AGP Executive Report

Health & Safety in Southeast: Federal wildlife regulators are seeking public comment on a plan to allow limited harassment of marine mammals during a Juneau fuel terminal reconstruction, with work starting as early as January 2027 and potential impacts to harbor seals, Steller sea lions, porpoises, killer whales and humpbacks. Local Environment & Subsistence: The federal government extended the public comment deadline on a proposed Roadless Rule rescission, now set for Oct. 6, after the USDA move that could expand logging across national forests including the Tongass. Subsistence Hunting Update: In Unit 7, the federal caribou registration hunt is restricted to bulls only, effective Aug. 10 through Oct. 8, with possible extension after a public hearing. Tribal Health Milestone: Alaska Native Medical Center ownership has transferred to the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, with officials saying patient care and eligibility won’t change. Public Safety: Anchorage prosecutors say three officers involved in May’s fatal shooting of an armed man were justified, clearing them of criminal charges. Disaster Recovery: FEMA approved more than $4 million for Alaska disaster repairs, including berm work in Shaktoolik and road fixes in Craig and Kotzebue. Community & Culture: Juneau’s Tlingit opera premiere is set for this Friday, and Alaska’s Health Department is inviting kids ages 3–18 to submit “Health Heroes” bookmark designs.

Juneau Flood Protection: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says it’s fast-tracking a permanent fix for recurring Mendenhall Glacier flooding, using a new “Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork” approach to cut years of reviews and costs. Alaska Fisheries Timing: NOAA shut down a Western Aleutian Pacific ocean perch fishery just a day after catch numbers arrived, with the formal rule published days later—highlighting how quickly decisions can hit boats. Aleutian Cruise Demand: UnCruise is doubling capacity for 2028 Aleutian Islands cruises, swapping in a larger ship after recent sailings sold out. Defense & Training: Arctic-trained U.S. soldiers from Fort Wainwright are set to deploy to India for Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026, running through Sept. 28. Local Business & Housing: Homer’s economic development panel is weighing short-term rental rules after residents pushed to keep neighborhoods residential, including options for registration and limits. Travel Spotlight: Intrepid Travel’s 2027 “Not Hot List” includes Whitehorse, a rare win for a Canadian destination in the lineup.

Alaska Native Medical Center Transfer: Alaska Native Medical Center is now under tribal ownership through a tribal consortium, a major shift after a $462 million expansion plan approved by the ANTHC board to grow emergency care and mental health/substance use services. Juneau Sports: Yadaa.at Kalé quarterback Krew Ridle powered a 47-12 win with 237 rushing yards and six touchdowns, setting a school single-game touchdown record and earning Alaska Athlete of the Week honors. Alaska Health & Policy: Alaska voters are being asked to retain or remove judges with limited public insight into judicial philosophies, as recommendations come from the Alaska Judicial Council’s largely concealed process. Arctic Science: The Arctic Report Card will continue after NOAA funding was cut, with the American Geophysical Union and partners stepping in to keep the annual climate tracking going. Earthquakes: Alaska’s earthquake center reports about 700 quakes over the past week, including a 6.3 magnitude event south of Nikolski in the Aleutians. Fisheries: Federal managers increased Pacific cod catch limits in the Gulf of Alaska for the rest of 2026 and into 2027, keeping harvest momentum heading into fall. Local Travel: Skagway’s ferry terminal is set to reopen after weeks of repairs to dock damage, including concrete cracking and float chain issues.

Alaska Politics: A new Trump-linked super PAC, No Going Back PAC Inc., has reserved $25.8 million for major midterm races, with much of the money aimed at Senate contests including Alaska—its late-September disclosure timing could keep donors hidden during the ad blitz. Southeast Fisheries: The Wrangell borough declared a local disaster after the summer Dungeness crab season closed 20 days early, pushing for more action on sea otter management. Invasive Species Watch: U.S. Forest Service surveys around Etolin and Anan found no invasive European green crabs so far, offering a rare bright spot for local shoreline monitoring. Land & Wildlife: Alaska’s Mental Health Trust Authority is putting another Wrangell lot up for auction, and moose season in the Wrangell/Petersburg area opens Sept. 15 with strict permit and antler rules. Energy & Industry: Nova Minerals says 500 tons of antimony processing equipment has arrived in Alaska, advancing its 2027 plans. National Policy: NOAA is facing backlash over priorities critics say would weaken fisheries science and protections.

Anchorage Mental Health Push: Southcentral Foundation says two crisis stabilization centers are set to open soon in Anchorage, alongside a major expansion of its downtown Quyana Clubhouse—aimed at easing Alaska’s shortage of psychiatric and behavioral health care for people experiencing homelessness. Disaster Recovery: FEMA announced more than $4 million for Alaska communities, including $160,000 for Kotzebue’s storm-damaged North Tent City and $1.1 million for Shaktoolik to repair a protective berm. Ballot Update: Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom reversed course and will certify Treg Taylor for governor and Jose Tagle for state representative after a preliminary Alaska Department of Law review flagged potential financial disclosure discrepancies involving 91 candidates. Local Safety & Community: A truck crashed through the front of a Wasilla business, and the YMCA of Alaska is collecting donations for 9/11 Day care packages for firefighters, law enforcement, and the VA. Economy & Tourism: As Alaska’s tourism season nears its end, local officials say summer demand stayed strong for hotels and tour operators, with visitors still spending heavily in Anchorage. Politics Nationally: New polling suggests Democrats’ generic-ballot lead is smaller than in 2018, while the fight for U.S. Senate control is now wide open. Energy & Industry: Nova Minerals says nearly 500 tons of antimony processing equipment arrived at Port MacKenzie, supported by a $43.4 million award.

Alaska Energy & Jobs: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management opened a 60-day public comment period on a proposed rule to streamline oil and gas permitting across Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve, aiming to replace case-by-case reviews with standardized criteria. Alaska Politics: Alaska’s Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom reversed course and put Treg Taylor back on the governor ballot after an informal Department of Law review, after earlier disqualification concerns tied to financial disclosure issues. Alaska Election Watch: A watchdog alleges “Decoy Dan” Sullivan illegally colluded with a liberal group to attack Sen. Dan Sullivan, raising questions about outside spending and campaign coordination. Crime & Safety: Alaska’s 2025 crime report shows motor vehicle thefts rose 13.8% from 2024 to 2025, with 2,059 thefts reported statewide. Defense Tech: The U.S. Army tested magnetic navigation (“MagNav”) on a GPS-free flight over the Pacific to southern Alaska, improving positioning accuracy by 89%. Science & Nature: New research says the extinct “American cheetah” wasn’t a cheetah at all, and Arctic populations likely relied heavily on fish.

Labor Day safety reminder: A new study ranks logging as America’s deadliest job, with fishing and hunting and roofing also among the highest fatality-rate occupations, as the nation marks the holiday. Juneau politics: Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom reversed course and will certify former attorney general Treg Taylor for Alaska governor after a late review raised questions about the Public Offices Commission’s disqualification over tenant-name disclosures. Alaska LNG push: The state-owned gasline corporation says it will keep pursuing the Alaska LNG pipeline, seeking new legislative funding as it renews work for 2027. Critical minerals: A federally backed antimony pilot plant is moving ahead at Port MacKenzie, with equipment unloaded and about 40 jobs planned. Southeast weather & travel: Hurricane Lowell is prompting flight suspensions and closures in Hawaii, including Alaska Airlines service to Lihue. Community & public safety: Search crews are looking for a missing St. Lawrence Island fishing boat and three people after it failed to return. Education policy: Alaska joined a multistate court brief backing parents in school gender-identity cases, arguing schools can’t hide a child’s treatment from families. Sports: West Anchorage beat South Anchorage 21-14, reshaping Alaska high school football’s top rankings.

Gas Prices: Americans face the most expensive Labor Day at the pump on record, with the national average for regular hitting about $4.14–$4.15 a gallon as Iran-linked shipping and fuel-supply disruptions keep pressure on crude. Southeast Alaska Hazards: Southeast Alaska residents heard how earthquakes can trigger tsunamis and landslides, with state experts outlining risk scenarios and draft maps meant to guide local hazard planning. Alaska LNG & Energy Politics: South Korea and the U.S. reportedly agreed on a roughly $22.3 billion Texas gas-plant investment tied to AI data-center power demand, while Seoul also weighs other U.S. options including LNG in Alaska. Medicaid Work Requirement: A new Alaska-focused opinion argues Medicaid work rules would hit rural residents hardest, turning health coverage into a monthly paperwork test. Juneau/Alaska Community & Culture: A Juneau-based tidal energy startup, Sitkana, highlights how Alaska’s tides could power remote communities with cleaner, more reliable electricity. Local Food Innovation: The Alaska Symphony of Seafood is taking entries for its 2026 contest, spotlighting value-added products from Alaska fisheries.

Native Health: The federal government transferred ownership of the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage to the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, a long-sought move that keeps the hospital at the center of Alaska’s tribal healthcare system. Juneau Culture: Perseverance Theatre and Sealaska Heritage Institute bring a rare milestone to Juneau with “Kutulagaaw: The Tlingit-Russian Battles,” billed as the first Tlingit opera in recorded history, opening Sept. 11. Education & Equity: UAA’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for two or more races students was 29.5% for the 2018 cohort by 2024, with the municipality trailing the statewide rate. Community & Libraries: Soldotna Public Library launched limited-edition, locally designed library cards to boost sign-ups, with youth and teen winners featuring moose-and-northern-lights and Alaska-mountains designs. Public Safety/Health Access: A Cancer Screening Day at the Alaska State Fair drew hundreds for skin, prostate, breast, oral and other preventive services. Military Tech: The U.S. military tested GPS-free navigation over the Pacific using quantum sensors, with a route from Washington to southern Alaska and back. Sports: Kodiak opened at home with a 68-0 win over Valdez.

Alaska Politics: Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom reversed course and restored former AG Treg Taylor to Alaska’s November governor ballot, replacing Candi English as the fourth candidate after an earlier disqualification tied to late personal financial paperwork. Local Governance: Juneau’s Assembly put cruise ship limits on hold, keeping the debate alive over how many ships and passengers the city can handle. Transportation & Safety: Alaska Airlines is hit with a lawsuit seeking $521,900 after 11 Japanese paintings were allegedly soaked and damaged during a Honolulu rainstorm while being transferred between aircraft. Infrastructure: Denali Park Road is moving closer to full access after completion of the $230 million Pretty Rocks Bridge, following a 2021 landslide that cut off the western road. Public Service & Community: Anchorage Assembly member Dick Traini, a long-time fixture in local government, died at 77. Weather & Risk: A new DOT rule expands what counts as “beyond an airline’s control,” potentially reducing passenger compensation for more disruption scenarios.

Alaska Politics: Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom reversed course and restored Republican gubernatorial candidate Treg Taylor to Alaska’s November ballot after a Department of Law review flagged “potential discrepancies” in financial disclosures, overturning an earlier decision based on Alaska Public Offices Commission findings about rental-income reporting. Juneau Courts: In a historic first, the Alaska Judicial Council issued a mixed performance evaluation for Juneau Superior Court Judge Marianna Carpeneti but did not make a yes/no retention recommendation ahead of her fall retention election. Public Safety & Tragedy: Security Aviation identified two pilots killed in a Cape Newenham crash Aug. 20, part of a U.S. Army Corps radar-site flight. Statewide Service Cuts: A new report says U.S. Fish and Wildlife staffing has fallen sharply in Alaska and other Western states since 2024. Community & Culture: Alaska Club tennis director Jimmy Kayongo received the USTA President’s Impact Award for long-running local work growing the sport. Travel Costs: AAA reports Labor Day gas prices are headed toward record highs, with Alaska near or above $4.90 a gallon.

Alaska Politics: Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom reversed her earlier decision and will certify former Attorney General Treg Taylor for Alaska governor, after the Department of Law’s informal review raised questions about discrepancies in financial disclosures—restoring Taylor and Jose Tagle to the November ballot. Public Safety & Courts: An Anchorage dentist accused of Medicaid fraud and reckless endangerment also allegedly performed an unauthorized tooth extraction while riding a hoverboard, with prosecutors saying he unnecessarily sedated patients to inflate billings. Statewide Health & Housing: UCLA researchers say California schools need stronger support for homeless students, calling it an education crisis that requires dedicated funding and coordinated help across systems. Local Juneau/Community: Juneau’s Marie Drake Gym is set to open for public programs, adding another community space for residents. Travel & Cost of Living: Fall travel is pricier than usual, with average domestic airfare up sharply and fewer hotel deals than travelers expect. Sports/Schools: Wasilla High School received a $250,000 donation to upgrade Veterans Memorial Stadium with new LED lights and a future scoreboard.

Federal staffing cuts: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has shed about 3,600 jobs nationwide in President Trump’s second term, with steep losses in the West—Alaska down 220 staff (36%)—raising concerns about how agencies will handle wildlife and habitat work. Tribal health milestone: After decades of advocacy, the Indian Health Service transferred ownership of Alaska Native Medical Center to the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, a major step toward tribal control of care. Court ruling on voting case: Alaska’s appeals court threw out a noncitizen voting prosecution against a Whittier woman, saying prosecutors misled grand jurors and setting a higher bar for future cases. Juneau public safety: Juneau Police say a hit-and-run in Douglas involved a blue minivan that damaged a parked vehicle; the suspect was later taken into custody and faces DUI and related charges. Denali access restored: The Pretty Rocks Bridge reopened the full Denali Park Road for cyclists and pedestrians, with bus access planned to resume next year after a landslide closure. Local community notes: Sitka Tribe hosts Elder Coffee Time Sept. 16, and Sitka Pioneers meet Sept. 9.

School Board Politics: Kenai Peninsula Borough voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to impose two consecutive term limits on school board members, after the borough assembly unanimously placed Proposition No. 1 on the ballot. Local Public Safety: A new state report shows Kenai’s 2025 crime rose more than 18% year over year, with assaults and thefts among the biggest categories. Federal Workforce Cuts: U.S. Fish and Wildlife staffing has dropped by about 3,600 during Trump’s second term, with Alaska down roughly 36% since 2024, according to federal rosters. Broadband Push: NTIA says states can apply for additional BEAD funding to reach newly identified unserved locations, including in Alaska. Aviation & Safety: Boeing paid a $3.1 million FAA fine tied to safety and quality violations, including issues connected to the 2024 Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 incident. Energy Watch: Trump again urged South Korea and Japan to join Alaska LNG efforts, framing it as a way to “load up” and build pipelines. Health Guidance: The American Academy of Pediatrics expanded RSV vaccine recommendations, including all Native American and Alaska Native children.

Elections & Civic Life: Alaska’s primary turnout hit some of the highest levels in more than a decade, with nearly 167,000 ballots cast (about 27.7% of registered voters), as high-stakes races and leadership change fueled interest. Judicial Accountability: The Alaska Judicial Council is recommending “no” votes on two judges for retention this November—Superior Court Judge Kelly Lawson and District Court Judge Martin Fallon—marking a rare move in its history. Education: The University of Alaska Board of Regents met in Juneau for its first full board meeting under new UA President Matthew Cooper, reviewing FY28 budget plans and student success efforts. Roads, Wildlife & Legal Fight: Alaska has begun building a 2.8-mile gravel road tied to the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, a move conservation groups say could open the door to a longer corridor. Public Health: State officials report Alaska youth suicide deaths reached a 10-year high in 2025, with attempts also rising over the past decade. Community & Safety: Alaska’s commercial king salmon fishery in Southeast and Yakutat is set to close Friday night, and AAA warns Labor Day gas prices are at record highs.

Juneau & Southeast Alaska: Juneau police say two 16-year-olds, Leotis Phillips and Zoey Clark, were found dead in the woods hours after being reported missing, with a gun found near the bodies; an autopsy is set through the Alaska State Medical Examiner. Transportation & infrastructure: Cowi says it has completed the steel launch engineering for the Juneau Creek Bridge project on the Sterling Highway, using a complex staged plan to move the superstructure across a remote canyon. Aviation safety: The NTSB is investigating a fatal Seldovia crash that happened during an aborted landing, with a preliminary report expected within 10 days. Energy & politics: President Trump says South Korea and Japan are heading to Alaska to “load up” on oil and build pipelines, as he pushes support for Sen. Dan Sullivan ahead of the midterms. Local economy & travel: AAA reports Labor Day travel demand is strong but costs and traffic are higher, with Anchorage among top domestic destinations.