AGP Executive Report

Travel Forecast: AAA Kansas expects a Memorial Day record—39.1 million Americans traveling by car and 3.66 million flying—despite higher gas prices and economic jitters. Alaska Air Service: Aleutian Airways abruptly pulled out of Kenai, ending daily Anchorage–Kenai flights less than a year after launch, citing fuel allotment and runway limits during construction. Salmon Markets: UCN is proposing weekly U.S. wholesale price reporting for frozen Alaska salmon roe (pink and chum green roe), aiming to add transparency as the season’s negotiations begin. Wildlife Science: New research says belugas can recognize themselves in mirrors, joining a short list of nonhuman species showing self-awareness. Energy Politics: A North Carolina business court dismissed a climate tort case against Duke Energy as non-justiciable, underscoring how courts may block climate damages claims framed as traditional lawsuits. Cruise/Travel Connectivity: Alaska Airlines’ first flight to London Heathrow lands today, boosting oneworld’s presence at the UK’s busiest hub.

Alaska LNG Tax Break Standoff: The Alaska Legislature opened a 30-day special session to keep working on Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s tax cuts for the proposed trans-Alaska gas pipeline, but lawmakers are still skeptical—especially over missing updated cost and gas-price details, with Senate leaders warning they’re being asked to “buy a pig in a poke.” Education Energy Relief: In the latest school-finance push, the Senate and House advanced a grant framework that could cover 100% of districts’ annual energy costs starting in 2028, plus one-time energy relief this year. Local Economy & Culture: Fairbanks-area midgrade gas hit a low of $5.52 in one Southeast Fairbanks station, while Iḷisaġvik College bought 15 acres in Utqiaġvik for its long-planned campus. Cybersecurity: A Canadian man accused of helping run the Kimwolf DDoS botnet was arrested in Ottawa and faces extradition to the U.S. Tourism & Community: Homer’s Farmers Market opens May 23 with 75–80 vendors, and Utqiaġvik’s tribal college land purchase signals more North Slope growth.

Alaska Legislature: Lawmakers adjourned their regular session Wednesday night, but the fight isn’t over—an immediate special session is set to tackle the trans-Alaska gas pipeline, with Gov. Mike Dunleavy and legislators still far apart on the LNG property-tax package. Crime & public safety: The Legislature also cleared a sweeping 65-page crime bill, including raising the age of consent to 18 and cracking down on mail theft and AI-made child sexual abuse material. Energy costs for schools: A separate education package passed that could shift more school heating and energy bills to the state, with energy relief grants starting next year. Gas prices & Memorial Day: Nationally, Memorial Day gas prices are up about $1.38 from last year, with the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz tensions still driving the pressure. Business ripple effects: Alaska’s airport security could soon get a fast-lane option as a driver’s license data-sharing bill heads to the governor.

Alaska Crime & Consent Overhaul: The Alaska Legislature passed a sweeping omnibus crime bill, including raising the age of consent to 18, cracking down on AI-generated child sex abuse material, and tightening rules around hit-and-run and sexual assault by healthcare workers—sending it to Gov. Mike Dunleavy. Gasline Push: Dunleavy has called a special session starting Thursday to advance a natural gas line bill, keeping the LNG pipeline fight front and center as lawmakers juggle competing versions. Energy Costs in the Capital: Juneau residents are pushing back on AEL&P’s proposed 20% rate hike, arguing it’s not affordable. Local Governance & Jobs: The Legislature also approved an “Alaska Work and Save” managed retirement program for businesses that don’t offer plans, aiming to help retain and recruit workers. Rural Energy Security: Interior announced a Rural Alaska Energy Security Task Force in Fairbanks, targeting solutions for remote power disruptions and rising costs. Oil News: Repsol and Santos reached first oil at Pikka on the North Slope, with production slated to ramp to an 80,000-barrel-per-day plateau.

Alaska LNG Deadline Pressure: Gov. Mike Dunleavy has called a special session starting Thursday to force a decision on his priority—property tax breaks for the North Slope gas pipeline plan—after negotiations collapsed and lawmakers failed to align on the deal. Energy Deal Momentum: ConocoPhillips signed a long-term Alaska LNG supply agreement with Glenfarne to move North Slope gas for Phase 1, aimed at domestic delivery via a pipeline to Anchorage, with Phase 2 adding LNG export in Nikiski. Local Governance Watch: Juneau School District announced multiple administration moves for 2026-27, including leadership changes tied to the end of a Sealaska Heritage Institute grant. Tech & Policy: Alaska’s right-to-repair fight is back in focus as lawmakers weigh SB 111 and related measures that would make it easier for local shops to fix modern electronics. National Backdrop: The U.S. Senate advanced a war-powers resolution targeting Trump’s Iran authority, with Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski among the Republicans backing the procedural step.

Alaska Energy Standoff: Alaska’s LNG tax overhaul died on the House floor May 18, leaving a key North Slope deal stranded as the session ends May 20—Dunleavy wants to swap the current 2% property tax for a volumetric tax tied to gas flow, but a compromise amendment derailed the push. Federal Politics: The Senate advanced, for the first time, a resolution to force Trump to end the Iran war or get authorization—Murkowski and Alaska’s Cassidy joined Democrats in a 50-47 vote, after months of GOP blocking. Alaska Courts & Fisheries: A Juneau jury convicted an Alaska man of illegal commercial fishing and fraudulent reporting tied to untested shellfish; he was sentenced to 10 years with 5½ suspended. Business & Travel: Collision-related rental length fell again in Q1 2026, but remains above pre-pandemic levels; and Nevada gas averaged $5.25 a gallon, 72 cents above the national average. Tech/Policy: Trump ordered the Fed to review rules that may limit fintech access to payment rails.

Energy Permitting Push: The Interior Department is launching a new effort to streamline oil-and-gas permitting inside Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve, starting with a 45-day public scoping process aimed at speeding approvals for qualifying facilities and infrastructure. Alaska LNG Momentum: Glenfarne Group says it has locked in a 30-year gas supply agreement with ConocoPhillips for the Alaska LNG project’s first phase, a key step toward a final investment decision as the 807-mile pipeline plan moves forward. North Slope Oil Update: Santos and partners are celebrating first oil from the Pikka project, with forecasts pointing to eventual production that could make it the biggest new North Slope addition in years. Mining & Critical Minerals: Graphite One has shifted its planned anode plant site from Weathersfield to Conneaut, citing power-infrastructure timing challenges, while Alaska’s broader critical-minerals push continues to draw deals and attention.

Greenland Talks: U.S., Denmark and Greenland are in closed-door negotiations in Washington, with Greenland officials warning the U.S. is pushing for a “forever clause” for American troops, veto power over investment, and broader access tied to oil and rare earths—moves Greenlanders fear would hollow out sovereignty. Paid Leave Push: Alaska House lawmakers advanced a bill that would create up to 12 weeks of state-paid parental leave starting in 2030, but Senate action before session ends looks tight. Alaska LNG Deadline: Lawmakers are scrambling to move a negotiated Alaska LNG tax package after last-ditch talks with the governor’s office; the House is weighing a compromise amendment as time runs out. Energy Deal: The state signed an MOU with POSCO International for six transformation projects, including geothermal, green methanol, a SAF refinery, rare earths, port upgrades, and the Knik Arm crossing. Military & Housing: A WalletHub analysis ranks Alaska among the best states for military retirees, while VA refinance loan averages show Alaska IRRRLs rising to about $440,093 in Q1 2026. Youth Oversight: The Legislature approved stronger oversight rules for youth in psychiatric facilities, including faster court hearings for foster youth.

Aviation Shock: Spirit Airlines’ sudden collapse is already rippling into Alaska travel plans, with lawyers apologizing to passengers and analysts warning budget fliers may face a summer of pricier tickets. University Governance: The Alaska Legislature approved adding a faculty member to the University of Alaska Board of Regents—giving professors a stronger seat at the table, but with a governor’s signature still needed. Energy Watch: On the North Slope, Santos says it has reached first oil at the Pikka Phase 1 project, while Alaska LNG’s Phase One heads toward a go/no-go crossroads after a 30-year gas pact. Ports & Tourism: Seward’s cruise terminal opening is delayed to May 22 after an inspection found piles that must be removed; ships are being rerouted to Whittier. Policy & Money: Alaska’s PFD stays the same, and the energy relief rebate rises to $200. Business Moves: General Indemnity Group agreed to be acquired by CopperPoint to expand surety reach.

Mining Watch: PolarX says it has mapped a 3.5-kilometer copper-gold anomaly at its Alaska Range project, with surface samples reporting up to 8% copper and 19 g/t gold and follow-up mapping and a magnetotellurics survey planned. Oil & Gas Policy: The Trump administration is pushing to speed permitting for oil developments inside the National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska, aiming for faster reviews that could cut timelines for projects like ConocoPhillips’ Willow—drawing fresh fire from environmental groups. Education Funding: Alaska’s school funding fight is heating up as lawmakers and local leaders argue the formula is shifting costs onto property taxpayers; a proposal would cap local required contributions at 2%. Local Governance: Anchorage’s JBER is seeking public input on a proposed 7-mile barbed-wire fence along base-adjacent neighborhoods, raising concerns for residents and wildlife. Politics Beyond Alaska: Trump’s latest MAGA infighting targets Rep. Lauren Boebert over her support for Thomas Massie, underscoring how loyalty is reshaping GOP primaries.

Oil Permitting Push: The Trump administration is moving to speed up oil development approvals inside Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve—aiming for a new permit framework that could cut reviews to about 30 days, a move that would likely benefit major North Slope leaseholders and inflame environmental opposition. Alaska LNG Deadline Pressure: With only days left in the legislative session, lawmakers are scrambling to craft an Alaska LNG tax-and-fiscal compromise that can survive a Dunleavy veto, after warnings that changing assumptions late in the process could spook investors. Housing & Retirement Squeeze: New national analyses underscore how affordability is tightening—most Americans can’t afford new homes—and Alaska-specific reporting highlights how many older Alaskans lack retirement savings and access to workplace plans. Local Legal/Community Watch: Anchorage’s Willow Commons behavioral health provider is facing contract and supply-related allegations, while Fairbanks voters are again pushing for more visible, hand-counted ballot counting. Weekend Life: Palmer’s “Tater Trot” returns with Ninja-style obstacles, and Spokane airport construction is reshaping parking and passenger flow this summer.

Alaska LNG Deadline Crunch: Lawmakers are racing to advance Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s Alaska LNG bill with days left in session, trying to craft a tax deal that won’t trigger a veto—while critics warn the project still lacks clear answers on cost, financing, risk, and who pays if the numbers don’t work. Energy Pressure: The debate is landing as Cook Inlet gas supply tightens and diesel prices stay elevated, squeezing budgets from schools to households. Workforce & Retirement: Separate opinion pushes argue Alaska needs a financeable LNG bargain and also a real retirement fix—highlighting SB 21 “Alaska Work and Save” to expand workplace savings for workers who currently have no plan. Local Legal/Community Watch: Anchorage’s Willow Commons behavioral health provider faces a breach-of-contract suit over alleged unpaid rent and missing supplies, and Ketchikan’s borough is set to revisit a library services agreement. National Politics: In red-state races, Democrats are increasingly backing independents—Alaska included—as they try to outmaneuver party-brand drag.

Alaska Politics & Schools: A new op-ed pushback is circulating against Proposition 109, arguing the measure is being misrepresented—supporters say it sets separate teams by biological sex and doesn’t authorize invasive inspections. U.S.-China & Iran: President Trump returned from Beijing calling the Xi talks “very historic,” saying Taiwan dominated the conversation and that Xi opposed independence, while the U.S.-Iran ceasefire remains shaky as both sides dig in. Energy Costs Hit Home: Diesel prices tied to the Iran war are straining school budgets nationwide, with Alaska officials scrambling to secure fuel. Alaska Economy: A fresh Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute report says the seafood industry supports about 41,800 jobs and $5.2B in statewide economic activity (2023-24). Critical Minerals: Nova Minerals says it finished its 2026 winter freight push for its Estelle antimony project, moving equipment for phase one operations. Housing Push: Alaska lawmakers advanced a bill letting AIDEA finance workforce housing with three-plus units.

Alaska Capital Push: The Alaska House passed a $2.5 billion capital budget, with nearly $150 million aimed at K-12 school repairs and construction and about $323 million for drinking-water projects, using a mix of state money and expected federal funding. Housing & Health Staffing: Lawmakers also advanced measures tied to apartment construction and moved a resolution urging the Trump administration to waive steep H-1B visa fees that Alaska districts say they need to hire international teachers. Courts & Corporations: The Alaska Supreme Court heard arguments in a lawsuit challenging Cape Fox Corp. election and board conduct. Local Enforcement: Two Wasilla men were sentenced in federal court for running an unlicensed big-game guide operation out of Kodiak, triggering prison, probation, fines, and hunting bans. Energy & Trade Shockwaves: Globally, markets slid as investors worried about the Strait of Hormuz and oil supply, while Trump told reporters in Alaska that Taiwan and Iran were major topics in his China talks. Mining Watch: Nova Minerals says it completed its 2026 winter ice-road freight push to the Estelle antimony project, positioning it for phase-one military-grade production.

Public Health: Ticks are showing up everywhere—including Alaska—and the big risk isn’t the bite, it’s the diseases they can carry; with warmer winters and more time outdoors, pet owners are being urged to protect dogs in tall grass, leaf litter and backyards. U.S.-China Watch: President Trump wrapped up his Beijing trip with warm rhetoric but few hard wins, as key tech and energy items—including Nvidia’s H200 chip sales—remain stalled and Iran/Strait of Hormuz tensions keep pressure on markets. Alaska Policy: NOAA declined Endangered Species Act protection for Alaskan Chinook salmon after a review found the case wasn’t warranted, a decision backed by many Alaska fishing groups. Economy & Cost of Living: Gas prices are still elevated heading into Memorial Day, and SNAP enrollment continues to fall nationwide after tightened work rules. Local Business/Community: Atlantic LNG named a new CEO, while Alaska lawmakers and boards continue to reshuffle appointments and oversight.

Legislative Pushback: Alaska lawmakers rejected Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s picks for the State Medical Board and Board of Professional Counselors, and narrowly turned down his attorney general nominee, Stephen Cox—who immediately pivoted to “Counsel to the Governor.” Aviation Safety: A passenger is suing Alaska Airlines over alleged turbulence injuries from a 2024 Seattle-to-Phoenix flight, claiming crews knew conditions were worsening and didn’t divert. Local Tax & Infrastructure: Soldotna approved a half-percent sales tax increase to fund city infrastructure, a move expected to raise about $1.7 million annually. Fire & Response Gaps: A Mat-Su trailer fire on Burma Road highlighted neighborhoods outside fire service areas where local departments declined to respond. Energy & Industry: First oil from the Pikka field is described as imminent, while Wrangell’s 44-acre solar project clears the way to cut diesel reliance.