And: Anchorage Assembly calls off George Martinez investigation
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Good afternoon. It’s Thursday, August 6.

In today's newsletter:

  • Consumer confidence in Anchorage plunged to its second-lowest point on record last year after a long spell of outmigration, while employment growth is lagging after federal job losses, according to a report on the city’s economic health.

  • The Anchorage Assembly called off a proposed investigation into member George Martinez’s municipal travel records, a move that halts attempts to potentially remove him from the body.

  • A North Pole woman was sentenced to 21 years in prison for selling a fatal dose of fentanyl in 2022. She was one of dozens charged in what authorities have said was the most expansive drug trafficking ring in state history.

Scrolling endlessly to unwind? It could be making you feel worse. A new study finds that spending more time on the internet can make you feel grumpier and more stressed. But there are ways you can cut back. Learn more here.

Anchorage weather


It's mostly cloudy today with a chance of rain and a high around 64 degrees. The forecast calls for a mix of clouds and rain on Friday, and mostly cloudy skies over the weekend. Daytime highs will climb into the mid-70s starting on Saturday.

Here’s what else is making headlines in Alaska today.

— Megan Pacer, mpacer@adn.com

Report: Anchorage economy faces headwinds but also opportunity with JBER investments →

The healthcare, logistics and construction sectors are growing, even as employment in the oil industry, long a mainstay of the Anchorage economy, has dropped in the city.

Federal Reserve’s Lisa Cook tells Anchorage business crowd she’s ‘firmly committed’ to bringing down inflation →

High inflation for five years has contributed to negative views of the economy, even as it’s largely stable, the Federal Reserve governor said.

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Anchorage Assembly calls off George Martinez investigation →

For its second meeting in a row, the Assembly considered a resolution that would have directed the municipal attorney to initiate an investigation into Martinez’s official travel records based on allegations of a “breach of public trust.” 

North Pole woman gets 21-year prison sentence in fentanyl overdose death connected to deadly trafficking ring →

The sentence comes about four years after prosecutors said Samantha Pearson sold fentanyl that killed 32-year-old North Pole resident Adam Sakkinen.

Kodiak lawmaker to pay fines after APOC finds years of campaign finance violations →

The Alaska Public Offices Commission found numerous violations by Rep. Louise Stutes, with incorrect filings spanning the three legislative campaign cycles in 2020, 2022 and 2024.

SPONSORED: MAKing It: Sustainable, salty and booming: How Sitka’s Alaska Pure Sea Salt found success →

Presented by First National Bank Alaska: An accidental discovery on a wood stove sparked a thriving Sitka sea salt business and led to a milestone final loan payment. Here’s how.

Homer Spit fire leaves 1 injured, damages restaurant →

The fire was limited to the Boardwalk Fish and Chips restaurant last night, fire officials said. All of the restaurant’s employees were safe.

As Alaska’s U.S. Senate campaign heats up, super PACs boost out-of-state candidates →

The groups appear to be trying to “dilute the vote” for the leading GOP and Democratic hopefuls, one strategist says. (via Northern Journal-Anchorage Press)

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Trump administration moves forward with Head Start overhaul, proposing to eliminate regulations →

Senate committee votes to hold Fauci in contempt for refusing to answer COVID questions →

Elon Musk’s DOGE made big errors in claims of government savings, GAO finds →

Alaska sports notebook: Abbott-O-Rabbit claims third straight Little League state title →

Trump, Hegseth clashed at Camp David over Iran missile depletion concerns →

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