AGP Executive Report

Alaska Politics: Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s latest Alaska LNG “compromise” bill is in limbo as Senate and House leaders signal it’s unlikely to pass, while major business groups criticize the corporate income tax expansion. Primary Election Watch: Alaska’s crowded governor’s race is heating up ahead of the Aug. 18 primary, with candidates reporting about $10 million a week in receipts and questions swirling around self-funding limits. Southeast Alaska Wildfires: A new wildfire near Chilkat Lake marks the fourth fire in the Chilkat Valley this year, with crews working to secure containment. Juneau Flood Prep: Residents in the Mendenhall Valley are preparing to evacuate or hunker down as glacial outburst floodwater rises, with officials urging action ahead of the crest. Local Safety & Justice: Anchorage is investigating a death downtown near Peratrovich Park, and a jury found an Anchorage man guilty but mentally ill in a 2015 stabbing of his parents. Voter Access Fight: The ACLU of Alaska is challenging the state’s voter list maintenance program, alleging improper inactive status changes ahead of the primary. Community & Life: Nome youth joined a beach cleanup that hauled in dozens of bags of trash, and silver salmon are drawing anglers to Ship Creek in downtown Anchorage.

Gas Line Politics: Anchorage-area voters are hearing fresh campaign pressure over Alaska’s gas pipeline talks, with candidates arguing the next governor must work constructively with the Legislature to move a single bill forward. Local Governance & Public Safety: Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy signed two bills into law and vetoed two others, including a University of Alaska fee-notice mandate and a hunting/fishing licensing proposal tied to Permanent Fund-style requirements. Courts & Public Safety: Fairbanks Judge Kirk Schwalm sentenced Aaron Hague to 26 years for manslaughter, theft, and tampering in a “no body” homicide case. Community & Culture: A peace mural project—painted with help from Anchorage kids—wrapped up as an artist completed his 50-state run. Energy & Environment: Southeast Alaska pink salmon catches are improving after a late, weak start, offering hope for the season’s turnaround. Weather/Space Watch: Alaska is in the best U.S. spot for the partial solar eclipse, with Anchorage seeing about 28% coverage—NASA says it’s a viewing day, not a gravity-change day.

Southcentral Gas Crunch: ENSTAR says Cook Inlet producer HEX abruptly cut “discretionary” gas deliveries mid-summer, triggering emergency arbitration and raising winter-readiness alarms after a key RCA setback on a proposed Kenai storage project. Local Safety & Housing: Anchorage crews began demolishing the long-vacant Big Timber Motel at Merrill Field, citing crime, medical calls, and hazardous materials like asbestos and lead paint. Eclipse Watch (Alaska): A partial solar eclipse is set for Wednesday, with Alaska seeing partial coverage (about 37% in Fairbanks, 17% in Juneau), while totality is limited to parts of Europe and the Arctic. Community & Work Skills: Prince of Wales Island school districts launched an eight-week construction class to build decks and ramps while expanding access to career and technical education. Health Workforce: UAA and ANTHC are partnering to train more Alaskans for health care careers, aiming to grow local pathways for doctors and nurses. Grants for Native Education: Sen. Lisa Murkowski pushed for release of $41.3M in delayed federal grants for Alaska Native education. Internet Disruption: Ketchikan’s KPU internet was restored after an outage tied to fiber-line issues in Canada. Sports & Culture: A Los Angeles film crew wrapped up a month of shooting in Talkeetna for “Halfway Nowhere.”

Alaska Courts & Public Safety: A Wasilla man, James Lawhorn, faces federal charges for allegedly threatening and stalking a Michigan mayor, with court documents citing assassination threats and hate rhetoric. Aviation Disruption: Alaska Airlines Flight 305 out of Miami was briefly locked down after two passengers allegedly threatened to take over the plane; authorities later found no credible threat and the FAA will investigate. Health Watch: The CDC says Alaska is seeing high COVID-19 activity in wastewater data, even as overall respiratory illness remains low nationwide. Climate & Extremes: NOAA reports the contiguous U.S. just had its hottest month on record, while Alaska stayed comparatively cooler—another reminder that heat impacts are uneven. Local Community: Anchorage’s Town Square Park commemorative bricks are ready for owner pickup, with families reclaiming pieces of downtown history. Space & Sky: A total solar eclipse hits Aug. 12 across parts of Europe and is partial across parts of North America, including Alaska.

Alaska LNG Tax Push: Gov. Mike Dunleavy says he’ll introduce an updated Alaska LNG bill after calling lawmakers back for Aug. 20, aiming for a major property tax cut while adding a “compromise” corporate income tax expansion for oil and gas companies (with an S-corp provision), though the tax would still not apply to the pipeline. Elections Under Scrutiny: Alaska Legislature attorneys say the Division of Elections may have violated state and federal law by removing thousands of suspected noncitizens from the active voter list using DMV data; about 685 have since contacted elections to confirm citizenship. Anchorage Politics & Community: Anchorage opened the Johnny Ellis Rainbow Bridge Park in Fairview, honoring the late senator’s public-service legacy with inclusive design choices. Public Safety: Two men were shot in an Anchorage parking lot early Sunday; one victim’s injuries were life-threatening, and police are investigating motives. Local Cleanup: Anchorage officials will begin demolishing the long-vacant Big Timber Motel Tuesday after years of complaints about dangerous activity. Sports: Mat-Su Miners won the Alaska Baseball League Top of the World Series; Kenai Twins took the Alaska Legion Baseball state title. Iditarod Honors: The Iditarod Trail Committee announced its 2026 Hall of Fame class and Legends gala date in Anchorage. Zuckerberg Yacht Controversy: Coast Guard says a stranded skiff off Southeast Alaska was not in distress when first hailed, and later assistance was coordinated—fueling renewed debate over whether Zuckerberg’s yacht crew responded.

Alaska Politics: Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s opposition helped keep Todd Blanche’s attorney general confirmation razor-thin, with the Senate voting 50-49 after GOP defections; Murkowski’s “no” put the spotlight on Alaska’s role in national justice leadership. Southeast Alaska Incident: Mark Zuckerberg’s yacht, Launchpad, reportedly didn’t hear a Coast Guard radio call for help from a fuel-stranded skiff off Alaska; a nearby cruise ship towed and refueled the boat, and Zuckerberg’s spokesperson says the yacht was on a different channel and the assist was already underway. Aviation Safety & Disruptions: Alaska Airlines Flight 305 from Miami to Seattle faced a lockdown after alleged passenger threats; authorities later found no credible threat, but two passengers were removed and the departure was delayed. Local Travel Accessibility: Anchorage and Fairbanks airports rolled out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program to help travelers who need extra support without having to explain their condition. Energy & Industry: ConocoPhillips’ new CEO succession plan centers on Alaska’s major oil project and whether it can stay on track amid cost and execution pressure. Alaska Weather/Outdoors: A reminder that Aug. 12 brings a partial solar eclipse visible in parts of Alaska, with viewing safety guidance for eclipse glasses.

Defense & Alliances: During Australia’s Pitch Black 2026, U.S. and allied forces are practicing “Lightning X” interoperability with F-35s—U.S. pilots flying Australian jets and cross-servicing by U.S., Australian, and Japanese personnel—showing how quickly relationships can be built before a crisis. AI & Alaska Policy: Anchorage-area letters and opinion argue Alaska is lagging on AI guardrails, warning that narrow steps like HB 47 don’t replace broader rules for transparency, bias, and safer chatbot behavior. Seward Highway Debate: A reader pushes DOT to rethink the Safer Seward Highway plan, saying a four-lane limited-access design would hurt Bird and Indian communities by isolating businesses and shifting property values, and urges lower-impact alternatives. Space Weather: A total solar eclipse Wednesday will reveal the sun’s corona—normally hidden—while Alaska will see only a partial show. Local Safety & Travel: An Alaska Airlines flight from Miami to Seattle was briefly delayed after reports of threats; officials later found no credible threat. Food Recall: Walmart shoppers are urged to check Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter jars (lot LB028ACP04, UPC 194346207961, exp. Jan. 28, 2027) after a salmonella recall. Anchorage Economy (Cost of Living): A “Cheeseburger Index” puts Anchorage’s average meal price far above many U.S. cities, highlighting local affordability pressures.

Justice Department Shake-Up: Todd Blanche was confirmed as U.S. attorney general in a 50-49 Senate vote, with Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Sen. Susan Collins voting no—setting up a new DOJ era critics say could tilt toward presidential priorities. Alaska Politics & Voting: Tech billionaire Elon Musk backed Alaska’s Ballot Measure 2 to repeal ranked-choice voting, open primaries, and parts of campaign finance rules—an effort that could reshape how Alaskans vote this November. Aviation Safety: The FAA ordered crack inspections on 471 Boeing 737 Max jets, citing fuselage “bear strap” concerns tied to earlier 737 Next Generation issues. Anchorage Cost of Living: A DoorDash “Cheeseburger Index” puts Anchorage at about $28.28 for a cheeseburger, fries and soda—far above cheaper cities like Austin. Skywatching: A partial solar eclipse will be visible Wednesday morning in Alaska, with Anchorage seeing about 28% coverage around 8:21 a.m. AKDT. Earthquake Alert: A magnitude 5.0 quake struck Alaska near Atka, with no immediate damage reports.

Justice Department Shake-Up: The U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote early Saturday, with Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins voting no; Democrats all opposed, and the fight centered on concerns about DOJ independence and a controversial Trump-linked settlement. Alaska Politics Ahead of the Primary: With Alaska’s Aug. 18 primary near, voters are weighing a crowded governor field and election rules, including Ballot Measure 1 that would restore campaign contribution limits. Aviation Safety: The FAA ordered inspections for hundreds of Boeing 737 MAX jets after crack concerns, with rules starting Sept. 10 covering 471 planes. Cold-Weather Energy: Samsung teamed with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge lab to develop heat-pump tech aimed at reliable heating and hot water below -30°C. Anchorage & Alaska Community: Anchorage-area gas prices hit lows in the latest weekly reports, while local coverage also highlighted a PFAS/AFFF firefighting legacy issue and a new UAF contract worth $499 million for nuclear monitoring. Skywatching: A solar eclipse on Aug. 12 will bring a partial view across Alaska, with safety gear needed.

DOJ Confirmation Fight: The U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a razor-thin 50-49 vote early Saturday, with every Democrat voting no and only two Republicans—Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Maine Sen. Susan Collins—joining them; Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy provided the deciding yes after weeks of doubts about Blanche’s independence and his role in a controversial IRS settlement. Trump vs. Murkowski: Hours after the vote, President Trump attacked Murkowski online, calling her a “traitor” for opposing Blanche while having supported Merrick Garland. Alaska Politics, National Reach: The confirmation fight is now tied to broader debates over DOJ independence and election-related enforcement, with Blanche already leading the department in an acting role. Earthquake Shake-Up: A magnitude 5.6 earthquake rattled parts of Alaska near Denali National Park, with reports of shaking felt in Anchorage, Hope, and Kenai. Local Legal Numbers: The Alaska Bar Association reported more active lawyers in Fairbanks North Star Borough in July, while Petersburg Borough saw no change. SNAP Timing for Alaskans: Alaska’s SNAP benefits are scheduled for August 1.

Federal Elections: Tech billionaire Elon Musk donated $1.5 million to a group backing Alaska’s Ballot Measure 2 to repeal ranked-choice voting, open primaries, and related campaign finance rules—potentially shifting the balance in November. Voter Access: The Alaska Division of Elections says it sent citizenship confirmation notices to about 3,000 voters; 685 confirmed so far and roughly 1,900 haven’t responded, with lawmakers warning it could confuse voters at the Aug. 18 primary. Anchorage Local: Town Square Park brick owners can start picking up their bricks Monday, with the city matching more than 10,000 photos to individual purchases. Public Safety: A motorcyclist died after a crash into a tree in East Anchorage Thursday night. Health & Policy: Alaska’s ethics case: the Alaska Supreme Court upheld legislative immunity in a lawsuit tied to a former lawmaker’s Facebook page. Tribal Health: Sen. Lisa Murkowski congratulated Mark Cruz on Senate confirmation as Indian Health Service director. Food Safety: Walmart pistachio nut butter sold in Alaska is recalled in 19 states after salmonella concerns. Fishing: Southeast Alaska pink salmon are finally showing up after a late, weak start, improving hopes for the season.

Federal Confirmation Watch: Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski said she’ll vote “no” on acting AG Todd Blanche, citing DOJ handling of Jeffrey Epstein files, a sweeping IRS audit-immunity settlement for Trump, and an “anti-weaponization” fund—throwing Blanche’s nomination into doubt. Decisive GOP Pivot: Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy then announced he will vote to confirm Blanche, likely clearing the path despite Murkowski and Susan Collins opposing. Public Health: A CDC director confirmation restored the Senate-signed vaccine recommendation process, while a new report links wildfire smoke to rising prenatal PM2.5 exposure even as overall air quality improved. Aviation Safety: The FAA ordered crack inspections for hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets. Food Safety: Walmart pistachio nut butter sold in Alaska and 18 other states was recalled over possible Salmonella. Local Wildlife: Katmai rangers reported two cub deaths captured on bear livestreams, tied to an unusually crowded season.

Voter Rights in Focus: Alaska’s Division of Elections says it mistakenly removed 3,048 Alaskans from the active voter list after comparing voter records to DMV data, flagging some as possible noncitizens; officials say affected citizens can still vote with extra identity steps, but removals could lead to full purges. Energy & LNG Watch: Gov. Dunleavy is pushing lawmakers to pass an Alaska LNG bill, but leaders say they haven’t seen a draft yet as a third special session starts with only a handful of lawmakers present. Anchorage Infrastructure: The Anchorage Dome faces possible closure if it can’t raise about $1.5 million more for a $6 million replacement fabric shell. Health & Justice: Anchorage group home operators Kyle and Molly Bates and employee Peyton Love were indicted on charges tied to nearly $14.7 million in alleged Medicaid fraud. Environment & Policy: Alaska will now regulate its own hazardous waste under an EPA-authorized program, aiming to better handle shipping challenges unique to the state. Community & Events: JBER is preparing for Arctic Thunder Open House 2026, expecting up to 200,000 visitors, with the Blue Angels returning after a decade.

Aviation Safety: The FAA ordered inspections of hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets for cracks near a forward service door, with repairs required before planes return to service. Housing Costs: A new analysis finds Alaska’s typical starter home value is about $251,971, and buyers may need major savings in 2026 to afford payments. Local Sports & Community: Seward’s 71st Silver Salmon Derby is set to run Aug. 8–16, with registration details and prizes for anglers. Education Watch: Six Alaska governor candidates met with superintendents in Juneau, agreeing public education is underfunded and calling it a crisis. Health Care Access: South Peninsula Hospital announced a new Ear, Nose & Throat clinic opening in Homer and Kenai, expanding local ENT services. Business & Industry: ConocoPhillips named finance chief Andy O’Brien as CEO, with leadership changes starting Sept. 1. Public Safety & Events: The Coast Guard reminded organizers about marine event permitting rules, citing safety risks from large sponsored boat parties. Local Culture: Alaska’s drag performer “Alaska” signed with CAA for representation, adding another national spotlight to the state’s entertainment scene.

Federal Reserve Watch: Lisa Cook told Anchorage business leaders she’s “prepared to act” by raising rates if inflation stays too high, warning price-and-wage behavior could become entrenched. Anchorage Economy: AEDC says Anchorage’s recovery is lagging the rest of Alaska, citing housing shortages, weak infrastructure investment, and a downtown “perception problem.” Public Safety—Drugs: A North Pole woman, Samantha Pearson, was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison for selling fentanyl that killed Adam Sakkinen, part of a large trafficking case. Local Governance: The Anchorage Assembly voted 6-5 to call off an investigation into member George Martinez’s municipal travel records. Wildfire Response: Alaska smokejumpers made a historic first aerial jump in Southeast Alaska to fight the Boulder Fire near Haines. Environment & Water: A Juneau construction firm could pay $350,000 in a proposed settlement over alleged Clean Water Act violations involving wetlands and streams. Education: University of Alaska regents approved eliminating out-of-state tuition starting in 2027. Elections: Alaskans are voting on a ballot measure that would reinstate state contribution limits for state and local races.

Arctic Thunder Logistics: Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson’s Arctic Thunder open house draws up to 250,000 people and could mean major traffic and noise. Organizers are urging attendees to use shuttles, with base and airspace closures in place this weekend. UA Tuition Change: The University of Alaska Board of Regents voted to eliminate out-of-state tuition starting fall 2027 under “Alaska Unlocked,” aiming to boost enrollment and retention. Medicaid Fraud Push: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond is backing the “STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act,” which would let state Medicaid fraud units investigate recipient fraud, not just provider fraud. Alaska Foster Care Case: A Better Childhood dropped its federal lawsuit challenging Alaska’s foster care system, after a judge ruled plaintiffs lacked standing; the state says it can proceed without a court mandate. Anchorage News Watch: Anchorage police are seeking upgrades to real-time crime monitoring, while local officials are also weighing how to handle alleged misuse of taxpayer-funded travel. Public Safety Reminder: The FDA recalled bettergoods pistachio nut butter sold at Walmart in 19 states, including Alaska, due to possible salmonella contamination. Tribes & Prediction Markets: Tribes urged Congress to clarify prediction market rules, warning the fast-growing industry is operating outside existing tribal gaming frameworks. Wildlife & Land Debate: A new Alaska-focused film and activists’ concerns spotlight who gets to decide the future of public lands, including fears about logging under proposed Tongass-related land transfers.