AGP Executive Report

Federal Ferry Funding: After a yearlong freeze, the Trump administration released $410 million in long-stalled federal ferry money for Alaska’s Marine Highway System, including $161.2 million for operations through 2027 and $37.6 million tied to the controversial Cascade Point terminal near Juneau. Aviation Disaster in Southwest Alaska: A charter Cessna 441 crashed near the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site in heavy fog during its second landing attempt, killing all eight aboard, including two U.S. Army Corps of Engineers employees and four contractors; investigators say the pilots were flying by instruments after the first approach was aborted. Energy Crunch in Whittier: Enstar says a temporary LNG supply is headed to Whittier after a pipeline repair outage, with reconnections possibly starting Friday night. Education Funding Opportunity: Alaska is accepting nonprofit applications for a new K-12 scholarship tax credit program, with the first approvals expected by Sept. 30. Politics & Policy: The USDA released a draft plan to repeal the Roadless Rule, which could open large areas of Alaska’s national forests to logging. Airline Pricing Tech: Delta says it will expand AI use to set fares, drawing renewed scrutiny over how pricing could affect travelers.

Aviation Tragedy: A civilian-contracted Cessna 441 crashed near the Cape Newenham long-range radar site in western Alaska, killing all eight people aboard, according to the U.S. military and the FAA. Investigation Underway: Rescuers confirmed no survivors, and the NTSB is leading the probe with details expected after next of kin are notified. Local Business Spotlight: In Dillingham, Alaska Net & Supply is keeping Bristol Bay fishermen fishing—handling urgent hydraulic and net repairs and selling Tairyo netting exclusively. Travel & Connectivity: Alaska Airlines announced new nonstop Seattle routes to Athens and Paris starting next spring, expanding its intercontinental network. Health Watch: A new U.S. report finds gestational hypertension is rising fast—up 73% from 2016 to 2024—raising questions for expectant parents and clinicians. Fuel Prices: The national gas average ticked up to about $4.11 per gallon, with AAA linking recent movement to crude oil prices and Middle East uncertainty.

Alaska Oyster Trail: Alaska Sea Grant and the Alaska Shellfish Growers Association launched the Alaska Oyster Voyage, mapping farm tours, raw bars, restaurants, and seafood markets so travelers can track and taste Alaska-grown oysters. Juneau & Southeast Local Governance: The Juneau Assembly approved Sealaska Heritage Institute’s $1.5 million bid for city hall, as the city moves toward a major redevelopment plan. Alaska Courts & Land Use: A ruling overturns a land trade in an Alaska wildlife refuge and raises doubts about a road plan. Public Safety & Justice: A former tribal coordinator for the Native Village of Mary’s Igloo was indicted on embezzlement charges alleging more than $88,000 misappropriated from tribal accounts. Health & Federal Policy: The VA raised the ceiling of its Oracle Health EHR modernization contract to nearly $27 billion as deployments lag behind the original schedule. Connectivity Costs: The FCC is considering cuts to E-Rate funding that helps schools and libraries pay for internet access. Travel: Alaska Airlines announced nonstop Seattle service to Athens and Paris starting in spring 2027. Northern Lights: NOAA forecasts auroras could peak around Kp 4 tonight, with best viewing from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. in northern states.

Alaska Senate Showdown: Alaska’s U.S. Senate primary is set for November with Sen. Dan Sullivan and Rep. Mary Peltola advancing, after a chaotic race that included a same-name “dirty trick” Dan Sullivan and concerns about voter confusion. Juneau Flood Planning: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is soliciting long-term solutions for Juneau’s glacial flood risk as river levels and impacts continue to be assessed. Tok Wildfire Update: Mukluk Fire coverage continues as crews work to protect homes near Tok and the governor issues disaster declarations for affected areas. Rail Investment: The Alaska Railroad is getting $28.8 million for repairs to the Hurricane Gulch Bridge, a key link on the Anchorage-to-Denali main line. Cook Inlet Fisheries: A new administrative district for Cook Inlet set-netters is now in place, aimed at improving how limited-entry issues are handled for struggling fishers. Tech & Privacy: Flock’s growing network of road cameras and license-plate tracking is drawing backlash, with reports of misuse and vandalism.

Alaska Senate showdown: Mary Peltola and Sen. Dan Sullivan both cleared Tuesday’s Alaska Senate primary, setting up a costly November fight for control of the U.S. Senate. Peltola led with about 48% to Sullivan’s roughly 43%, and a third GOP candidate with the same name—Dan J. Sullivan—also advanced, raising fresh concerns about voter confusion and prompting a DOJ look into the “two Dan Sullivans” situation. Election fallout: In Kodiak precincts, Peltola topped Sullivan, while turnout varied widely across the island. Federal policy pressure on Alaska: The U.S. Forest Service proposed rescinding the 2001 roadless rule, a move that could expand roadbuilding, drilling, and logging. Fishing industry pushback: Alaska’s commercial fishermen are alarmed by a federal cybersecurity shift toward Login.gov multifactor sign-in for fisheries systems, warning it could be hard in remote areas with spotty service. Juneau real estate: The Juneau Assembly voted to sell City Hall to Sealaska Heritage Institute for a major redevelopment plan. Public safety: Anchorage closed several trails in response to increased bear activity.

Alaska Senate Showdown: Incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan and former Rep. Mary Peltola both advanced from Alaska’s nonpartisan primary to the November general election, with Peltola leading early Wednesday (about 47.8%) and Sullivan close behind (about 43.3%) as vote counts neared 80%—setting up a marquee midterm race that could help decide control of the U.S. Senate. Campaign Clash: Both candidates wasted no time after the primary, trading sharp attacks and previewing a high-stakes general election focused on their records and what they say Alaskans need next. Ballot Measure 1: Voters also backed Ballot Measure 1, reinstating limits on campaign contributions for state and local races by a wide margin (about 71.9% yes). Other Alaska Races: In the U.S. House primary, Rep. Nick Begich led and advanced, while the governor’s race top vote-getters included Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins and Tom Begich.

Juneau Local Politics: The Juneau Assembly approved selling City Hall to the Sealaska Heritage Institute for $1.5 million, clearing the way for demolition and a new $40 million arts and cultural tourism complex downtown. Southeast Transportation: Alaska Marine Highway System service to Skagway is suspended after cracks were found in the terminal’s vehicle transfer bridge and passenger walkway; divers and inspections are underway, with no timeline yet. Alaska Election Watch: Tuesday’s nonpartisan top-four primary is underway across the state, with Alaska’s U.S. Senate race drawing national attention after federal prosecutors issued subpoenas tied to confusion concerns involving two candidates named Dan Sullivan. Wildfire & Emergency Response (Tok): The Mukluk Fire near Tok has surged to about 3,000 acres, with roughly 20 structures damaged or destroyed and Level 3 “GO” evacuations still in place; FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant covering up to 75% of eligible firefighting costs. Public Safety (Anchorage): Several Anchorage trails are temporarily closed due to increased bear activity, including Rover’s Run and Salmon Run trails. Legal/Conservation: A federal judge overturned the Izembek land exchange that would have enabled a road through part of the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge.

Alaska Primary Spotlight: Voters head to the polls Tuesday in Alaska’s unusual nonpartisan Senate primary, where Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan faces Democrat Mary Peltola—an outcome that could signal whether Democrats can realistically win control of the chamber this fall. Ballot Confusion: The race also includes a Republican challenger with the same name, Dan J. Sullivan, adding extra friction for voters and campaigns. Florida Redistricting Test: In Florida, GOP redistricting is reshaping congressional matchups, with primaries seen as early clues to November’s House fight. Democrats vs. Democratic Socialists: Florida’s Democratic primaries feature a clash between establishment Democrats and Democratic Socialists, with Israel-related politics also in the mix. Local Alaska Disruption: Alaska Marine Highway ferry service to Skagway is suspended for the foreseeable future after structural damage was found at the dock, disrupting residents and visitors. Back-to-School Pressure: In Fairbanks, teachers and support staff are returning to classes without new contracts as negotiations run late.

Wildfire Response in Interior: Evacuations were ordered Monday for residents north of the Alaska Highway near Tok, from Sundog Trail to Midnight Sun Drive, as a rapidly growing, human-caused wildfire pushed toward the Tanana River; power was shut off in the area and crews including smoke jumpers and state forestry engines were deployed. Juneau Flood Fix Planning: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking bidders for a “pitch briefings” process to speed up a long-term solution for Suicide Basin glacial outburst flood risk, but officials still don’t know what the final project will be. Bear Attack on a Trail Runner: Anchorage-area trail runner Klaire Rhodes said she was mauled by a brown bear on the Wolverine Bowl Trail near Prospect Heights, deployed bear spray, and escaped with relatively minor injuries. Alaska Politics Ahead of Primaries: Alaska’s nonpartisan primary is Tuesday, with the top four advancing to November under ranked-choice voting; coverage highlights the tight Sullivan–Peltola U.S. Senate fight and the crowded governor field. Fishing & Local Economy: Sitka-area District 13 seiners set a new one-day pink salmon record with about 1.1 million fish harvested Aug. 6, driven by strong escapements and more boats than usual. Cruise Health Scrutiny: A CDC Vessel Sanitation Program inspection for National Geographic Sea Lion scored 86 (barely satisfactory) and cited multiple food and reporting issues.

Alaska Politics: Alaska’s U.S. Senate primary is heating up with two Republicans sharing the same name on the ballot, while Democrats—including Mary Peltola—try to turn the race into a real shot at flipping the seat. Campaign Fallout: Peltola’s campaign has reportedly made major staff shakeups, adding more uncertainty to a contest already seen as pivotal for control of the Senate. Elections & Messaging: A new GOP ad targets Peltola over senior taxes, arguing her opponent would worsen costs for older Alaskans. Juneau Travel Lifeline: The Alaska Marine Highway System opened reservations for the 2026/2027 winter schedule, with service set to run from Oct. 1 through April 30. Juneau Weather Watch: Southeast Alaska continues to monitor glacial flood impacts as river levels rise and fall. Science in Alaska: UAF is getting a new high-end spectrometer facility funded by the National Science Foundation to speed up environmental research without sending samples out of state. Public Safety: Troopers and wildlife officials are reminding drivers and riders to stay alert after a rash of motorcycle crashes and bear encounters.

Alaska Long Trail: Bradford Bartels, “Rafiki,” finished the first solo thru-hike of the Alaska Long Trail, wrapping up a 47-day, 500-plus-mile trek in Fairbanks and urging hikers to come prepared, respect wildlife, and leave no trace. Public Safety: A North Pole man, Charles Yingst, was arrested after a lengthy search and charged with felony escape and violations tied to removing his ankle monitor; his warrants totaled more than $2 million. Travel Disruption: Tropical Storm Lala passed Hawaii but left flash flooding and mudslides, plus widespread flight cancellations and ground stops across major airports. Juneau/Local: A Juneau man was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash in the Town of Lowell; investigators say the bike left the road, rolled, and ended in a field. Community & Culture: Anchorage’s Hmong Harvest Festival kicked off a new year for the Hmong community, with performances, food, and cultural celebrations. Healthcare Workforce: UAA and ANTHC announced a partnership to expand local clinical rotations for healthcare students. Politics: U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche refused to pledge DOJ independence from the White House, drawing fresh scrutiny.

Arctic Security: U.S. Special Operations Forces launched Operation POLAR DAGGER 2026 across western Alaska, operating from Little Diomede and other Bering Strait sites through Aug. 31 to test how small teams can deploy and stay supported in austere Arctic terrain. Juneau Flood Watch: Juneau-area crews and officials continue responding to glacial outburst flooding risk tied to Suicide Basin, with evacuation guidance and barrier inspections ongoing. Bear Safety: An Anchorage runner was hospitalized after a brown bear attack near Prospect Heights’ Wolverine Bowl trail; Fish and Game says bear spray helped, and warns hikers about dense foliage and closed trails. Wildlife & Ecosystems: Arctic foxes introduced for fur decades ago are blamed for major nutrient and seabird declines on Aleutian islands, turning grasslands into maritime tundra. Local Economy/Community: Alyeska’s Blueberry Festival returned for its 19th year with dozens of local vendors and community fundraising. Transportation Disruption: DOT suspended ferry service to Skagway after major structural damage to the state ferry docking facility.

Alaska Senate spotlight: Mary Peltola is distancing herself from Kamala Harris’s endorsement ahead of the Aug. 18 primary, while Republicans argue the move proves Peltola is tied to Harris and Democrats’ agenda. Bear safety and backlash: In Anchorage’s Eagle River, Fish and Game killed a brown bear and three cubs after the family entered a home with chickens, sparking anger over how livestock protection is handled in bear country. Local wildlife incident: A woman trail running near Prospect Heights used bear spray to escape a brown bear attack and was taken to hospital; officials posted warnings at the trailhead. Southeast search update: The body of missing hiker Ben Le was found near Port Armstrong on Baranof Island after a multi-agency search. Consumer protection: An Anchorage RV rental owner was ordered to pay more than $230,000 in fines and restitution tied to alleged deceptive practices. Travel disruptions: Delta says cancellations are up sharply this year, with more than 19,000 flights canceled in the first half, nearly double last year. Climate watch: New climate reporting highlights accelerated warming across the Arctic, with Alaska researchers pointing to a faster-changing region.

Glacial Flood Response in Juneau: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says it will quickly seek industry proposals for a long-term fix to Juneau’s glacial outburst flooding, using “pitch briefings” to pick a company by year’s end. Election Watch: Alaska’s primary is Tuesday, with more than 24,000 early/absentee ballots already in—showing big rural vs. urban gaps in early voting access. Alaska Politics & Messaging: Outside groups are pouring money into Alaska’s U.S. Senate race, focusing on trawling and bycatch and how it’s tied to declines in salmon, halibut and crab. Education & Budgets: Anchorage School District says graduation and test scores are up, but it’s still facing a major $40 million shortfall and teacher hiring needs after closing three schools. Kodiak Growth: Kodiak begins a new era of nine-man football, and UAA has named a new director for Kodiak College. Community Memory: The Alutiiq Museum is launching a two-year planning project for a Refuge Rock monument honoring Alutiiq/Sugpiaq victims of the 1784 Awa’uq massacre.

Juneau Flood Response: The Mendenhall River and glacial outburst flood threat eased as river levels dropped, with officials warning residents to stay alert while damage assessments continue. Wildlife & Safety: Alaska wildlife officials killed a brown bear with cubs in Eagle River, sparking frustration from locals who say the deaths were preventable—renewing debate over how to protect livestock and keep bears from getting into homes. Public Safety & Fire Weather: Crews stayed on alert for more lightning-caused wildfires as incident teams reported small new starts and prepared for additional storms. State Government & Elections: An Anchorage judge ruled an elections challenge over a candidate’s blank personal financial disclosure form won’t remove him from the Aug. 18 primary ballot—for now. Legal/Policy: Acting Attorney General Cori Mills issued an opinion saying laws that force the governor to pick board and commission appointees from private-entity nominee lists are unconstitutional. Community & Services: Alaska public radio’s backbone got a boost with federal and foundation grants aimed at keeping remote stations on the air.

ICE Call Center Contract: Local officials in Robertson and Montgomery counties say they learned only through media reports about a federal contract—up to $63 million—linking an Alaska Native corporation subsidiary (Koniag) to a 24-hour ICE call center planned for Adams, Tennessee. Juneau Flood Update: The Mendenhall River peaked Wednesday at about 14.7 feet after the Suicide Basin outburst, with limited damage reported so far and crews dealing with dangerous conditions as water recedes. Public Safety: Fairbanks police arrested two residents and a person from Arkansas on felony drug misconduct charges tied to a parcel-meth investigation; a Fairbanks woman was also charged with felony failure to register as a sex offender. Epstein Files: A federal judge warned DOJ attorneys that contempt proceedings could be used if the department keeps defying court orders in the Epstein records case. Surrogacy Fight: A Texas birth tied to a multi-state surrogacy and abortion dispute is now in the intended parents’ custody, while the Alaska surrogate’s legal team vows to keep fighting. Arctic Sports: Fairbanks was selected to host the 2028 Arctic Winter Games.