AGP Executive Report

Coast Guard Arctic Buildup: Kodiak was chosen to homeport two new U.S. Coast Guard icebreakers, with Seward getting the third and a fourth Alaska cutter still awaiting a homeport—an Alaska national-security win that could add hundreds of jobs and families. Anchorage Ethics: Anchorage Assembly member George Martinez faces maximum APOC fines after regulators found campaign funds were used for a Florida trip tied to his municipal run. Elections Integrity Fight: Alaska’s Division of Elections says it may disqualify a Republican U.S. Senate candidate named Dan Sullivan, citing a lack of eligibility support, as the namesake controversy heats up ahead of the August primary. Reproductive Health Lawsuit: Planned Parenthood sued to overturn Alaska’s telehealth abortion ban, arguing it violates privacy and equal protection—especially for patients who must travel long distances. Alaska LNG Tax Politics: The House advanced HB 381, moving LNG property-tax flexibility to municipalities, while critics say it increases uncertainty and limits local dealmaking. Public Safety & Health: Alaska’s harmful algae monitoring focus continues as researchers warn toxins can sicken people and wildlife.

Immigration Enforcement: The House narrowly passed a nearly $70B Secure America Act to fund ICE and CBP through FY2029, clearing the way for Trump’s deportation push with limited Democratic support and tighter oversight. Energy & Alaska: The administration also announced $850M for coal plant modernization and new coal capacity, including an Alaska coal plant component, as critics warn of higher costs and health impacts. Arctic Military: A Danish researcher argues climate change is making Arctic operations more complex—thinner, shifting ice and harsher coastal effects can raise risk, not simplify access. Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines is cutting rewards for its cheapest Saver basic economy fares and raising partner award fees, a move that hits frequent flyers right as it markets itself as a premium carrier. Seward Cruise Infrastructure: Royal Caribbean and Alaska Railroad celebrated the opening of the new Dale R. and Carol Ann Lindsey Alaska Railroad Terminal in Seward, designed to boost sheltered passenger processing and onward travel. Ocean Monitoring: NSF has begun dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative earlier than planned, raising alarms about lost data for Alaska’s coastal communities. Local Costs: A survey says Anchorage is the priciest U.S. airport for summer car rentals, with the cheapest option averaging $182/day. Ballot & Politics: National Republicans asked the FEC to investigate Alaska’s Dan J. Sullivan challenger and an operative tied to the campaign over alleged improper payments.

Alaska LNG Push: The House Finance Committee advanced a major property tax exemption bill for the Alaska LNG project, a step Glenfarne says could make the $44.5B–$54.5B pipeline real if the legislature passes it unchanged. Anchorage Public Safety Oversight: The Anchorage Assembly delayed a vote on a rebooted public safety commission after pushback, opting for a public hearing next month before final action. U.S. Senate Ballot Fight in Alaska: Challenger Dan J. Sullivan says Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom’s investigation into his candidacy is legally baseless and “entirely false,” while he continues to avoid direct questions from reporters. SNAP Timing Lawsuit: A federal judge sided with Alaska, ending a yearslong effort to force the state to process SNAP applications on a strict federal timeline. Juneau Flood Protection Costs: Juneau canceled a plan that would have required some Mendenhall Valley property owners to pay up to $6,300 for HESCO barriers, with the city taking on more of the expense. Election/Policy Watch: A bill expanding pharmacists’ ability to prescribe drugs is headed toward a Dunleavy veto deadline, with pro-life groups warning it could expand chemical abortion access. National Guard Spotlight: A North Pole resident, Nicole Gebhardt, was named National Guard spouse of the year for community work supporting military families.

Immigration Enforcement Funding: The House narrowly passed the $70B “Secure America Act” to fund ICE and Border Patrol through 2029, sending it to President Trump for signature and locking in his deportation agenda—while Democrats warn it won’t prevent future shutdown fights. Alaska Elections: Alaska’s lieutenant governor opened an investigation into a U.S. Senate candidate who shares the name “Dan Sullivan,” alleging voter confusion tactics. Courts & Travel Access: A 9th Circuit panel upheld dismissal of a lawsuit by former Alaska Sen. Lora Reinbold against Alaska Airlines over her 2021 mask-policy ban. Rural Health & Work Requirements: New Medicaid work requirements are set to begin Jan. 1, with potential impacts for faith-based and community providers. Energy & Climate Politics: The Trump administration announced major coal plant modernization and new coal export terminal funding, drawing expected legal and environmental pushback. Oil & Gas Business: APA agreed to buy Savant Alaska for about $70M, adding North Slope midstream and pipeline assets. Statewide Legal Capacity: The Alaska Bar Association reported 161 lawyers with active licenses in Fairbanks North Star Borough as of May.

Alaska Elections: Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom has opened an investigation into Petersburg Republican Dan J. Sullivan’s U.S. Senate filing, after allegations it was submitted under penalty of perjury and could be intended to confuse voters who share the same name as incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan. Rural Energy: As the first fuel barge season arrives, rural Alaska communities are bracing for steep fuel costs—Bethel residents report gasoline near $9 a gallon—while lawmakers move to soften the blow. LNG Policy: In Juneau, the House is nearing floor action on HB 381, a key step toward an Alaska LNG pipeline, but lawmakers are still wrestling with how much tax relief the project should receive. Local Government: The Juneau Assembly voted to revise the flood-wall local improvement district, shifting more of the upfront cost burden away from some homeowners in the Mendenhall Valley flood zone. Public Health: Alaska’s blood supply is under pressure ahead of the FIFA World Cup, with Blood Bank of Alaska urging donations—especially Type A and Type O. Military: A Navy advance team is in Alaska as the USS Ted Stevens moves closer to commissioning in Whittier later this year.

Alaska Politics: Alaska Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom has opened an investigation into whether Petersburg’s Dan J. Sullivan is intentionally running to confuse voters in the U.S. Senate race against incumbent Sen. Dan S. Sullivan, after GOP allies alleged “cheating” and asked the state to remove him from the ballot. Federal Immigration: House Republicans are pushing to move nearly $70 billion for immigration enforcement to President Trump, with the bill focused on ICE and Border Patrol funding after earlier proposals (including a White House security add-on and an “anti-weaponization” compensation fund) were dropped. Energy & Industry: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and two new plants, using Defense Production Act authority—drawing criticism that it’s an unnecessary subsidy. Environment & Alaska: The NSF is dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative, alarming Alaska fishery and coastal stakeholders who rely on deep-ocean monitoring data. Arctic Science: A new study finds Arctic river deltas store about 5% of global permafrost carbon, underscoring climate risk for the region. Local Governance: Juneau’s Assembly highlighted budget approvals, museum reductions, and flood mitigation funding.

Anchorage Public Safety Oversight: A revised proposal for Anchorage’s public safety advisory commission would shift more sway to Anchorage police and city agencies while trimming community member voting power, after critics said an earlier version strayed from a civilian task force’s recommendations. U.S. Senate Race Drama: Dan Sullivan’s Southeast Alaska challenger says he’s eligible and “not backing down” amid GOP claims his candidacy is a voter-trick; the dispute centers on two candidates sharing the same name and party. Child Well-Being: Alaska fell to 47th nationwide in overall child well-being, with advocates pointing to years of declining investment in children and families. Legislature Wrap-Up: Lawmakers passed a bill taxing vapes and raising Alaska’s tobacco purchase age to 21, while overall the session saw most bills fail. Immigration & Work Visas: A federal judge blocked Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee, calling it an unlawful tax—an issue Alaska educators have pushed to waive. Arctic Energy Reality Check: A Trump-backed Arctic lease sale drew only two bidders and generated about $3.7M, renewing questions about industry appetite for drilling. Federal Courts/Justice Dept: DOJ filings say Trump’s “anti-weaponization” fund is dead after a judge blocked it, as the administration faces ongoing legal fights. Public Safety in the Field: Yukon RCMP says an internal review found no significant deficiencies in officers’ actions in a January Alaska Highway shooting that left a man dead.

Alaska Politics & Federal Watch: Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) was the lone Republican to vote against a major Senate funding package that backs ICE through 2029, while Sen. Susan Collins hit a rare 10,000th consecutive vote milestone—both moves underscore how Alaska’s senator is shaping national enforcement fights. Immigration Enforcement: The Senate also advanced a roughly $70B ICE/CBP bill after a bruising, amendment-heavy vote-a-rama, with Democrats and a few Republicans pushing back on Trump-linked “anti-weaponization” and other political funds. Energy & Alaska’s Arctic: The BLM wrapped up Alaska’s ANWR Coastal Plain lease sale, awarding just five leases for $3.74M total receipts—Hex Energy and AIDEA were the only bidders—raising fresh questions about industry appetite for Arctic drilling. Local Governance: Yukon officials are weighing options for replacing Whitehorse’s aging École Whitehorse Elementary, using public input to choose between the current site and two new locations near the Alaska Highway or the Canada Games Centre. State Budget Snapshot: Alaska’s public utilities sales tax collections rose to $4.6M in 2024, up from the prior year, per federal tax collection data. Community Calendar: Juneau’s June 8–14 listings highlight ongoing local events and services.

Pebble Mine Trust Fight: A new opinion piece argues Sen. Dan Sullivan can’t be trusted on Pebble, saying he’s taken campaign money from backers of the proposed Bristol Bay open-pit copper mine that critics say would devastate salmon and local jobs. Rural Health Funding: Alaska health officials say they’ve narrowed nearly 1,800 proposals to just over 400 for the Rural Health Transformation Program, tied to major federal Medicaid changes that could reshape access to care. AKLNG Negotiations: Glenfarne released updated Alaska LNG cost estimates—$44.5B to $54.5B total, with the pipeline alone $13.2B to $16.9B—and proposed a way to limit what Alaskans pay for gas if the project runs over budget, as lawmakers weigh a special-session tax break. Immigration Enforcement Push: The Senate passed a roughly $70B immigration enforcement bill, with Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski among those opposing it, setting up House action. Anchorage Land Use: The Anchorage Assembly is set to consider a natural burial project in South Anchorage, a first-of-its-kind proposal aimed at low-cost cemetery space. Military & Power Concerns: An Interior Alaska op-ed warns about a planned mega data center at Eielson AFB, citing local power and permafrost risks. Tribal Gaming Update: Tlingit & Haida opened Two Coppers Casino near Juneau, but the project faces legal uncertainty after Interior withdrew a key solicitor’s opinion affecting tribal gaming jurisdiction.

Alaska Senate Race Shake-Up: Sen. Dan Sullivan says an eleventh-hour Republican challenger named Dan J. Sullivan is a “dirty trick” meant to confuse voters and help Mary Peltola, with Sullivan and the NRSC pressing election officials to remove the name from the ballot. Denali Tragedy: A Denali mountaineering ranger died after falling into a crevasse near the 14,000-foot camp during a climbing patrol; the park says rescue efforts began immediately. Aviation & Alaska Business: Alaska Air Group CFO told Reuters the airline is waiting for more stable jet-fuel conditions before restoring full financial guidance, while expecting demand and fares to help in the second half. Global Airline News with Alaska Ties: Philippine Airlines announced it will join the oneworld alliance in 2027, expanding the network that already includes Alaska Airlines. Energy & Supply Chain: A Japan-bound crude shipment from Alaska arrived as Japan seeks alternative routes after Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Tech/Policy Watch: A Reuters report says the Trump administration is examining whether the U.S. should take an equity stake in leading AI companies, echoing OpenAI discussions about government ownership.

Alaska Election Integrity: Sen. Dan Sullivan is accusing Democrats and allies of former Rep. Mary Peltola of a “dirty trick” after a second candidate named Dan J. Sullivan appeared on Alaska’s primary ballot, raising concerns about voter confusion. State Politics & Governance: Alaska’s governor’s race is officially crowded, with 17 candidates filed for the Aug. 18 primary, setting up a high-stakes, name-recognition-heavy contest where only the top four advance. Mental Health Oversight: A new analysis argues Alaska’s health and family services departments share responsibility for inspections and patient complaint investigations at locked psychiatric facilities, with calls to close loopholes in psychiatric patient protections. Aviation & Alaska Business: Alaska Air Group is weighing whether to restore financial guidance after jet-fuel volatility, saying demand and fares may cushion the hit. Public Safety & Community: A letter to the editor in Anchorage blasts drivers for not stopping to help a homeless man in distress, spotlighting concern and compassion in everyday public life. Defense & International Training: Red Flag-Alaska 26-2 is underway with more than 2,100 service members training across Alaska’s airspace with partner nations. Environment & Science: New research maps the razor-sharp edge of Alaska’s Yakutat microplate using thousands of small earthquakes, refining how south-central Alaska’s tectonics work.

Alaska LNG Tax Talks: Alaska lawmakers in a special session are weighing a new tax structure for the Alaska LNG project after Glenfarne updated the megaproject’s cost estimate to as much as $55B, up from $45B, with Sen. Bert Stedman saying there’s a “good chance” of passing a bill that would replace property taxes. Arctic Energy Reality Check: The federal Arctic National Wildlife Refuge lease auction ended with just nine bids covering about 10% of available land and roughly $3.7M total, with major oil firms largely staying away—undercutting claims of a fast economic boom. Border Funding Fight: The U.S. Senate approved a $70B immigration enforcement package for ICE and Border Patrol in a 52-47 vote, sending it to the House; Sen. Lisa Murkowski was the lone GOP no vote, while Democrats and civil liberties groups criticized the bill’s bypass of normal funding rules and the fight over a $1.8B “anti-weaponization” fund. Denali Tragedy: A Denali mountaineering ranger died after falling into a crevasse during patrol, with the incident under investigation. Public Safety: Burn permits were suspended in Fairbanks, Salcha, and the Railbelt Fire Prevention Area due to dry, windy conditions.

ANWR Oil Lease Sale: Trump’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge auction drew bids on just 5 tracts totaling about 72,000 acres, with no major oil companies showing up; HEX Energy and AIDEA split the $3.7M haul, while critics called it a “flop.” Federal Election Ballot Rules: A federal prisoner and his mother—both never visited Alaska—remain on Alaska’s August primary ballot, renewing debate over whether non-residents should qualify for federal seats. Border/ICE Funding: The U.S. Senate passed a $70B immigration enforcement package after an all-night fight, clearing the way to the House while Republicans kept the controversial $1.8B DOJ “anti-weaponization” fund alive. Alaska Courts & Sentencing: In Anchorage, a resentencing hearing began for an Anchorage teen convicted of a double murder; the judge must consider youth and rehabilitation under a 2023 appeals ruling. Local Governance: Juneau’s Assembly heads into a Monday budget crunch over flood mitigation and a recurring deficit tied to ballot tax changes, with residents set for a final chance to weigh in. Wildlife & Public Safety: Sitka euthanized two bears after they killed livestock and attempted to remove a third; officials urged electric fencing and proper disposal.

Immigration Enforcement Fight: The U.S. Senate cleared a $70B package to fund ICE and Border Patrol through the end of Trump’s term, 52-47, with Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski the only GOP no-vote, after a marathon fight over whether to permanently block Trump’s $1.8B “anti-weaponization” settlement fund. Alaska Fisheries Governance: Alaska’s Board of Fish limited the Aleutian commercial salmon fleet to protect Western Alaska runs, but the acting attorney general invalidated the rules; subsistence advocates now say they may sue to restore the limits. Ukraine Diplomacy: Zelensky sent Putin a public open letter proposing face-to-face talks and a ceasefire during negotiations, while Putin signaled openness to talks at a U.S. base in Alaska. Military Readiness: Red Flag-Alaska 26-2 kicked off with 2,100+ service members training across Alaska airspace, emphasizing coalition interoperability. Energy & Land Policy: The Interior Department moved forward with an ANWR lease sale in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge’s Coastal Plain, setting up new drilling debate in Alaska’s most contested wildlife region. Education & Community Notes: Local coverage highlighted Fairbanks-area Academic Decathlon success and Nenana’s agricultural expo, while national school-enrollment items underscored shifting demographics and attendance pressures.

Coal Push in Alaska: Trump announced nearly $700M in federal support for coal, using Cold War-era emergency powers, including $89M from the Energy Department to study a new Terra Energy Center coal plant in the Susitna River watershed—sparking immediate backlash from the Susitna River Coalition and praise from a regional lawmaker. Federal Power vs. Party Fractures: In Washington, the Senate’s immigration enforcement funding bill moved forward as lawmakers fought over Trump’s $1.8B “anti-weaponization” settlement fund; a Democratic bid to ban it failed 49-50, with three Republicans—including Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan—crossing with Democrats. Ukraine Diplomacy: Zelenskyy published a direct open letter to Putin proposing face-to-face talks, while Putin said Russia will bolster air defenses after deep drone attacks and reiterated readiness to compromise tied to Trump-linked proposals. Alaska Politics Watch: A second Dan Sullivan appeared on Alaska’s primary ballot, prompting incumbent Sullivan to allege a “dirty political trick” and election confusion concerns from GOP officials. Tribal Gaming: Tlingit & Haida opened Two Coppers Casino near Juneau, but legal questions over tribal jurisdiction could drive major future fights.

War Powers Showdown: The House passed a resolution to force Trump to end hostilities against Iran unless Congress explicitly authorizes it, with four Republicans joining Democrats. Alaska Disaster Costs: FEMA denied Alaska’s request for a larger federal cost share for Typhoon Halong recovery, leaving the state covering 25% and raising tens of millions in costs. Bering Strait Tunnel: Russia says the U.S. and Russia will sign an agreement to keep designing a Bering Strait tunnel. Coal Push Hits Alaska: Trump is set to use the Defense Production Act for nearly $700M to upgrade coal plants and fund new coal projects, including Alaska. Blue Economy: Sen. Dan Sullivan chaired a hearing on fisheries and maritime workforce needs, highlighting Alaska’s role in the sector. Tribal Gaming: Juneau-area coverage highlights the Two Coppers Casino soft opening near Eaglecrest, with legal status still uncertain. Elections & Ballots: A broader look at ballot shortages and how jurisdictions handle running out of official ballots, including an Alaska example. Local Politics: North Pole City Council debated whether to move toward a city manager form of government.