Slough, killing four adults; the NTSB is investigating. Local Crime: Daniel Lewis was convicted in Dillingham of attempted murder and multiple related charges for a 2024 shotgun attack on Kanakanak Hospital. Community & Arts: Anchorage Park Foundation unveiled a custom Indigenous place-name sign project at Lyn Ary Park (Aug. 27, 5–7 p.m.). Live Music: Fairbanks native Kelly Moneymaker returns for a hometown stop at The Boatel in Fairbanks on Aug. 28. Weekend Picks: The Anchorage Weekender highlights fair-free plans like a family hike, a patio jazz set, and volunteer trail brushing. Tech Travel: Google Search’s AI Mode adds new vacation-planning tools, including flight price tracking and alerts. Sports: Husky Volleyball opens its 2026 season with the Husky Invitational in Alaska Airlines Arena starting Aug. 28.

Alaska State Fair: Palmer’s 2026 fair keeps rolling with 12 weekend highlights and nightly Borealis Theatre acts, plus favorites like the Alaska State Fair train and waived parking fees. Alaska Politics: Anchorage’s former mayor Dave Bronson says he’ll stay in the governor’s race as the primary vote count shapes up, while the November field is still fluid with ranked-choice rules. Big Tech & Youth Safety: Alaska Attorney General Cori Mills announced a multistate $17.1B Meta settlement over Instagram and Facebook child-safety, with Alaska set to receive about $16M and sweeping platform changes. Cook Inlet Spill Watch: State officials report multiple aerial surveys found no new oil sheen near the Spark Platform, as the source and size remain unclear. Arts & Culture: Juneau’s Aurora Grand Theater is bringing second-run movies back downtown, leaning into local nostalgia and community programming. Music & Community: Alaskans reflect on Dolly Parton’s life and impact as tributes roll in nationwide. Human Interest: A new documentary film premieres in Anchorage on Alaska National Guard aviation, offering an inside look from the cockpit. Sports: Kenai newcomer Snowdon Bear Williams shines with a rare five-touchdown, five-ways performance. Entertainment Pop Culture: X-Men #36 delivers Cyclops’ standout quote after a Magneto-clone showdown.

Anchorage & Alaska entertainment calendar: The Alaska State Fair keeps rolling in Palmer through Monday, with standout picks including Hannibal Buress in Anchorage (7 p.m. Thursday) and Cyrano’s Theatre Company’s Chekhov-inspired production at 3800 DeBarr Road. Local arts & community: At the fair, “Chickaloonies” creators Casey Silver and Dimi Macheras bring audience-driven character art to life, blending Ahtna themes with comics. Film & culture beyond Alaska: Cinefest Sudbury unveiled its full 2026 lineup (Sept. 17–29) with gala films like “Run Terry Run” and “The Stunt Driver.” Southeast Alaska travel/experience: A Prince of Wales Island lodge review highlights flexible, nature-first itineraries built around whale watching and floatplane access. Food as a hobby-to-business: Nicole McCue’s Rock River Rise & Roost Sourdough Bakery grew from an Alaska starter into a weekend farmstand and dessert orders. Big national media policy: Meta’s multistate $17.1B child-safety settlement (Instagram/Facebook) is driving sweeping teen protections, with Alaska’s election chatter also swirling around a “two Dan Sullivans” ballot twist.

Alaska Politics: Dan J. Sullivan, the retired teacher running under the same name as incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan, advanced from Alaska’s U.S. Senate primary—setting up a November ballot that could confuse voters with two “Dan Sullivans.” Sports & Community: The University of Alaska Anchorage named new athletic director Michael Bazemore, bringing a former NCAA Division I athlete’s perspective to the Seawolves. Outdoor Recreation: Alaska’s Klondike Road Relay is back with a bigger international field—2,000 runners expected for the Sept. 11–12 Skagway-to-Whitehorse overnight race. Health & Schools: Alaska plans to bring back the Presidential Physical Fitness Test in schools, with statewide rollout targeted for the 2027–28 school year. Arts & Media: NBC’s “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild” returns for a fourth season, with Alaska among the featured destinations. Local Notes: Anchorage-area residents raised concerns about a blighted West Seattle property tied to Seattle City Light, citing trash and open-air drug use.

Alaska Arts & Community: Kodiak’s Salmon Camp marked 30 years at the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, celebrating hands-on science and culture education for kids across the island. Local Entertainment: Anchorage-area readers got a reminder that the Alaska State Fair’s concert venue still needs basic comfort—specifically, a roof—according to a letter to the editor. True Crime Media: Variety Confidential released a special episode on the business of true-crime storytelling, featuring producers and executives behind major series. Music & Events: Reggae legend Clinton Fearon brings an old-school roots set to Astoria’s Charlene Larsen Performing Arts Center Aug. 30. Sports (Wasilla): Wasilla’s flag football team topped West 22-0, powered by Almaz Johnson’s big rushing day and late-game interceptions. Travel/Leisure: Eternal Alaska expanded nationwide as Eternal Legacy Service, announcing Route 66 and National Parks memorial journeys. Civic Life (Fairbanks): The Fairbanks North Star Borough approved ballot language for a hand-count proposition, setting up a potential shift for future elections.

Aviation & Community: A restored 1942 Beechcraft Model 18 warbird, “Sweet Pea,” is returning for rides over Twin Lakes near Mountain Home, with passenger flights offered for a $75 donation. Local Sports Buzz: UW volleyball match-week promotions and giveaways kick off at Alaska Airlines Arena this fall, starting Aug. 28, with multiple home matches and fan perks. Alaska Business & Policy: A top Interior official visited Anchorage to outline plans to cut regulations and speed up permitting for mining, oil and gas, timber, and tourism. Family-Friendly Events: Seldovia’s Kids After-School runs Aug. 24–28 with daily activities at The Corner Room @ ATC (3:15–5:00 PM). Nature & Learning: A new push highlights birding as a mainstream hobby, with research on how birds and people share urban spaces. Alaska Governance: Fairbanks borough assembly finalized ballot language for an October petition that would require hand-counting ballots. Space & Skywatching: A partial lunar eclipse is set for Aug. 27–28, with a coppery “blood moon” look for much of North America. Media & Tech: Alaska’s Fairbanks Daily News-Miner announced a nonprofit structure change tied to Fairbanks Public Media Inc. Safety & Environment: EPA authorized Alaska to administer the federal hazardous waste program under RCRA Subtitle C.

Alaska Marine Highway: Anchorage officials announced the Alaska Marine Highway System will receive $410M in delayed federal ferry grants, with more than $33M earmarked for modernizing the Kake ferry terminal. Local Politics (and a lot of confusion): Former Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan endorsed incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan in Alaska’s “same-name” Senate race, adding fuel to legal fights and voter-mix accusations. Arts & Culture (Anchorage tie-in): A new Anchorage mural brings Alaska-inspired color to downtown, while a London Natural History Museum gallery called “The Nature and Us” reopens after 80 years. Music & Entertainment: Holland America is expanding live music with new poolside bandstands on Oosterdam and Zuiderdam, and WWE RAW airs tonight with an Alaska start time of 2 p.m. Community & Travel: AAA says Labor Day travelers should expect higher costs and busy roads, with Anchorage among top domestic destinations. Tech for Alaska: UAF leads an AI project to strengthen rural power grids for islanded microgrids. Food/Local Flavor: Anchorage’s Snow City Cafe is highlighted as Alaska’s iconic breakfast spot.

Comic & Pop Culture: X-Men #36 preview teases Magneto’s role in a new X-Virus breakthrough as 3K targets the X-Men’s Alaskan base. Film & Streaming: HBO Max’s Lanterns lands with a Green Lantern/John Stewart cosmic conspiracy; Episode 2 drops Sunday night. Local Arts & Community: Fairbanks’ Hello Sunshine Tattoo and Fine Arts celebrates a Readers Choice win, leaning into a “happy vibe” and local art-first energy. Sports (Alaska): West blanks Dimond 52-0 with a big rushing day from Manny Maga; Juneau-Douglas edges East 17-14. Alaska Entertainment History: A new Anchorage history column digs into whether Joe Camel’s 1992 “Hard Pack ’92 Tour” really visited town. Big Alaska News (context): A charter plane crash near a remote Southwest Alaska radar site killed eight, with fog and low visibility reported.

Plane Crash: A charter Cessna Conquest carrying eight people crashed near a remote Southwest Alaska radar site while attempting to land in fog and extremely low visibility, with no survivors reported. Wildfire & Community: A wildfire near Tok prompted evacuation and reportedly damaged at least 20 structures, with residents sharing what it looked like from the road. TV & Streaming: HBO Max drops “Lanterns” this weekend, with Episode 2 arriving Sunday night on a live-on-air schedule. Local Arts & Culture: Fairbanks’ Sandhill Crane Festival marks its 29th year at Creamer’s Field, celebrating the migration with community events and wildlife demos. Arts Spotlight: A new Fairbanks tattoo and fine arts shop, Hello Sunshine, is being recognized as a top local pick in its second year. Sports: Alaska high school football and flag football results rolled in across the week, including Juneau-Douglas’ 17-14 win over East. Elections Noise: Alaska’s Senate race continues to swirl around confusion over multiple “Dan Sullivan” candidates as campaigns scramble to reach voters.