AGP Executive Report

Anchorage Police: One man was killed and another seriously hurt in an early Saturday shooting on North Hoyt Street; investigators say they’re not looking for additional suspects and are asking anyone with info to call 3-1-1 or Anchorage dispatch. Alaska LNG: The Alaska House advanced an LNG tax bill tied to the governor’s special session push, sending it to the Senate as lawmakers debate the project’s tax break details. Tribal & Small Business Policy: The Defense Department reaffirmed that federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native Corporations can participate in SBA’s 8(a) program based on their political status; meanwhile, SBA proposed changes that would require individual applicants to show social disadvantage rather than relying on race-based presumptions. Outdoor Recreation Funding: Congress-expanded eligibility lets federally recognized tribes apply for up to $15 million annually through the National Park Service’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program. Climate & Wildlife: A new heat-warning system flagged thousands of species at risk after India’s eight endangered Asiatic lions died, with extreme temperatures blamed. Weather & Daylight: The summer solstice arrives June 21, bringing the year’s longest day—already months of daylight in places like Utqiagvik. Invasive Species Awareness: Alaska marked Invasive Species Awareness Week, emphasizing prevention and early response to protect native ecosystems.

Anchorage Public Safety: A shooting early Saturday in northeast Anchorage left one man dead and another person seriously injured, with police asking anyone with info to call 311 or 907-786-8900. Anchorage Fire Department Staffing Strain: Anchorage firefighters say call volumes have surged past 50,000 in 2025, but staffing and apparatus haven’t grown, fueling burnout and injuries. Alaska LNG Tax Break Push: The Alaska House Finance Committee voted unanimously to advance a major Alaska LNG tax break bill to the House floor, shifting property taxes to a volume-based tax tied to gas flow. Local Education Fight: A judge set next week’s hearing on the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District’s appeal of a charter approval for Pearl Creek STEAM, as the charter group seeks an expedited start. Saxman Oil Spill Cleanup: Diesel spilled from a 500-gallon heating oil tank at Saxman’s public safety facility and flowed toward tidelands; crews are coordinating cleanup with the Coast Guard and local responders. Ketchikan Leadership Change: Alaska ACLU executive director Mara Kimmel is retiring after four years leading the organization. Climate Research: A new study finds each degree Celsius of warming extends Alaska glacier melting by about three weeks.

Anchorage Politics & Courts: Alaska’s Senate ballot fight is heating up as the Alaska Division of Elections says it has reviewed “evidence” and may disqualify Senate candidate Dan J. Sullivan, who shares a name with incumbent Sen. Dan S. Sullivan—sparking claims of voter confusion and a potential court showdown. Local Government: Anchorage property owners are being told to watch for late-arriving bills tied to the city’s mail vendor; payments are due June 30 with a short grace period before penalties. Tax & LNG: The Anchorage LNG debate continues as the Alaska House advances a major tax break for the project to the Senate, while lawmakers head toward a special session tied to Glenfarne pipeline property tax reductions. Community & Culture: Anchorage’s Mountain View ravens have nested on a woolly mammoth skull display at Bass Pro Shops, and a new Anchorage mural push is drawing praise from residents. Public Safety & Accountability: The BBB warns Alaskans about businesses pressuring customers to remove or soften online reviews. Federal Watch: A judge temporarily blocks the National Park Service from removing “negative” history signs and materials nationwide while lawsuits proceed.

Alaska LNG Push: The Alaska House has passed a major LNG tax break bill, cutting property taxes for state and local communities by an estimated 85% while keeping production taxes and royalties, sending it to the Senate after a 34-5 vote. Anchorage Housing: Ground broke on Raspberry Townhomes in the Sand Lake area, a 58-unit market-rate rental project aimed at easing Anchorage’s housing crunch. Arctic Readiness: The Coast Guard says it will homeport two new icebreakers in Kodiak (arriving 2028) and one in Seward (early 2030s), with housing and port upgrades needed for the new crews. Wildlife Management: State and federal managers want public input on expanding bison habitat near Delta Junction, including clearing forest for grazing and possibly adding wells. Public Safety & Weather: Fire crews reported progress on multiple wildfires as dry conditions persist; a Red Flag Warning is set for Delta Junction and burn permits are suspended in Tok. Reproductive Rights Fight: Planned Parenthood is suing to overturn Alaska’s in-person requirement for abortion pills, while Republican attorneys general—including Alaska’s—urge the EPA to classify mifepristone as a water contaminant.

Planned Parenthood vs. Alaska abortion rules: Planned Parenthood sued in Anchorage Superior Court to overturn the state’s requirement that chemical abortions be done only in approved facilities, arguing women shouldn’t have to travel and risk missing the 12-week window. Elections shake-up in Alaska’s U.S. Senate race: Alaska’s Division of Elections issued a preliminary decision saying Dan J. Sullivan is not eligible to run against Sen. Dan Sullivan, citing a voter-confusion “shared names” scheme; the decision can be appealed. Arctic buildup: The Coast Guard announced a fourth icebreaker for Alaska, with future homeports in Kodiak and Seward and delivery slated for 2028, as Alaska’s delegation touts new Arctic security capacity. Anchorage community watch: Anchorage’s public safety commission vote was delayed after pushback, while the city also moved on downtown redevelopment steps like closing Town Square Park. Local economy & travel: Alaska Airlines rolled out World Cup 2026 livery and continues expanding routes, including Portland service updates. Statewide health and safety: Alaska’s Rural Health Transformation funding advanced, and the state troopers tested a tire-net “Grappler” device aimed at preventing dangerous pursuits.

Coast Guard Expansion: The U.S. Coast Guard picked Kodiak and Seward as first homeports for new Arctic Security Cutters, with crews and infrastructure upgrades underway ahead of expected 2028 deliveries. Airport Concessions: Alaska DOT&PF is seeking proposals to lease and redevelop food/retail space in Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport’s Concourse C. Arctic & Shipping: The Trump administration is preparing a first deportation flight to the Central African Republic, while Iran orders the Strait of Hormuz closed and U.S. enforcement actions continue to reshape regional maritime traffic. Public Safety & Courts: A Fairbanks judge found Ventsislav Hurd guilty of sexual abuse of a minor; sentencing is set for Nov. 3. Local Economy: Gas prices are down again nationally for a third straight week, though Alaska-specific pump impacts weren’t detailed. Business & Federal Contracts: The SBA proposes major changes to its 8(a) program that could affect who qualifies as “socially disadvantaged,” raising alarms for Alaska Native corporations. Anchorage Community: APD launched a new community care event in Anchorage. Connectivity: GCI is partnering with Starlink to expand high-speed internet to hubs including Bethel, Sitka, Kotzebue and Dillingham.

Anchorage Road Safety: Alaska DOT is taking public input on lowering speed limits on Tudor Road and Muldoon Road after 2,224 crashes from 2020-2024, including 10 deaths and 42 serious injuries. Housing & Zoning: Anchorage lawmakers are weighing a new “Missing Middle Housing Opportunities” overlay that could loosen development rules along corridors, drawing renewed neighborhood pushback. School Security: The Mat-Su School Board approved guidance to let certain staff carry concealed handguns on school property, replacing the district’s earlier debate over adding more Trooper presence. Wildlife & Community: A Cooper Landing woman says her dog survived a bear attack after she fired at close range; separately, a viral highway moment showed two baby moose reuniting with their mother. Denali Tragedy Fundraising: A Latvian climber injured in a Denali fall remains in critical care in Anchorage as family seeks help covering medical costs and transport. Energy & Travel: Alaska Airlines expands Portland-area service and cargo partners tout same-day medicine delivery; meanwhile, jet fuel costs are driving airline flight cuts.

Immigration Enforcement Funding: The U.S. House narrowly passed a nearly $70B bill to fund ICE and Border Patrol through the next three years, sending it to President Trump for signature and boosting his deportation agenda. Anchorage & Alaska Travel: Alaska Airlines resumed nonstop flights from Everett’s Paine Field to Portland, adding another west-coast option for travelers. Local Aviation Incident: An Alaska Airlines jet at Reno-Tahoe was involved in a minor incident with a fuel tank truck; no leaks or injuries were reported. Fish & Wildlife / Public Input: Alaska Department of Fish and Game is seeking public comment on an environmental assessment for proposed improvements to bison habitat at the Delta Junction Bison Range. Education Oversight: The U.S. Education Department admitted it violated a federal court order in Title IX cases tied to gender identity and sexual orientation. Mining Watch: Trilogy Metals says 2026 field work is underway at the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects, while U.S. GoldMining reports 2026 drilling prep at its Whistler gold-copper project. Seward Cruise Infrastructure: Seward opened a new cruise terminal with a small business accelerator award, touting cleaner shore power and year-round use. Alaska Fisheries Innovation: A hybrid-electric fishing boat is cutting fuel costs and reducing exhaust and noise for longliners in Southeast Alaska.

Alaska Politics: Alaska’s top elections official opened an investigation into a U.S. Senate candidate who shares the name “Dan Sullivan” with the incumbent, alleging the challenger’s filing could mislead voters ahead of the August 18 primary. Public Safety: Alaska State Troopers say human remains found in a Soldotna home were identified as 39-year-old Derek Berry, reported missing in early May; the Alaska Bureau of Investigation is treating the death as suspicious. Local Crime: Troopers also arrested a Soldotna man accused of ramming multiple vehicles and assaulting two women, with 15 charges filed. Energy & Permitting: A new coalition is pushing to limit the EPA’s Clean Water Act veto power, warning it could upend already-permitted energy, mining, and infrastructure projects. Business & Industry: Trilogy Metals launched 2026 fieldwork at its Upper Kobuk project, planning about 40 drill holes as it moves toward a potential construction decision. Community & Health: The FDA says a Salmonella outbreak linked to moringa supplements has expanded to 119 cases across 36 states, including Alaska.

Immigration Enforcement Funding: The House narrowly passed a roughly $70B, three-year package to fund ICE and Border Patrol, sending it to President Trump after a 214-212 vote, with Democrats warning it’s a “blank check” and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski the lone GOP no. Anchorage Safety: Police say an SUV struck a pedestrian in East Anchorage near Boniface Parkway and Tudor Road; the victim was taken to a hospital with injuries not believed life-threatening. Wildlife Smuggling Crackdown: U.S. Fish and Wildlife inspectors described how “stinky” cargo at the Anchorage airport helped lead to seizure of 1,600 pounds of shark fins from nearly 17,000 sharks. Rural/Tribal Health: A House bill would expand veterinary public health services in Tribal and rural areas, aiming to reduce zoonotic disease risks and animal-related injuries. Boeing Update: Boeing delivered 60 planes in May, including 51 737 Max jets, after a wiring issue shifted some deliveries earlier in the year. Energy Policy: The Trump administration announced $850M for coal plant modernization and new coal infrastructure, drawing criticism over subsidies.

Alaska Politics: Alaska Lt. Gov. is investigating Dan Sullivan’s namesake challenger after complaints of “voter confusion,” as the GOP scrambles to define whether the campaign is a sham or a legitimate run. Immigration Enforcement: Senate Republicans advanced a $70 billion ICE crackdown bill with only Sen. Lisa Murkowski opposing—while Democrats say it dodges affordable-housing fixes and keeps Trump’s priorities funded. Wildlife & Health: A mule deer hunter in Skagway is raising alarms about winter ticks, which could devastate Alaska’s moose if the parasite ever takes hold. Ocean Monitoring: Alaska fishery leaders are reacting to the planned shutdown of a major deep-ocean observing network, warning it could create a “blind spot” for climate and fisheries planning. Local Safety: Anchorage police are investigating a pedestrian collision at Tudor Road and Checkmate Drive. Community & Environment: Volunteers are helping restore Resurrection Creek habitat with native plants grown from Forest Service seed. Business/Resources: Ambler Metals named Ron Rimelman president to push permitting and development work for its Arctic project in Alaska’s Ambler Mining District.

ANWR Oil Drilling Push: The Trump administration’s latest Alaska wildlife refuge lease sale drew tepid interest, raising just $3.7 million for 700,000 acres with only two bidders—prompting renewed criticism that the plan threatens habitat and faces legal challenges. North Slope Gas Tax Debate: Alaska lawmakers are weighing a proposed 90% cut to state and local gas property taxes for a North Slope project, but some want more details before approving future concessions. Bethel Police Shooting: Alaska State Troopers say Bethel police shot and killed a man after a disturbance involving a shotgun; the investigation is ongoing. Education in Juneau: The Juneau School Board will consider a new five-year strategic plan and updated enrollment projections for optional programs, including potential staffing and funding impacts. H1-B Fee Blocked: A federal judge halted a new $100,000 H1-B visa fee that could have hit Alaska’s teacher hiring pipeline. Arctic Climate Finding: New research says Arctic river deltas hold far more frozen carbon than previously counted, a shift that could affect climate forecasts. Gas Prices Watch: Diesel prices hit a low in Yukon-Koyukuk, while Fairbanks midgrade prices also eased in late May.

Anchorage Public Safety: APD is investigating a Taku Lake Park shooting early Sunday that sent one man to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries; police say there’s no suspect information yet and the motive is under review. Traffic & Crashes: A deadly East Anchorage collision near Tudor Road and Boniface left one person dead after a Ford F-150 rear-ended a Honda Civic and involved other vehicles; no arrests or citations were issued. Wildlife & Community Events: King salmon are starting to show up at Ship Creek as the 33rd annual Slam’n Salm’n King Derby continues through June 20, with awards set for June 21. Homeland & Food Safety: U.S. Customs intercepted 337 live hatching eggs shipped to Alaska, after agriculture specialists found they were eggs without proper paperwork. State Politics: A Senate vote-a-rama funded ICE and CBP for the rest of Trump’s term, with Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski opposing. Energy & Policy Debate: Lawmakers are still wrestling with Alaska LNG questions, including new cost estimates and proposals to cap natural gas costs for Alaskans. Sports & Local Pride: The Alaska Sports Hall of Fame inducted a record class at the Anchorage Museum, honoring athletes including Olympic silver medalist Gus Schumacher.

Alaska LNG & gas prices: Glenfarne released updated Alaska LNG cost estimates, putting the full project at $44.5B to $54.5B and the pipeline alone at $13.2B to $16.9B, as lawmakers weigh a special session tax break and debate how to protect Alaskans from cost overruns; the pipeline developer also floated a proposal to cap the natural gas price for in-state customers. Energy & shipping: Japan received its first crude oil shipments from Alaska since the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, underscoring how Middle East disruptions are pushing buyers to diversify supplies. Environment & fisheries: Alaska Marine Community Coalition warned that dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative could create a fisheries “blind spot,” arguing long-running ocean monitoring like Ocean Station Papa is key for tracking conditions that affect salmon, halibut, crab and pollock. Local governance: Anchorage Assembly is set to consider natural burial projects in South Anchorage, aiming to create a low-cost, biodegradable cemetery option as low-cost space runs out. Politics in Alaska: Sen. Dan Sullivan is raising alarms about an 11th-hour challenger with the same name, saying it’s designed to confuse voters in Alaska’s open primary. Public health funding: Alaska health officials say they’ve identified more than 400 projects from 1,800 proposals for Rural Health Transformation Program funding, with final decisions coming soon.

Arctic Climate Watch: A new study links Alaska’s rust-orange rivers to permafrost thaw, showing two pathways: pyrite-rich rock breaking down in higher country and low-oxygen wetland soils releasing dissolved iron that later oxidizes in streams. Search & Rescue: Palmer man Frank Villavosos, 21, remains missing after a boat capsized on the Little Willow River near Willow; one woman was rescued and crews are still searching by air, water, dogs, and underwater cameras. Local Safety/Traffic: Tudor Road reopened after a multi-vehicle crash near Tudor and Boniface that injured people and shut eastbound lanes for hours. Aviation & Alaska Connections: Alaska Air Group CFO says jet-fuel volatility forced the carrier to pull guidance, but hopes to reinstate it if fuel prices stabilize; separately, Philippine Airlines is set to join the oneworld alliance, expanding global travel options that include Alaska Airlines. Community Spotlight: Thousands turned out for the 34th Alaska Run for Women at UAA, raising major funds for breast cancer support across Alaska. National Politics (Alaska angle): Sen. Dan Sullivan faces a ballot-name controversy with another “Dan J. Sullivan” candidate, with the incumbent calling it a “dirty political trick.” Science & Alaska: New research maps a sharp Yakutat microplate edge using thousands of small earthquakes, sharpening understanding of south-central Alaska’s quake risk.

Traffic & Safety: An East Anchorage crash closed eastbound Tudor Road near Boniface Parkway, prompting a police and fire response and an alert to avoid the area. Cancer & Community Health: The 34th Alaska Run for Women drew more than 5,000 participants and raised over $6 million over the years, spotlighting one Anchorage mother’s breast cancer story and early detection. Denali National Park Tragedy: A National Park Service mountaineering ranger died after falling into a crevasse while on patrol near 14,000 Foot Camp on Mount McKinley/Denali; the investigation is ongoing. Defense Training: Red Flag-Alaska 26-2 is underway with 2,100+ service members at Eielson and JBER through June 12, bringing together U.S. and international air forces for large-scale air combat training. Climate Science Funding Fight: The Trump administration is shutting down a $368 million deep-ocean observation network, with instruments being removed from sites including off Alaska, raising concerns about monitoring marine heat and greenhouse gas impacts. Local Economy & Culture (Southeast): Circle Seafoods is gearing up for its third season buying salmon at Metlakatla’s Annette Island Packing Company, supporting 100+ jobs and new retail products.