AGP Executive Report

Russian Sanctions Crackdown: The UK says Royal Marines and National Crime Agency officers boarded and seized the sanctioned Russian “shadow fleet” tanker SMYRTOS in the English Channel, arresting a 38-year-old Indian national on suspected sanctions offenses; the vessel is being provisionally moved off England’s south coast for monitoring. Alaska Cost Questions: Anchorage residents are challenging the price tag for the proposed “trail connector,” reported at $15.6 million for a little over a mile, arguing it’s fiscally irresponsible amid long-running trail funding and maintenance gaps. Alaska Fisheries Data Risk: A federal plan to retire the Ocean Observatories Initiative could cut off real-time deep-ocean monitoring Alaska relies on during salmon and crab downturns. Arctic Economy Focus: The Faroe Islands highlight Arctic growth through fisheries and aquaculture while hosting major Arctic research events, including the University of the Arctic Congress. Energy Watch: Antares Nuclear says its Mark-0 small modular reactor reached criticality in Idaho Falls, a milestone for private nuclear power.

Alaska Fishing & Climate Data: Alaska’s salmon and snow crab downturns are colliding with a federal move to retire the Ocean Observatories Initiative, a deep-ocean monitoring network that provides real-time conditions used by scientists and fishery managers. Childcare & Education Staffing: Anchorage-area in-home preschool providers say licensing rules and training requirements shape what families can access, while a federal court struck down a proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee—helping Alaska districts that rely on international teachers, though uncertainty remains. Elections & Voting Rules: The Justice Department is pushing states to share detailed voter registration data under a confidential agreement, and multiple lawsuits are playing out across the country. Alaska LNG Policy: Alaska lawmakers advanced LNG tax break bills, keeping the special session’s gas-line debate moving. Global Watch: The UK carried out its first UK-led seizure of a Russian “shadow fleet” tanker in the English Channel, and Ukraine’s leaders welcomed the move as pressure on Russia’s war funding.

UK-Russia Tensions at Sea: Britain seized the sanctioned Russian shadow-fleet tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel in a six-hour Royal Marine and National Crime Agency operation, with the ship headed to an anchorage off England’s south coast while officials investigate. Ukraine War Update: AP reports Ukraine is stepping up drone strikes on Russian industrial sites, including chemical and fuel facilities, as Russia says it shot down hundreds of aerial objects. Alaska LNG Push: Alaska’s House Finance Committee advanced HB 381, moving the Alaska LNG volumetric tax break toward a full House vote, shifting from property taxes to a tax based on gas throughput. Native Contracting Rules: The Defense Department reaffirmed tribal and Alaska Native corporation eligibility in SBA’s 8(a) program, and SBA proposed changes that would end race-based presumptions for individually owned firms while keeping entity-owned eligibility intact. Tribal Outdoor Funding: Federally recognized tribes can now apply for up to $15 million in outdoor recreation grants under the expanded Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program. Alaska Elections: Alaska election officials issued a preliminary ruling that a “Dan Sullivan” challenger from Petersburg is likely ineligible for the 2026 U.S. Senate ballot.

Alaska LNG Tax Break: The Alaska House Finance Committee voted unanimously to advance the LNG tax break bill to the House floor, clearing the way for a vote on HB 381 that would eliminate property taxes for the proposed 800-mile gas line and instead use a smaller volume-based tax. Elections Fight in Petersburg: Alaska’s Division of Elections says it’s likely to disqualify a Petersburg candidate, Dan J. Sullivan, from the U.S. Senate ballot because he shares a name with incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan; the decision is preliminary and could end up in court. Pearl Creek Charter Case: A Fairbanks judge set a hearing and deadlines in the Pearl Creek STEAM charter dispute, with the district appealing the state’s approval and the charter group seeking an expedited start. Civil Liberties Leadership: Mara Kimmel, who led the Alaska ACLU for four years and spent decades in rights work, is retiring after a 43-year career. Culture on Screen: A Ketchikan Filipino community documentary, “Bridging Our Stories,” won multiple festival awards, including Audience Choice for Best Short. National Politics: The House narrowly passed a nearly $70 billion immigration enforcement funding bill, sending it to President Trump.

Alaska LNG Tax Break: The Alaska House advanced a major tax break for the proposed trans-Alaska natural gas pipeline, voting 34-5 to send HB 381 to the Senate as the special session heads toward a June 19 end. The plan would replace the state’s 2% petroleum property tax with a tax on gas shipped through the pipeline, while keeping other revenue streams like royalties and production taxes. Ballot Fight Over “Dan Sullivan”: Alaska election officials preliminarily found Petersburg’s Dan J. Sullivan ineligible for the U.S. Senate ballot, citing a lack of eligibility under state rules, as the dispute over two candidates with the same name continues. Federal Contracting Rule: The SBA proposed major changes to its 8(a) contracting program, saying it won’t affect tribes and Alaska Native corporations, but could reshape how individuals qualify. Elections Beyond Alaska: Maine has started counting ranked-choice ballots for governor and a key U.S. House race. Business & Consumer Pressure: The BBB warned Alaskans about businesses pressuring customers to remove or soften online reviews. Coast Guard Icebreakers: The Coast Guard says it will base two new icebreakers in Kodiak and one in Seward, with housing and infrastructure concerns front and center.

Alaska LNG Tax Break: The Alaska House passed HB 381, a major LNG pipeline tax bill that cuts property taxes for state and local communities by about 85% while keeping production taxes and royalties, sending it to the Senate after months of debate. Elections Shake-Up: Alaska’s Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher says she may disqualify a U.S. Senate challenger named Dan Sullivan, after complaints and a review found “the preponderance of evidence” doesn’t support eligibility. Abortion Access Fight: Planned Parenthood sued to overturn Alaska’s requirement that medication abortion pills be dispensed in person, arguing telehealth access is being blocked. Anchorage Housing: Raspberry Townhomes broke ground in the Sand Lake area, aiming to add 58 market-rate rentals and using the city’s multifamily property tax incentive program. Wildlife Incident: A woman foraging near Skilak Lake said she shot a bear after it attacked her dog, calling it a “lucky to be alive” moment. Denali Safety: Denali’s climbing season has seen five deaths in two weeks, including a ranger fatality, as teams push for short summit opportunities.

Planned Parenthood vs. Alaska: The group sued in Anchorage Superior Court to overturn Alaska’s telehealth chemical abortion ban, arguing women shouldn’t have to travel to approved facilities and that delays can push them past the 12-week window. Alaska LNG fight in Juneau: Lawmakers are nearing House passage of HB 381, a tax-cut bill tied to the Alaska LNG project, as critics warn the breaks could squeeze funding for roads and schools. Elections shake-up: Alaska’s Division of Elections preliminarily ruled Dan J. Sullivan ineligible to run for U.S. Senate, citing a lack of support for his eligibility based on complaints tied to the “other Dan Sullivan” name situation. Arctic buildout: The Coast Guard announced new icebreaker homeports—Kodiak and Seward—for Arctic Security Cutters, with deliveries starting in 2028. Anchorage campaign finance: An Anchorage Assembly member was fined the maximum after regulators found campaign funds were misused for Florida travel. Harmful algae watch: Alaskans are monitoring for harmful algae blooms, with officials warning toxins can’t be cooked or frozen away.

Immigration Enforcement: The House narrowly passed a nearly $70B bill to fund ICE and Border Patrol, sending it to President Trump and keeping his deportation push on track. Alaska Politics: The state Division of Elections preliminarily found Dan J. Sullivan (Petersburg) not eligible for Alaska’s U.S. Senate ballot, while incumbent Dan Sullivan calls the probe “baseless.” Courts & Schools: A federal judge kept H-1B visa fees affordable for Alaska districts after a challenge, but districts still face uncertainty if the government appeals. Business & Contracts: The SBA proposed major changes to the 8(a) program that could reshape eligibility for small firms tied to race and ethnicity, with Alaska Native corporations watching closely. Energy & Environment: Oil majors largely skipped Alaska’s wildlife refuge lease sale, and the NPFMC advanced new Tanner crab conservation steps near Kodiak. Public Safety: Fairbanks Superior Court found Ventsislav Hurd guilty of sexual abuse of a minor; sentencing is set for Nov. 3. Travel: Alaska Airlines is restoring nonstop Tri-Cities-to-Portland flights after a years-long gap.

Alaska LNG: The House Finance Committee advanced HB 381, a major property-tax break for the Alaska LNG project, clearing the way for a full House vote after a bipartisan 11-0 push. Elections & voting rules: Alaska’s open primaries and ranked-choice voting are again under fire, with letters warning a repeal measure would hand power to party activists. U.S. politics: The House narrowly passed a nearly $70B immigration enforcement bill, sending it to President Trump. National security surveillance: Trump is pressuring Congress to renew FISA Section 702 before it expires June 12, with resistance from both parties. Mat-Su schools: The Mat-Su School Board endorsed a policy allowing certain staff to carry concealed handguns on school property. Courts: A JBER soldier accused in a child sexual abuse material case involving alleged AI-generated images signaled he plans to change his plea. Environment & climate: The NSF has begun dismantling an ocean monitoring network early, drawing sharp criticism from scientists. Business & travel: Alaska Airlines is set to use new sustainable jet fuel from a commercial plant in Moses Lake, while a separate report highlights how “sub-agents” are reshaping travel sales.

Immigration Enforcement: The House narrowly passed a nearly $70B Homeland Security bill to fund ICE and Border Patrol for three years, sending it to President Trump after a 214-212 vote. Alaska Airlines: A federal appeals court upheld dismissal of a lawsuit by former Alaska state Sen. Lora Reinbold over her 2021 ban from the airline. Seward Cruise Terminal: Seward opened a new cruise terminal with shore power upgrades aimed at cleaner air and reduced noise, plus a small business accelerator award tied to the project. Local Economy & Jobs: Survival Garden Seeds won the SBA’s 2026 Pacific Northwest Small Business of the Year. Alaska Travel: Alaska Airlines resumed nonstop Portland flights from Paine Field in Everett. Fisheries & Environment: Alaska’s first hybrid-electric fishing boat is cutting fuel costs and reducing noise and exhaust for longliners. Juneau Budget: The Juneau Assembly finalized a city budget after debate over a flood-wall fairness issue and other service cuts. Minimum Wage: Alaska’s minimum wage rises to $14 on July 1, with paid sick leave rules tied to employer size.

Alaska Elections: Alaska Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom opened an investigation into a “Dan Sullivan” U.S. Senate challenger, alleging the filing could mislead voters and raise perjury concerns. Federal Politics: The U.S. House narrowly passed a nearly $70 billion immigration enforcement package for ICE and Border Patrol, sending it to President Trump after a 214-212 vote. Courts & Voting: The Supreme Court is weighing whether mail-in ballots arriving after Election Day can be counted, a ruling that could affect Alaska voters facing weather delays. Energy & Rural Alaska: New reporting highlights how soaring fuel costs are pushing rural communities toward crisis, with the first seasonal fuel barge landing in Bethel and prices climbing sharply. LNG & State Policy: In Juneau, lawmakers are nearing action on an LNG pipeline bill tied to property tax exemptions, with major questions still unresolved before the special session ends June 19. Business & Alaska: Trilogy Metals launched 2026 Upper Kobuk fieldwork, planning about 40 drill holes as it advances an Arctic copper-zinc project. Local Life: Anchorage traffic lights briefly went out after a power outage, and Nome cleanup efforts hauled in more than 1,500 pounds of trash.

Immigration Enforcement: The House narrowly passed a roughly $70 billion, three-year funding package for ICE and Border Patrol, sending it to President Trump after a 214-212 vote. Alaska Politics: Alaska Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom opened an investigation into a GOP Senate challenger, Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., over allegations his name match with incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan was meant to confuse voters. Juneau Budget: Juneau’s finalized city budget closes one facility and trims some services, including cuts to the city museum, after a multimillion-dollar recurring revenue gap. Maternal Health: A national survey of 3,857 new mothers finds widespread disrespectful care and untreated mental health needs, with Black, Indigenous, and other women of color reporting worse outcomes. Judicial Accountability: A new wave of scrutiny follows three high-profile judge scandals, raising questions about how misconduct is policed and how it affects public trust.

Alaska Elections: Alaska Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom opened an investigation into Dan J. Sullivan, the Petersburg Republican challenging incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan, after allegations he may have coordinated with another campaign to confuse voters because he shares the same name; Dahlstrom says the Division of Elections must protect election integrity and asked for sworn answers by June 10. Child Well-Being: A new Kids Count report says Alaska dropped to 47th overall for child well-being, with declines tied to education, health, and economic factors. Ocean Monitoring Cuts: Alaska fishers and scientists are alarmed after the National Science Foundation plans to decommission the Ocean Observatories Initiative, warning it could create a “climate blind spot” and hurt fisheries and hazard planning. Local Government: Juneau Assembly approved a budget that keeps some services running but cuts support for the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, reducing hours and leading to layoffs, while also advancing flood mitigation funding. Business/Industry: Ambler Metals named Ron Rimelman president to push permitting and development plans for the Arctic project in Alaska’s Ambler Mining District. National Policy: US lawmakers, including Sen. Lisa Murkowski, welcomed a court order striking down a proposed $100,000 H-1B fee, saying it would worsen staffing shortages in rural schools and healthcare.

Alaska Energy & LNG: Fairbanks is bracing for steep power costs this summer as diesel prices surge and Cook Inlet gas stays tight, while Interior leaders keep pushing the Alaska LNG pipeline as the practical fix for high bills. North Slope Gas Policy: Lawmakers are weighing a major North Slope gas property tax cut for a new project, but some want more details first—pointing to decades of past pipeline promises and shifting producer economics. Courts & Oil Data: A federal appeals court ruled Alaska can make ConocoPhillips exploration well data public in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, a win for transparency. State Politics: Alaska lawmakers voted to raise the weekly unemployment benefit cap for the first time in 17 years, and more than 70 bills are headed to Gov. Dunleavy after the final legislative push. Federal Labor & Education: A federal judge blocked a Trump plan to charge a $100,000 H1-B fee for new visas, a ruling that could protect Alaska school hiring. Aviation & Business: Alaska Airlines is looking at deeper partnerships and possible joint ventures as it expands globally. Tobacco Regulation: Alaska’s legislature is moving toward raising the tobacco and vaping purchase age to 21 and adding statewide taxes on electronic smoking products.

Ukraine-UK Diplomacy: Zelensky’s London talks with the E3 (Britain, France, Germany) underscore how Britain’s security partnership with Europe is holding steady as Russia’s war grinds on. U.S. Senate & Immigration: Senate Republicans pushed through a roughly $70 billion immigration enforcement package for the rest of Trump’s term after a long amendment fight, with Alaska’s Sen. Lisa Murkowski voting no. Alaska LNG: Glenfarne released updated AKLNG cost estimates, and the pipeline developer also floated a proposal to cap natural gas prices for Alaskans as lawmakers weigh a special session tax deal. Rural Health Funding: Alaska health officials narrowed down more than 400 projects from nearly 1,800 proposals for Rural Health Transformation Program money. Local Economy/Taxes: Alaska’s public utilities sales taxes totaled about $4.6 million in 2024, up slightly from the prior year. Business & Seafood: Captain D’s says it’s expanding use of Alaska pollock across menu items. Safety & Community: Three teens helped stop a Houston-area wildfire with a bucket brigade, hauling water from the Little Susitna River area.

Alaska LNG Fight: Glenfarne released updated AK LNG cost estimates—$44.5B to $54.5B total, with the pipeline alone pegged at $13.2B to $16.9B—while lawmakers weigh a special session tax break and Glenfarne now proposes capping natural gas prices for Alaskans. Public Health Funding: Alaska health officials narrowed 1,800 Rural Health Transformation proposals to just over 400 for possible awards from the $272M Alaska received, as Medicaid work requirements loom. Wildlife Pressure: A new report warns the proposed pipeline would threaten critically endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales by increasing vessel traffic and noise. Arctic Drilling Backlash: ANWR’s latest lease sale drew only two bidders and $3.7M total, with conservationists saying big oil stayed away but the threat to habitat remains. Tribal Gaming: Tlingit and Haida opened Two Coppers Casino near Juneau amid shifting federal legal questions over tribal gaming authority. Elections Watch: Sen. Dan Sullivan says a last-minute same-name Republican challenger could confuse voters and help Mary Peltola. Rural Education: Twenty Alaska educators head out June 7-12 for a Natural Resource Management externship visiting sites from the North Slope to major mines and training centers.