AGP Executive Report

Alaska LNG Push: The Alaska House Finance Committee voted 11-0 to advance HB 381, a major property-tax break bill aimed at making the Alaska LNG pipeline project financeable, with the bill now headed to the full House and facing a tougher Senate path. U.S. Senate Race Fallout: In Alaska’s 2026 U.S. Senate race, challenger Dan J. Sullivan says state officials can’t legally keep him off the ballot as Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom investigates allegations of voter confusion and possible coordination. Juneau & Local Governance: The Anchorage Assembly delayed a revived public safety commission vote after pushback, setting up a public hearing next month. Wildlife & Land: Sitnasuak Native Corp. took ownership of 14 miles along the Nome River for long-term conservation and subsistence access, while crews in the Chilkat Valley continue invasive plant removal. Health & Work Rules: CMS moved forward with Medicaid work requirements under a new federal framework, setting an 80-hour monthly requirement for many adults unless they qualify for exemptions. Aviation & Climate Tech: Alaska Airlines is set to use drop-in jet fuel from captured CO2 at a new commercial plant in Moses Lake, part of a push for lower lifecycle emissions.

Immigration Enforcement: The House narrowly passed a nearly $70 billion Homeland Security package that funds ICE and Border Patrol through September 2029, sending it to President Trump for signature and boosting his deportation agenda. Air Travel: Alaska Airlines is bringing back nonstop service from Paine Field to Portland, starting Wednesday, with daily flights and more connection options via PDX. Alaska Economy & Work: Alaska’s minimum wage rises to $14 on July 1, with paid sick leave rules tied to employer size. Courts & Airlines: A 9th Circuit panel upheld dismissal of former Alaska state Sen. Lora Reinbold’s lawsuit against Alaska Airlines over a COVID-era mask ban. Public Safety & Service: Thirteen Alaska National Guard members are activating to support Washington, D.C.’s Freedom 250 events with traffic control, security patrols, and public safety. Denali Tragedy: A Denali National Park mountaineering ranger died after falling into a crevasse during a climbing patrol; the incident remains under investigation. Local Sports: Homer High School baseball won a state championship award after a comeback in the title game.

Elections Watch: Alaska’s lieutenant governor opened an investigation into a U.S. Senate candidate named Dan J. Sullivan, alleging his filing may be meant to confuse voters and potentially trigger perjury concerns. Public Safety: Troopers and the Alaska Bureau of Investigation are probing the suspicious death of 39-year-old Derek Berry of Soldotna, whose remains were found after he’d been reported missing in May. Campaign Finance: A new report says Sen. Dan Sullivan has spent more than $1.5 million on luxury lodging and meals, with most spending outside Alaska. Wildfire Update: Crews are making progress on the Kopshesut Fire near Ambler, with containment now at 40 percent. Health & Community: Blood Bank of Alaska is urging donations as supplies tighten ahead of the FIFA World Cup, and “Yoga in the Park” returns in Anchorage and Fairbanks.

Immigration Enforcement Funding: The House cleared a key procedural step for a nearly $70 billion package to fund ICE, Border Patrol and Homeland Security through the rest of Trump’s term, with final action expected soon. Alaska Elections: Alaska Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom opened an investigation into a U.S. Senate candidate, Daniel James Sullivan Jr., after allegations he may be running to confuse voters because he shares a name with incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan. Juneau Public Safety: Juneau police are asking for help locating 29-year-old Dion McCabe, missing since June 5; last seen May 26 at a Safeway. Rural Health Money: Alaska health officials say more than 200 groups are in the running for $272 million in Rural Health Transformation funding, with a narrowed list of just over 400 proposals moving toward final decisions. Energy & Costs: Gas prices eased in Denali Borough, where midgrade hit a low of $5.44 per gallon in the week ending May 30. Connectivity for Remote Areas: Integrity Technologies and World Mobile announced a collaboration aimed at expanding rural and tribal connectivity nationwide.

Juneau Assembly Budget & Flood Funding: The Juneau Assembly approved next year’s city budget, including service reductions and facility closures, while also approving glacial outburst flood mitigation funding. The package keeps pools, Dimond Park Field House, the Douglas Fire Station, and social service grants, but cuts the Juneau-Douglas City Museum—leading to layoffs, reduced hours, and public pushback. Elections Watch (Southeast): Alaska Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom opened an investigation into Daniel James Sullivan Jr.’s U.S. Senate challenge, citing concerns about whether the filing could mislead voters due to the shared name with incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan. Alaska Economy & Energy: Lawmakers and Alaska’s Sen. Lisa Murkowski weighed in as a federal court struck down a proposed $100,000 H-1B fee, arguing it would worsen staffing shortages in rural Alaska. Mining Update: PolarX reported more “hyper-grade” copper at its Caribou Dome project and is moving into a 10,000-meter 2026 drill program. Sports: Juneau-Douglas won the Division I state baseball title, beating Service 5-4 in the final.

Alaska LNG push in the Interior: Fairbanks-area leaders and lawmakers rallied in support of building the Alaska LNG pipeline, arguing it’s the practical fix for soaring Fairbanks power costs and diesel-driven bills, with GVEA saying gas supply could let it convert equipment if the pipeline delivers. Juneau cost of winter fun: Eaglecrest Ski Area’s board approved about a 10% jump in season and day pass prices for next season, plus a new 3% credit card fee starting in July. Alaska energy transparency: The 9th Circuit ruled Alaska can make ConocoPhillips oil well data public from the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, overturning a lower-court confidentiality decision. Legislature momentum: Lawmakers sent more than 70 bills toward Gov. Mike Dunleavy after a late-session flurry, including new safeguards for minors’ psychiatric care. Aviation safety: The FAA proposed a $165,000 fine for Alaska Airlines over alleged intoxicated-passenger incidents on flights from 2024-2025. Local economy pressure: Anchorage bar closures cited rising insurance, rent, and supplies. Arctic weather gap: Researchers propose low-cost, locally run sensors to improve polar forecasts that communities across Alaska rely on.

Immigration Enforcement: The U.S. Senate voted early Friday to fund immigration enforcement agencies for the rest of Trump’s term, passing a roughly $70 billion bill 52-47 along party lines; Sen. Lisa Murkowski joined Democrats in opposing it, and the measure still needs House approval. Alaska Travel & Costs: A report on April airport traffic shows passenger declines tied to higher fuel costs and TSA staffing issues, while Alaska Airlines faces broader summer fare pressure as airlines respond to fuel shocks. Alaska Economy Snapshot: Alaska collected $4.6 million in public utilities sales taxes in 2024, up from the prior year, according to Census Bureau state tax data. Southeast Sports: Juneau-Douglas won the Division I state baseball title, beating Service 5-4 in Anchorage. Public Safety: Alaska State Troopers say a Palmer man missing after a Little Willow Creek boat capsizing was found dead. Letters & Policy: Anchorage readers urged lawmakers to investigate the Trump administration’s firing of NSF board members and the decommissioning of ocean monitoring instruments off Alaska. Earthquake Watch: A 7.8 quake near the Philippines triggered tsunami advisories for parts of the region, with no threat to Alaska reported.

Alaska LNG Fight: Glenfarne released updated Alaska LNG cost estimates, putting the full project at $44.5B to $54.5B and pushing lawmakers to decide in a fast-moving special session. Gas Price Protection: The pipeline developer also floated a plan to cap the natural gas price for Alaskans if the project runs over budget, aiming to reduce sticker-shock for Southcentral households. Public Scrutiny: Critics say Glenfarne “doesn’t need tax breaks” and warn the state still lacks meaningful financial disclosure before lawmakers make a deal. Interior Power Concerns: A letter raises alarm over a proposed mega data center at Eielson AFB, arguing local power capacity and permafrost risks could be severe. Local Land Use: Anchorage’s Assembly is set to consider natural burial projects in South Anchorage, including a wooded, low-cost cemetery proposal near Potter Marsh. Native Gaming Update: Tlingit & Haida opened Two Coppers Casino as federal review continues to reshape Alaska tribal gaming rules. Aurora Forecast: Northern lights could be visible farther south as geomagnetic storms build. Juneau Sports: Juneau won the D1 state final 5-4 over Service, capping a big weekend for local athletics.

Arctic Science: A new study links “rusty” orange Arctic rivers in Alaska’s Brooks Range to permafrost thaw, which releases iron and could threaten fish, food systems, and downstream communities. Local Safety: A Palmer man is missing after a boat capsized on the Little Willow River; one woman was rescued and search crews are still looking. Juneau Sports: Juneau-Douglas posted wins in state baseball and softball action this week, including a 8-3 baseball win over Colony and multiple softball results involving Juneau-Douglas. Community & Health: The 34th Alaska Run for Women drew thousands in Anchorage, raising major funds for breast cancer support and education across Alaska. Transportation: NOAA and the Coast Guard reopened a critical Alaska passage in Bechevin Bay ahead of Bristol Bay sockeye season after winter ice knocked out navigation aids. Air Travel: Alaska Air Group says jet-fuel volatility forced it to pull guidance, but it’s hopeful to reinstate it if fuel markets stabilize. Politics: A report says midterm fears are making some vulnerable Republicans more willing to break with Trump’s agenda. Weather/Travel Disruption: A Holland America ship, Zaandam, is missing Alaska ports after propulsion problems forced repairs in Juneau. Public Lands/Tragedy: A National Park Service mountaineering ranger died after falling into a crevasse on Denali.

Weather Watch: A cooler Pacific Northwest-style pattern is moving in for the weekend, with showers and possible thunderstorms Saturday, then a drier break Sunday as temperatures rebound into the mid-60s. Alaska Politics & Energy: The U.S. Senate advanced a nearly $70 billion immigration and deportation funding package, with Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski the only GOP no vote. Arctic/Refuge Energy: Trump’s administration is pushing ahead with Arctic National Wildlife Refuge oil drilling plans, despite tepid interest from major oil firms. Southeast Alaska Shipping & Fishing: Ketchikan’s Coast Guard fast-response cutters are being deployed to the U.S./Mexico border, while Circle Seafoods gears up for its third Metlakatla salmon season and expands a retail market for wild pinks. Juneau & Southeast Community: Juneau’s sports scene continues with state tournament action, and local arts keep rolling with Ketchikan’s Andiamo Dance Company set to debut “Synergy” June 19.

Ukraine-Russia Talks: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says Volodymyr Zelensky can come to Moscow “any time,” but Putin has rejected the face-to-face idea as pointless, after Ukraine’s drone strikes and Zelensky’s open letter aimed at rallying European and U.S. involvement. ANWR Energy Reality Check: Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge lease sale drew only two bidders and $3.7 million total for five tracts—while major oil firms stayed away, renewing Indigenous and environmental criticism. Coal Push Hits Alaska Politics: Trump’s $700 million coal investment plan includes new Alaska coal facilities, drawing both support from some candidates and sharp opposition from environmental groups warning about health costs. Juneau/Local Notes: The Forest Service reversed course on a Herbert Glacier recreational cabin, citing mining-related conflicts after previously denying it. Public Safety & Community: A wildfire near Ambler grew to about 500 acres but crews say it’s slowing; in Sitka, bears were euthanized after livestock attacks. Health & Community Events: Alaska Run for Women returns Saturday, June 6, with thousands expected to raise money for breast cancer support and screenings.

Arctic Energy: The Trump administration moved ahead with the latest Arctic National Wildlife Refuge lease sale, opening 689,000 acres for oil and gas bids and setting up another high-stakes fight over drilling in the coastal plain. Indigenous Rights & Self-Determination: An opinion piece argues ANWR lease sales mark a new era for Kaktovik and the North Slope Iñupiat, while conservation groups warn of financial and reputational risks. Small-Community Air Service: A new GAO report says scheduled flights to small Alaska communities remain under pressure, especially at nonhub airports without Essential Air Service support. Juneau-Area Public Safety: A Sitka judge sentenced Jorge Ruiz-Rivera to 8½ years for stalking and violating protective orders. Denali Tragedy: A National Park Service mountaineering ranger died after falling into a crevasse on Mount McKinley/Denali. Local Governance: Petersburg took another step toward putting a sales tax cap increase on the October ballot, with debate over whether the current $1,200 cap is outdated.

U.S. Senate Showdown: Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan and other GOP senators backed a move to strip the “anti-weaponization” fund from an immigration bill, but the effort failed as Cassidy opposed after a long holdout—showing cracks in party unity. Coal Push in Alaska: Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to steer nearly $700 million toward coal plants, including new Alaska coal support and upgrades to extend plant life, while critics warn about pollution. Arctic Oil Lease Sale: The Trump administration’s next Arctic National Wildlife Refuge lease sale heads to a new test, with opponents citing low industry interest and climate-driven change, and supporters arguing it could boost jobs and U.S. oil supply. Wildfire Caution: Alaska suspended burn permits in parts of the state due to elevated wildfire danger, though small cooking and warming fires are still allowed with extreme care. Public Health Watch: Warm waters are linked to toxic algae blooms in Alaska, raising concerns about paralytic shellfish poisoning. Juneau/Alaska Life: Anchorage saw a rare warm stretch drawing crowds to parks, while researchers tracked endangered whimbrels on the North Slope.

Interior Influence: Former Interior Secretary David Bernhardt is still pulling strings inside the department through a lobbying firm that’s racked up millions in revenue from corporate clients, raising fresh concerns about the revolving door. Ukraine Diplomacy: Vladimir Putin says a deal with Ukraine could still happen, even as he insists Russia can keep control of Donbas—signaling continued pressure on Kyiv. Alaska Courts: An Anchorage jury trial is underway in a wrongful-death lawsuit tied to a 2021 Alaska heli-ski crash that killed a Czech billionaire and others. Ocean Monitoring: The U.S. plans to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative, including 900 deep-sea instruments, a move critics say will blind scientists to climate and ocean changes that affect Alaska’s fisheries and weather. Subsistence vs. Commercial Fishing: The Alaska Board of Fisheries’ Western Alaska salmon restrictions are being challenged after the acting attorney general invalidated the measures, with subsistence advocates weighing a lawsuit. Coal Push: Trump is expected to announce nearly $700 million in coal support using Cold War-era defense powers, including Alaska-related projects. Juneau & State Politics: Alaska’s legislative session wrapped, but lawmakers are already gearing up for an immediate special session on the gasline. Northern Lights: NOAA forecasts a higher chance of aurora visibility across much of Alaska.

Celebration 2026 in Juneau: The Southeast’s biggest cultural gathering is underway, with canoes arriving from across the region and events running through Saturday, capped by a downtown parade Saturday morning. Tribal gaming update: The Tlingit and Haida’s Two Coppers Casino has opened for a soft start near Eaglecrest, but its legal status remains a live question as the state could challenge it. Southeast politics: Mary Peltola made a campaign stop in Haines, underscoring how national attention is heating up the U.S. Senate race against Dan Sullivan. Alaska LNG cost reveal: Glenfarne finally put a price tag on the proposed pipeline—$44.5 billion to $54.5 billion—after lawmakers pressed for numbers tied to tax breaks. Climate science hit: Scientists warn that dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative will put key ocean and climate monitoring off Alaska’s coast into the dark. Public safety & justice: A former Anchorage corrections officer was sentenced to 150 years for killing his wife and 14-year-old daughter; Alaska State Troopers also reported a pedestrian crash on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway and an escaped inmate search in Fairbanks.

Juneau Legal Notice: The Seward Superior Court appointed Malia Acovak as personal representative for the Estate of Anna Acovak, setting a four-month deadline for creditors to file claims. Southeast Sports: Ketchikan’s Henry Vail won the state Division I 400m title in a personal-best 49.67, with Kayhi also placing multiple athletes at the meet. Community Safety in Ketchikan: Ketchikan Afterschool Program youths created public safety PSAs focused on preventing substance and digital addictions. Alaska Elections Filing: Candidate lists are set for the 2026 Alaska Senate and House races, including a look at which districts have only one filer and where incumbents face challengers. Alaska Health & Policy: Pew urged NOAA to better account for regional impacts and strengthen Tribal engagement as Alaska seaweed farming siting moves forward. Juneau Culture: Wrangell’s Kaasitlaan Dancers will perform three times during Celebration 2026 in Juneau, running June 3-6. Health Care Nationwide: CMS rolled out new Medicaid work requirements, requiring many adults to complete 80 hours a month of work, training, or community service to keep coverage.