www.alaskabookmarks.com - What's up in Alaska? News and interesting links from The Last Frontier

Michigan AD Warde Manuel steps down following comprehensive department review

University of Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel will resign from his post at the end of 2026 after agreeing to a contract buyout, concluding a decade-long tenure marked by multiple national championships alongside persistent administrative controversies.Interim University President Domenico Grasso confirmed Monday that Manuel will transition into a special advisory role through December to assist in implementing institutional reforms recommended by an independent review led by law firm Jen

Los Angeles Lakers sign free-agent forward Matisse Thybulle on 1-year, $3.3M contract

The Los Angeles Lakers have reached an agreement with free-agent forward Matisse Thybulle on a one-year, $3.3 million veteran minimum contract, as reported by Shams Charania of ESPN. The move brings a two-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection to Southern California to address perimeter consistency and provide elite point-of-attack defense.Thybulle arrives in Los Angeles after finishing a three-year, $33 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. Over his last two seasons, the 29-ye

Garth Brooks expands Indianapolis tour launch with two additional arena shows

Garth Brooks has added two more concerts to the opening stop of his upcoming Blame It All On My Roots Arena Tour after overwhelming demand for tickets turned the Indianapolis kickoff into a four-show run. The country superstar will nohw perform at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Aug. 20, 21, 22 and 23, with the newly announced dates including a new opening night on Thursday, Aug. 20, and a Sunday matinee on Aug. 23.Announcing the added performances, Brooks thanked fans for their response, writing, “No

Listen to Tyler Hubbard’s single “Land” as he preps third solo album

Tyler Hubbard is ushering in a new phase of his solo career with the release of his latest single, “Land,” out via MCA. The track appears to be the first preview of Hubbard’s upcoming third solo album and the follow-up to Strong, which was released in April 2024.Blending reflective, coming-of-age storytelling with a powerful, stadium-ready chorus, “Land” explores the defining moments of growing up—early relationships, painful breakups, carefree summers, lessons from family, faith, and the proces

Chris Cornell’s solo album ‘Carry On’ reissued on vinyl for the first time

The late Chris Cornell’s second solo studio album, “Carry On,” has received its first wide commercial release on vinyl via Interscope Records. Originally released in 2007, the new double-LP edition marks the formal vinyl debut for the record across major physical formats, following a highly restricted club pressing earlier this year.The standard retail package is presented on 180-gram black vinyl, while alternative configurations include an exclusive picture disc version. Audio

Gracie Abrams expands ‘Daughter from Hell’ with two surprise bonus tracks

Gracie Abrams has expanded her newly released third studio album, Daughter from Hell, by dropping two additional songs just days after the record’s debut.The singer-songwriter announced that the bonus tracks, “Out of Nowhere” and “Love Letter,” would be available as a limited-time iTunes download, thanking fans for their enthusiastic response to the album’s release. “I’m so moved to hear from those of you who are connecting with the record so far. Really truly your messages have made

2026 Austin City Limits headliners include Charli xcx, Lorde, Rüfüs Du Sol, Twenty One Pilots

The Austin City Limits Music Festival is gearing up for a major milestone, unveiling an expansive lineup to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Set in Zilker Park, the festival will run across two weekends—October 2–4 and October 9–11—bringing together a wide mix of global stars, rising talent, and hometown favorites.Now in its 25th year, Austin City Limits continues to blend major headliners, genre-spanning acts, and local talent—keeping its reputation as one of the country’s most dynamic live musi

2026 Austin City Limits headliners include Charli xcx, Lorde, Rüfüs Du Sol, Twenty One Pilots

The feds no longer protect endangered species habitat. States say they can’t pick up the slack.

For decades, federal wildlife officials have protected old-growth forests as critical habitat for northern spotted owls. But a new interpretation of the Endangered Species Act issued by the Trump administration removes protections for wildlife habitat. (Photo by Tom Kogut/U.S. Forest Service via U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Flickr)The Trump administration is removing protections from the key places where endangered species live, saying states can keep the areas safe. But experts say states

ICE officers to wear body cameras at traffic stops, White House border czar says

A masked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent knocks on a car window in Minnesota on Jan. 12, 2026. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)WASHINGTON — In the wake of two fatal shootings in Texas and Maine, U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement officers will wear “at least one body camera” during traffic stops, Tom Homan, the president’s border czar, said over the weekend. Homan, who President Donald Trump has tasked with leading his mass deportation campaign, said in a Sunday int

Alaska bush pilot’s bootlegging case heads to the US Supreme Court later this year

The U.S. Supreme Court on April 9, 2026. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States NewsroomThe U.S. Supreme Court will consider whether or not to overrule the state of Alaska’s decision to seize the airplane of a bush pilot who flew a bootlegger and beer to a dry village in 2012.On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to take up an appeal brought by the libertarian-leaning nonprofit public interest law firm Institute for Justice on behalf of the pilot, Ken Jouppi.The Institute is arguing for an interpreta

Wilson, Rotermund blame other assembly members for high crime rate, business closures

State employee Tammie Wilson, a member of the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly, has her own campaign organization she calls “Save the State.”The largest donors to “Save the State” are Wilson and fellow assembly member Brett Rotermund, co-owner of Bulletproof Trailers.Save the State from what?It’s not a group saving the state from sleazy political ads and third-rate attempts at character assassination. Wilson started the group in 2024 with Barbara Haney, now running for the Legislature.Tammi

PINK SALMON BEING CAUGHT AT ALLISON POINT, KIDS DERBY SATURDAY

Rodney Myers, 256 pound halibut July 2026VALDEZ, Alaska – Rodney Myers of Franktown, Colorado has been fishing in Valdez for years, but Thursday he reeled in the halibut of a lifetime. The halibut he caught aboard the Hooked Up tipped the scales at 256-pounds and took the lead in the Valdez Halibut Derby. If his fish stays in the lead through the end of the derby September 6th, he will win $10,000 cash. “I buy a season ticket first thing every year when I get here, “ Myers said. When asked whet

Kenai man convicted of 2023 murder he blamed on demonic presence

<p>Nicolas Bushnell found guilty of first-degree murder of Breann Lang </p>

Democrat throws support to independent running for Alaska’s U.S. House seat

<p>Saying ‘democracy itself is under threat,’ Matt Schultz suspended his campaign and urged voters to support Bill Hill to oust the GOP incumbent, Nick Begich </p>

Syphilis infections a rising threat for Alaska newborns, health officials report

Brochures at the University of Alaska Anchorage Student Health and Counseling Center, seen on July 17, 2026, provide information on syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections. Cases of syphilis infections among newborns have been on the rise in Alaska and nationally. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)More Alaska babies were born infected with syphilis last year than in any recent year, state health officials reported. It is a trend that comes as the state continues to have high rates

Ryan Fox birdies 18th hole to secure British Open Championship at Royal Birkdale

New Zealand’s Ryan Fox captured his first major championship title on Sunday, making a dramatic 11-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole to win the 154th British Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. The 39-year-old Auckland native carded a final-round 2-under-par 68 to finish the week at 10-under 270, one stroke ahead of American Cameron Young. Fox became just the second male New Zealander to claim the Claret Jug, following Bob Charles’ victory 63 years ago and securing a record $3.2 million w

Spain claims second World Cup title with extra-time victory over Argentina

An extra-time strike by substitute Ferran Torres propelled Spain back to the pinnacle of global soccer on Sunday, securing a 1-0 victory over defending champion Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium. Torres, who entered the match in the second half, broke a scoreless deadlock in the 106th minute by capitalizing on a loose ball inside the penalty area. Smashed with his left foot, the ball sailed just underneath the crossbar to seal Spain’s second men’s World Cup tit

Country Music Hall of Fame to spotlight Kenny Chesney in new “Living in Fast Forward” exhibit

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will honor one of country music’s most successful modern-era performers with a new exhibition, “Kenny Chesney: Living in Fast Forward,” offering an in-depth look at the singer’s rise from East Tennessee roots to becoming one of the genre’s most influential touring acts.“Kenny Chesney: Living in Fast Forward” will be presented as part of the museum’s ongoing series of spotlight exhibitions on major country artists, which have previously includ

FAA’s New Automated Weather Observing System

The FAA has commissioned a new Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) at Akutan as part of its ongoing efforts to modernize Alaska’s air traffic control system. The upgraded system provides real-time weather information to pilots and air traffic controllers, including wind, visibility, temperature, and pressure data, enhancing safety. This AWOS was returned to service and is a former non-federal facility that was restored as a modernized system.