AGP Executive Report

Arctic Energy: Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge oil lease auction drew just two bidders and about $3.7 million total, with no major international companies showing up—another blow to Trump’s “liquid gold” pitch. Federal Immigration: The U.S. Senate passed a $70 billion ICE and border enforcement bill 52-47, sending it to the House after a bruising fight over a $1.8 billion settlement fund tied to Trump allies. Ukraine-Russia Diplomacy: Vladimir Putin rejected Zelenskyy’s proposed face-to-face talks, saying there’s “no point” without a framework for ending the war; Zelenskyy had called for direct negotiations. Alaska Politics & Elections: A KTUU report raises questions about federal candidates on Alaska’s ballot who have never visited the state, including a prisoner and his mother. Local Interior Arts: Fairbanks is inviting residents to help paint a large mural at City Hall celebrating land, waters, languages and living traditions. Coal Debate in Mat-Su: A proposed Terra Energy Center coal plant is drawing both support and concern after Trump’s $700 million coal push.

Electronics Recycling: Anchorage is hosting a free electronics drop-off this Saturday at the Solid Waste Services Materials Recovery Facility, taking computers, phones, tablets, gaming consoles, printers and lithium batteries (but not appliances, CRT monitors, light bulbs or business e-waste). ANWR Oil Lease Sale: The Trump administration’s first Arctic National Wildlife Refuge lease sale brought in $3.7 million, with just two bidders—Hex Energy and Alaska’s AIDEA—winning five tracts, a tepid response that has environmental groups and some Alaska Native communities watching closely. AKLNG Gas Price Proposal: The AKLNG pipeline developer Glenfarne says it’s open to a price cap on natural gas sold through the pipeline to Alaskans, as lawmakers weigh a major tax break in a special session. Permanent Fund Dividend Debate: Former Gov. Bill Walker argues Alaska should end the PFD and replace it with a one-time $10,000 payout, calling the current dividend formula a “gorilla” Alaska can’t afford. Juneau Budget Fight: The Juneau Assembly takes up Monday night’s budget and flood mitigation funding, with residents facing possible service cuts and a decision on raising or removing a sales tax cap. Wildlife Trafficking Crackdown: A U.S. Fish and Wildlife inspector describes how suspicious shipments at Anchorage airports helped lead to seizures of thousands of shark fins and other trafficked wildlife. Tribal Land Hearing: Murkowski and Schatz held a legislative hearing on bills tied to tribal land transfers and settlements. Ukraine Diplomacy: Putin rejected Zelenskyy’s proposed face-to-face meeting, saying he sees “no point,” as the war’s diplomacy remains stalled.

Immigration Enforcement: The U.S. Senate passed a roughly $70 billion package to fund ICE and Border Patrol through the end of Trump’s term, clearing a marathon 18-hour fight after GOP infighting over Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” settlement fund; the bill passed 52-47 and now heads to the House. Coal Push in Alaska and Beyond: Trump announced nearly $700 million in Defense Production Act-backed support for coal plants and exports, including funding tied to new coal projects in Alaska, as the administration frames it as grid reliability for AI power demand. Ukraine Diplomacy and Air Defenses: Ukraine’s Zelenskyy proposed face-to-face talks with Putin in a public letter offering a ceasefire during negotiations, while Putin said Russia will strengthen air defenses after drone attacks and insisted any deal requires Kyiv to accept compromises. Alaska Environment: A toxic algae bloom in Alaska waters—described as “fluorescent green paint”—is raising alarms as warming conditions spread harmful species like Alexandrium. Alaska Politics: North Pole Sen. Robb Myers says secret lieutenant governor talks forced his last-minute retirement announcement as filing deadlines hit.

Alaska Politics: A second “Dan Sullivan” has appeared on Alaska’s GOP primary ballot, prompting incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan to accuse Democrats of a “dirty political trick” and election officials of possible ballot-design problems. Local Governance: Juneau unveiled a new totem pole at the Southeast Alaska Native Veterans Memorial Park, honoring Alaska Native veterans. Energy & Economy: Lawmakers are pressing for details as Glenfarne releases Alaska LNG cost estimates, while Alaska fishermen say war-driven fuel prices are squeezing already tight salmon-season budgets. State & Community: Anchorage launched “Meet Me Downtown” to spotlight downtown businesses, events, and promotions. National Politics: In Washington, Senate Republicans narrowly blocked Democrats’ push to permanently stop Trump’s $1.8B “anti-weaponization” fund, with Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan among those voting with Democrats on related measures. Travel & Business: Alaska Airlines will stop earning Mileage Plan miles and elite credit on most basic economy “Saver” fares starting this summer.

Alaska Elections: Alaska’s August primary filing deadline is now past, setting up a crowded ballot and highlighting how name confusion could shape races, including the controversy over two candidates named Dan Sullivan. LNG & State Budget: Glenfarne finally put a public price tag on the Alaska LNG pipeline—between $44.5 billion and $54.5 billion—after lawmakers pressed for numbers needed to decide tax breaks. Permanent Fund Debate: Former Gov. Bill Walker is floating a plan to end the PFD after a final $10,000 dividend, framing it as a way to stop the “600-pound gorilla” from dominating fiscal talks. Local Governance: North Pole City Council debated whether to ask voters about switching to a city manager form after clashes with the mayor. Tribal Gaming: The Tlingit and Haida opened the Two Coppers Casino near Eaglecrest, but its legal status is still uncertain. Environment & Science: The U.S. is dismantling parts of the Ocean Observatories Initiative, with Alaska-area sensors going dark. Public Safety/Accountability: Anchorage Assembly member George Martinez faces fines tied to alleged misuse of campaign funds for flights.

AI & Wealth Policy: Sen. Bernie Sanders is pushing a new federal “AI sovereign wealth fund” that would take 50% ownership stakes in major AI firms like OpenAI and Anthropic, arguing AI wealth should benefit the public instead of founders and investors. Alaska Elections: Alaska’s U.S. Senate race is getting stranger: incumbent Dan Sullivan and a second Republican candidate, Dan J. Sullivan, will be listed separately on the August primary ballot by middle initial—sparking claims of a “dirty trick” and voter confusion. Airlines & Alaska Business: Alaska Air Group named telecom executive Mike Sievert to its board, adding a high-profile Seattle-area leader with a track record at T-Mobile. Ocean Monitoring: The Trump administration is dismantling a major deep-ocean monitoring system, with arrays off Alaska among those affected—raising alarms for climate and ocean-current data. Local Governance: Wasilla is considering whether to oppose Mat-Su Borough’s proposal to swap an areawide property tax for a 6.5% sales tax, a change that could hit local businesses and shopping patterns. Arctic Security: Gov. Dunleavy signed an MOU making Alaska’s governor the inaugural Arctic Chair for the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies.

Alaska LNG debate: Alaskans packed a House Resources hearing during the Legislature’s special session, split over the proposed 800-mile Alaska LNG pipeline and the tax break needed to move it forward, with lawmakers pressing for clearer costs and safeguards while supporters argue it’s the time to monetize North Slope gas and opponents warn of revenue losses during construction and risks to schools and the PFD. Local impacts: Anchorage officials and Interior leaders weighed in on how the project could strain city infrastructure and services, including the need for a Fairbanks spur line to get gas to the Interior. Election scramble: Filing deadlines are set for Alaska’s Aug. 18 primary, with 17 governor candidates and a crowded U.S. Senate field where Sen. Dan Sullivan is facing a “Dan Sullivan” namesake challenger, sparking GOP claims of a ballot “trick” tied to Democrats. Legislature power shift: With 50 seats on the ballot, competitive House and Senate races could test whether the current bipartisan coalition holds.

Alaska Governor Race: Seventeen candidates have filed for Alaska’s open governor seat, setting up a crowded Aug. 18 primary under ranked-choice voting; the top four advance to the general election. Southeast Politics: In Juneau, Rep. Andi Story faces a challenge from Republican Annette Kreitzer for House District 3, while District 4’s Sara Hannan is unopposed. U.S. Senate Fight: Sen. Dan Sullivan’s campaign accuses Democrats and opponents of recruiting a “sham” candidate also named Dan Sullivan, warning voters are being deceived. Local Governance: Anchorage Assembly members are reviving a zoning concept—Transit Supportive Development Overlay—after months of stalled community engagement. Anchorage Leadership: Anchorage’s municipal manager is leaving City Hall to lead corporate and legal affairs for the Alaska LNG project; a new manager is set to take over. Southeast Business Impact: Juneau Costco is ending its specialized shipping service for outlying communities, a change small businesses say will raise costs and complicate supply runs. University of Alaska: Col. Russell Vander Lugt has been selected as the next UAF chancellor. Public Safety/Justice: Alaska lawmakers sent a cannabis record-sealing bill to the governor, aiming to reduce stigma for past low-level marijuana convictions. FEMA Disaster Relief: FEMA denied Alaska’s request for 90% reimbursement for damage from the 2025 Halong storms, keeping the state on the standard cost-share.

Alaska Politics & Elections: Alaska’s 2026 filing deadline has passed, setting up a high-stakes ballot as lawmakers weigh a special session deal tied to the Alaska LNG project and property tax changes; Gov. Mike Dunleavy is term-limited, and Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom has dropped out of the governor’s race. Local Governance: Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance says a new report estimates the Alaska LNG megaproject could cost the city up to $173 million over nine years, with big near-term pressure on services like public safety and roads. Statehouse Shuffle: Interior Republican Sen. Robb Myers announced retirement and endorsed Fairbanks Rep. Frank Tomaszewski to take his Senate seat. Federal Policy Impact: FEMA denied Alaska’s request for a 90% federal reimbursement for October 2025 Western Alaska storm damage, keeping the usual 75/25 split. National Politics: Senate Republicans are meeting after DOJ paused a $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization” settlement fund, with Trump reportedly reconsidering whether to move forward amid GOP backlash. Energy & Prices: Gas prices and markets remain tied to the U.S.-Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz uncertainty, with oil-price swings hitting airlines including Alaska Air Group.

Election filing deadline: Alaska’s 5 p.m. Monday deadline is driving last-minute campaign moves, including Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom dropping out of the governor’s race and more candidates lining up running mates as paperwork heads to the Division of Elections. Gubernatorial race shakeups: Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins named Anchorage Assembly member Zac Johnson as his lieutenant governor pick, while former Gov. Bill Walker also filed to run. Legislature change: Sen. Robert Myers announced he’ll retire from the Legislature in January 2027 and endorsed Rep. Frank Tomaszewski to succeed him. UAF leadership: University of Alaska Fairbanks selected Col. Russell “Russ” Vander Lugt as its new permanent chancellor. Healthcare access: SEARHC opened a new urgent care clinic on Juneau’s Front Street, expanding walk-in hours seven days a week. Local government & infrastructure: Kodiak is pushing to homeport future Coast Guard icebreakers, and St. Herman Harbor’s rehab project is back in play with new grant/loan efforts. Community: Juneau Community Foundation opened applications for its Arts Vibrancy Endowment artist awards.

Alaska Energy: Chugach Electric says its planned Beluga solar project could deliver power at about the same cost as today’s natural gas, with rising Cook Inlet gas prices making solar more competitive in coming years. Aviation Safety: The FAA has proposed a $165,000 penalty against Alaska Airlines, alleging the carrier let visibly intoxicated passengers board on multiple occasions; Alaska says it’s already tightened training and procedures. Local Governance: Anchorage’s Assembly moved to reaffirm that small-scale farmers can keep selling hay, feed and compost under city code after a land-use dispute drew attention. Interior Power Costs: Golden Valley Electric Association is facing major rate pressure tied to fuel and purchased power increases, outages, and high demand—an issue that’s now spilling into public debate over GVEA board elections. Public Safety & Health: Fairbanks Mayor Mindy O’Neall announced a push for a behavioral health court to divert people with mental health needs away from jail and toward treatment. Community & Culture: Alaska’s summer festival calendar is out, including Live After Five in Anchorage and major music events across the state.

Critical Minerals: Alaska-linked mining plans are part of a fast-growing push to secure U.S. supplies of antimony and other defense-linked materials, with companies like Nova Minerals betting on the Estelle project. Aviation & Fuel Costs: American Airlines is reportedly pausing six U.S. routes this summer as elevated oil prices keep squeezing airline schedules and profits. Space & Defense: SpaceX won a $4.16 billion contract to build a satellite network for the U.S. Space Force to track airborne threats worldwide. Anchorage Land Use: After a dispute, the Anchorage Assembly approved an ordinance allowing small-scale farmers to keep selling hay and feed in residential neighborhoods. Interior Energy: Fairbanks-area leaders urged lawmakers to include an affordable spur line in a proposed Alaska natural gas project, arguing they need lower-cost gas—not just more gas. Fairbanks Courts: The Fairbanks mayor announced plans for a behavioral health court to divert people with mental health needs from jail into treatment. Wildlife Fisheries: The North Pacific Fishery Management Council is set to take public input on pelagic trawl gear impacts in Alaska fisheries. Politics: Alaska’s U.S. Senate race is getting stranger, with another Dan Sullivan filing to challenge incumbent Dan Sullivan in the GOP primary. Pop Culture: “Alaskan Bush People” star Matt Brown was confirmed dead at 43 after a river search in Washington.

Arctic & Shipping Tensions: Iran says it’s reasserting control of the Strait of Hormuz, warning ships to use designated routes and get permission, while Qatar opposes any permanent Hormuz shipping tolls but says short-term, security-linked fees could be “negotiable.” Alaska Energy & Infrastructure: Southeast Alaska Power Agency and the Wrangell borough are planning a solar farm with battery storage to stabilize the island grid, seeking federal funding for a roughly $6 million project. UAF Leadership: Col. Russell Vander Lugt has been selected as UAF’s new permanent chancellor, with interim coverage in place until his start. Community & Culture: Ketchikan’s Main Street Gallery opens an invitational exhibit highlighting more than 35 works from 20 local artists, spanning photography to Native carvings and fiber arts. Public Lands & Hunting: A push to expand hunting and fishing access on national wildlife refuges would open more refuge lands to sport harvests. Health: California’s avian influenza outbreak affecting marine mammals has subsided, with officials reporting no new positive cases since mid-March. Elections: Alaska’s 2026 Senate race faces fresh chaos as a strategist-backed “Dan Sullivan” filing attempt sparks controversy over candidate identity.

Alaska Politics & Elections: With Alaska’s filing deadline looming, candidates are scrambling for lieutenant governor picks and ballot details, including Matt Heilala naming Jesse Sumner as his running mate and more late entries like Lesil McGuire and a second “Dan Sullivan” filing that could complicate the U.S. Senate race. Legislature Watch: Lawmakers sent more than 70 bills to the governor, including measures aimed at improving safeguards for minors’ psychiatric care and boosting rural school construction and maintenance—though it’s still only a fraction of what’s needed. AK LNG & Energy Oversight: Alaska lawmakers are pressing for more specifics on the proposed AKLNG pipeline subsidy after a week of hearings raised concerns about costs, risks, and whether the project is competitive enough to justify the state’s support. Community & Public Safety: Anchorage Juneteenth organizers warn vendors about a scam posing as event representatives, while Anchorage’s Live After Five downtown concert series returns to keep the city’s core active. National/Global: A federal judge blocked the Kennedy Center board from adding Trump’s name to the building, and the Supreme Court fight over states purging voter rolls close to elections is heating up.

Anchorage Public Safety: Police say an East Anchorage officer-involved shooting happened after a man pointed a gun at officers; investigators released new details about the May 19 incident. Nome Local Economy: A Nome student group is pushing a ballot measure this fall to nearly double the city’s minimum wage from $13 to $25 an hour. State Health & Schools: The Legislature approved a package to improve stroke and heart-attack emergency response, including CPR training for students, and also approved more than $148 million for school construction and maintenance next fiscal year. Energy & Industry: HEX is unifying its Alaska operations under a single brand as it continues Cook Inlet natural gas investment. Rural Life & Transportation: The Alaska Marine Highway’s Tustumena is off service through Saturday due to bow thruster repairs, disrupting Homer-Kodiak travel. Community & Culture: Seward approved design and engineering work to add 36 electrical and power pedestals at waterfront campground sites, and Mat-Su Sentinel acquired the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman to expand local digital coverage. Aviation & Connectivity: American Airlines says it will equip 500 narrow-body jets with Starlink Wi-Fi starting in 2027, and TSA is rolling out touchless pre-check ID kiosks at Albuquerque’s Sunport.

Alaska Politics: Speaker Bryce Edgmon filed to run for a Southwest Alaska state Senate seat, setting up a new scramble as Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s era winds down and candidates finalize lieutenant governor picks. Elections 2026: Former Gov. Bill Walker says he’s “most likely” to enter the governor’s race after filing intent ahead of Monday’s deadline, while Sen. Matt Claman named Providence Alaska chief administrative officer Sarah Skeel as his running mate. Energy & Rural Power: Tribes in limbo as federal electric-grid upgrade grants stall—White Mountain officials say promised generator replacements are arriving late, leaving communities still fighting instability. Food Security: Anchorage’s summer meal program is underway at select schools, with dates and sites posted as families lose the school-year free lunch routine. Health: A new report highlights eating disorders affecting Alaskans of all ages, including older adults who may develop symptoms after major life changes. Business & Travel: Alaska cruise season is projected to bring about 1.7 million passengers, with more ship renovations and new competition in the market. Public Safety: Rescuers are working to reach four climbers after a fall on Mount McKinley; weather is delaying helicopter access.