AGP Executive Report

Alaska LNG: The Alaska LNG pipeline bill is again in trouble, with House leaders saying it lacks the votes and Dunleavy pushing a “compromise” version that includes a corporation tax. Immigration enforcement contract: Koniag Government Services, a Kodiak/Anchorage-based Alaska Native corporation subsidiary, won a $63 million DHS/ICE national call center contract in rural Tennessee. Tourism authenticity crackdown: Alaska’s consumer protection unit reached a fourth settlement in six months over jewelry origin misrepresentations, targeting “Made in Alaska” claims that undercut local craft and tourism businesses. Interior energy squeeze: Interior Alaska braces for winter uncertainty after a major firewood supplier winds down, threatening thousands of households and wood-fired businesses. Crypto security: More than 40 crypto firms and groups, including Anchorage Digital, urged AI labs to share access for security testing to close the gap between attackers and defenders. Oil on the North Slope: ConocoPhillips started production at the Coyote 3SX project, adding to Alaska’s North Slope output momentum. Logistics win: Lynden Logistics was named top airfreight forwarder in Quest for Quality for the 20th time.

Alaska LNG: The Alaska House Majority says Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s latest Alaska LNG bill doesn’t have the votes, collapsing a third straight special session and drawing a sharp rebuke from the governor after business groups criticized the tax package. State Politics: With Tuesday’s open primary looming, candidates in Alaska’s crowded governor’s race are spending heavily—about $10 million a week ahead of the vote—while regulators scrutinize possible self-funding violations. Energy & Policy: Dunleavy’s compromise LNG proposal would nearly eliminate pipeline property taxes and add a 2% S-corp income tax on certain privately held producers, a key fight point for lawmakers and industry. Local Governance & Safety: Dearborn police warn residents to avoid alleged outside anti-Islam protesters at an upcoming city council meeting. Native Affairs & Federal Contracting: Federal documents show an Alaska Native corporation, Koniag Government Services, will operate a 24-hour ICE call center in rural Tennessee. Natural Resources & Industry: Nova Minerals is ramping up its Estelle project in Alaska with three drill rigs running around the clock and antimony pilot-plant progress at Port MacKenzie. Elections Guide: Voters have until 8 p.m. Aug. 18; the ballot includes Measure 1, which would cap individual campaign donations at $2,000 per election cycle.

Federal Contracting: DHS awarded a $63 million deal to Alaska Native-owned Koniag Government Services to run a 24/7 ICE call center in Adams, Tennessee—raising questions locally about whether the tiny town is ready for the infrastructure and staffing needs. Southeast Business Disruption: Ketchikan Public Utilities suffered a second internet outage in 10 days tied to copper theft and fiber damage in Canada, knocking out service for hours and hitting local businesses. Aviation & Consumer Tech: Rep. Frank Pallone pressed major airlines, including Alaska Airlines, for answers on “surveillance pricing,” asking whether personal data and AI help set what individual travelers pay. Crypto & AI: Bitcoin Policy Institute and crypto firms urged AI labs to provide early access to frontier models for Bitcoin and open-source developers, warning that public systems’ guardrails can leave defenders behind. Health & Safety: Henkel recalled Schwarzkopf Professional Osis Grip Extra Strong Mousse in 12 states due to a packaging defect that could leak and potentially explode under pressure. Alaska Climate & Infrastructure: NOAA will end administrative support for the Arctic Report Card, while a separate report highlights Point Lay’s ground sinking as permafrost thaws. Local Justice: Fairbanks-area man Aaron Hague was sentenced to 26 years for manslaughter, theft and evidence tampering in a “no body” homicide case.

Alaska LNG: The $55B Alaska LNG megaproject is back in the spotlight as lead developer Glenfarne Group says it’s talking with two more potential gas buyers to secure additional offtake before a final investment decision. Southcentral Gas Crunch: ENSTAR has launched emergency arbitration against Cook Inlet producer HEX after HEX cut off “discretionary” gas deliveries mid-summer, deepening winter supply worries. Aviation Oversight: The FAA is proposing a new airworthiness directive tied to improperly installed seats on 453 Boeing 737 MAX jets, a sign regulators are tightening scrutiny even after Boeing gained more certification authority. Mining & Salmon: Kinross Gold and Trout Unlimited launched the Cripple Creek Restoration Project in Fairbanks, aiming to restore juvenile Chinook habitat harmed by historic mining diversions. Local Business & Safety: Anchorage began demolition of the long-vacant Big Timber Motel, citing crime and safety risks tied to trespassing. Community Growth: North Pole organizers are fundraising for a new welcome center to support residents and servicemembers at Eielson Air Force Base. Food Costs: A DoorDash “cheeseburger index” finds a $15 quick meal is disappearing, with Anchorage among the pricier markets. Internet Disruption: Ketchikan’s KPU internet outage was traced to fiber issues tied to Canada, including copper theft and vandalism.

Alaska Courts & Governance: The Alaska Supreme Court upheld an ethics ruling against former Sen. Lora Reinbold, saying she can’t block constituents on Facebook or delete their comments, reinforcing that lawmakers must preserve public access to legislative discussion. Healthcare Costs: A guide to Medicare Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy) breaks down who qualifies and how it can cut prescription drug costs even as the Part D out-of-pocket cap rises to $2,100 for 2026. AI in Politics: AI regulation is heating up as a campaign issue, with candidates framing “guardrails” as both a privacy/public-safety matter and a jobs-and-displacement question. Space & Tech: Rocket Lab’s latest push includes a portable, deployable “GHOST” launch system concept and continued expansion plans as it reports record revenue and backlog. Energy & Oil: Santos says it has started shipping crude from the Pikka development on the North Slope, with the first 450,000-barrel cargo loaded at Valdez. Health Care Leadership: The Senate confirmed Mark Cruz as permanent director of the Indian Health Service, ending a long leadership gap for the agency serving about 2.8 million Alaska Native and American Indian patients. Cruise & Tourism: National Geographic-Lindblad and Norwegian both announced new 2028-29 cruise deployments that include longer Alaska itineraries and calls to Juneau.

Alaska LNG Policy Fight: Gov. Mike Dunleavy says he’ll introduce an updated Alaska LNG bill soon, aiming to move the megaproject forward with a major property tax cut and a “compromise” that would extend a corporate income tax to certain privately held oil and gas companies via an S-corp provision (but not the pipeline). Local Energy Costs: Southcentral may face tighter natural gas supplies this winter, and Anchorage and utilities are warning that higher bills and reliability risks make LNG a pressing economic issue. Gas Pipeline Oversight: The Senate Majority released a position paper laying out its stance on the gasline and the tax relief, arguing it protects Alaska’s long-term fiscal future while pushing for project labor and apprenticeships. Real Estate & Municipal Finance: An Anchorage home seller says a municipal property tax accounting delay led to duplicate payments and extra costs, highlighting how city systems can hit households during closings. Anchorage Cleanup: The city is set to demolish the blighted Big Timber Motel, citing safety risks and repeated first-responder calls. Broadband Expansion: Actelis Networks says it secured orders worth over $100,000 to extend broadband to remote Alaska schools and healthcare facilities using hybrid fiber-copper. Business & Community: Anchorage Little League dugouts got fresh paint through a local “Paint It Forward” program. Aviation/Space Tech: Rocket Lab unveiled its portable “GHOST” spaceport system to enable more flexible launch operations, with Alaska mentioned as part of its broader launch plans.

Alaska Politics: Rep. Louise Stutes (R-Kodiak) agreed to a proposed Alaska Public Offices Commission settlement, paying a $2,643.50 civil penalty and repaying $13,869.44 to her campaign after alleged disclosure errors across multiple election cycles. Aviation & Safety: CNN reports threats from passengers on two flights triggered emergency protocols, including a lockdown, with Alaska Airlines and United both cited in separate incidents. Alaska Business & Energy: ConocoPhillips named Andy O’Brien as CEO, with Ryan Lance stepping down, as investors focus on whether the company can deliver on Alaska’s Willow project and manage cost and schedule risks. Shipping & Trade: NOAA wrapped up Operation North Pacific Guard, conducting dozens of boardings tied to illegal fishing, including shark finning and endangered species violations. Tech & Identity: Alaska is among states using a Mobile ID approach for digital driver’s licenses, as more travelers add credentials to phone wallets. Local Governance: Big Lake residents pressed Mat-Su Borough and troopers for faster action on crime, squatting and junk, with enforcement and cleanup constrained by property rules. Environment: A Juneau construction firm, Duran Construction, faces a $350,000 consent agreement after illegal wetland and tidal marsh discharges.

U.S. Justice Department: The Senate confirmed Trump’s former defense lawyer Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote, with Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski and Maine’s Susan Collins among the “no” votes, setting up another high-stakes chapter for DOJ leadership. Alaska Policy & AI: Two opinion pieces argue Alaska is falling behind on AI governance, warning that the state lacks broad guardrails on privacy, algorithmic fairness, and child safety even as lawmakers passed a narrower deepfake/AI child sexual abuse measure. Broadband & Jobs: Another op-ed credits universal service for Alaska’s connectivity leap, but says the broadband transformation still leaves work unfinished for full economic impact. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports Alaska diesel prices easing in the week ending Aug. 1, including a Kenai Peninsula Borough low of $4.87 and other borough-specific declines. Aviation Safety: The FAA ordered crack inspections for hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets, covering 471 aircraft, a reminder of ongoing airframe risk management. Local Business/Infrastructure: A Seward Highway design critique says a four-lane limited-access plan could isolate roadside businesses and distort property values, urging alternative layouts.

Fisheries Politics: A new national spotlight is landing on Alaska’s fisheries as critics warn industrial fishing practices are squeezing smaller fleets and coastal economies. Interior Economic Development: The University of Alaska Fairbanks is set to lead a Critical Mineral Accelerator Engine, bringing $15 million over two years to help turn Alaska’s mineral wealth into jobs. Education & Local Governance: A Fairbanks School Board Seat F candidate argues consolidation and austerity measures failed to deliver savings, citing lower-than-target school capacity and budget disputes. Space & Defense Supply Chains: Lockheed Martin is pursuing scandium and germanium sourcing deals tied to aircraft and military systems, underscoring how Alaska-relevant critical minerals are moving into procurement. Aviation Safety: The FAA ordered crack inspections for 471 Boeing 737 MAX jets, a reminder of ongoing aircraft reliability scrutiny. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports Alaska premium and diesel prices easing in early August, with multiple boroughs posting the week’s lowest figures. Elections & Money: Elon Musk is backing a ballot push to repeal Alaska’s ranked-choice voting, injecting major cash into the November fight. DOJ Leadership: The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote, with Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski among the no votes.

Boeing Oversight: The FAA ordered inspections for 471 Boeing 737 MAX jets after crack concerns tied to “bear strap” areas, with rules starting Sept. 10—another hit to an already troubled aircraft maker. Energy & Budgets: Higher oil prices are boosting Alaska’s tax collections, potentially wiping out a budget hole and feeding one-time spending like household cash payments, school grants, and heating fuel loans. Gas Prices: Alaska fuel stayed mixed but generally steady in late-summer reporting, with the lowest premium gas in Matanuska-Susitna at $4.72 and Anchorage midgrade lows around $4.64. Politics & DOJ: The U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote, with Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski among the “no” votes—setting up a new, closely watched DOJ era. Arctic Tech: Samsung teamed with the DOE’s Oak Ridge lab to develop heat-pump tech aimed at reliable heating and hot water below -30°C. Alaska Elections: Elon Musk backed a ballot push to repeal Alaska’s ranked-choice voting, open primaries, and parts of campaign finance law.

Justice Department: The U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote early Saturday, with Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Maine Sen. Susan Collins joining all Democrats in opposition; GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy’s late support helped clinch the narrow margin. Alaska energy & utilities: A new warning from Southcentral Alaska utilities says the Railbelt could face a winter natural gas shortfall, raising the prospect of interruption plans if more supply isn’t secured. Local business & community: Anchorage Farmers Market is celebrating its 25th anniversary Aug. 8, highlighting decades of Alaska-grown food and expanding market access across the state. Mental health safety net: A letter urges Alaskans not to overlook NAMI’s free peer support and family education, calling it a key backstop amid long waits and limited access to care. Aviation regulation: The FAA ordered inspections of hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets over crack concerns, adding to ongoing scrutiny of the aircraft program. Public safety: A fire damaged a Homer Spit restaurant (Boardwalk Fish and Chips), injuring one person after a jump from an upstairs apartment; officials say the injuries weren’t life-threatening.

Federal Reserve Fight: Trump renewed his push to remove Fed Gov. Lisa Cook, giving her three weeks to respond to mortgage-fraud allegations after the Supreme Court blocked an earlier attempt—another test of central-bank independence. Alaska Politics & Elections: Elon Musk donated $1.5 million to a PAC backing Alaska’s ballot measure to repeal ranked-choice voting, open primaries, and campaign finance rules; meanwhile, an Alaska Supreme Court ruling upheld a legislative ethics response tied to Sen. Lora Reinbold’s social-media “gatekeeping,” and an elections lawsuit argues candidates may temporarily conceal finances by filing blank disclosure forms. Rural Health Funding: Alaska approved just $4.5 million of $272 million in Rural Health Transformation Program money, leaving most applicants waiting and raising deadline pressure. Food Safety: Walmart-exclusive Bettergoods pistachio nut butter was recalled in 19 states after salmonella was found in Florida testing, including jars sold in Alaska. Bering Sea Fisheries: A new model aims to predict ocean acidity impacts on Bering Sea crabs, a climate-linked threat to shellfish. Local Business Training: UAF’s Young Entrepreneurs Lemonade Lab issued 21 youth business licenses, with proceeds going to local charities.

Alaska Politics & Governance: Sen. Lisa Murkowski says she will vote “no” on acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, citing concerns about DOJ handling of Jeffrey Epstein files, a sweeping tax audit immunity deal for Trump, and a proposed “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” throwing his confirmation into doubt. Federal Watch: The nomination’s fate hinges on a narrow Senate path after GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy announced he’ll back Blanche, likely setting up a final vote before the August recess. Aviation & Safety: The FAA ordered inspections for hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets after reports of cracks, covering 471 planes under specific models and door-area “bear strap” concerns. Local Government & Schools (Ketchikan): Ketchikan City Council discussed a borough ballot measure that could affect the city-run Ketchikan Public Library, while the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District may see an additional $2.2 million in state funding tied to higher oil-related revenues. Wildlife Tourism: The Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site near Hyder reopened after July flooding damage, but with limited capacity and repairs completed. Community Media (Kodiak): KMXT is marking 50 years with a new public mural celebrating freedom of the press.

Aviation Safety: The FAA ordered inspections of 471 Boeing 737 Max jets for possible cracks in a structural component near the forward galley door, with the directive effective Sept. 10. Energy & Utilities: Enstar has started arbitration with Cook Inlet gas supplier HEX over alleged “discretionary gas” sales that could affect winter storage and raise shortage concerns. Healthcare Finance: ANTHC is set to receive a $400 million federal settlement tied to unpaid healthcare costs, a major win for Alaska’s largest Native health provider. Local Government & Waste: Anchorage is advancing plans for a waste-to-energy incineration-style plant that could generate power by 2032, as leaders also worry about future gas supply. Energy Policy: Alaska lawmakers begin a third special session aimed at passing an Alaska LNG property tax cut, but the governor still hasn’t introduced a bill. Business & Travel: Delta will return to Tokyo Narita from Seattle with daily nonstop service starting March 27, 2027, intensifying competition with Alaska Airlines. Environment & Land Use: Three Alaska tribes sued to stop construction of a King Cove road through Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, seeking an injunction. Agriculture: Alaska peony growers report major losses after unusual winter weather. Sports & Community: The Alaska Nanooks unveiled a 2026 volleyball schedule with multiple themed events and a home opener Sept. 3.

Defense Supply Chains: Lockheed Martin is in talks to secure U.S.-linked supplies of scandium and germanium to cut reliance on China, underscoring how Alaska’s economy can feel the ripple effects of federal procurement. Anchorage Economy: AEDC says Anchorage is lagging the rest of Alaska’s recovery, with a shrinking labor pool and weak consumer confidence driving a new push to reverse economic decline. Broadband Policy: SpaceX is urging the FCC to wind down High-Cost subsidies, arguing satellite networks like Starlink have made rural telecom support less necessary. Telecom Buildout: Pioneer Consulting is advancing engineering for the FISH West 2 submarine cable to connect Seward and Homer, with branches to remote communities, funded through USDA’s ReConnect program. Space & Defense Contracts: Rocket Lab is set to report earnings after winning more than $663 million in new U.S. Space Force contracts tied to its Neutron rocket. Air Travel Oversight: The FAA ordered inspections of hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets for cracks near a service door reinforcement. Local Fishing & Food: Fish Creek in Mat-Su is seeing a sockeye surge, prompting higher bag limits, while coho rules tighten amid monitoring disruptions. Education: Six Alaska governor candidates met with superintendents and school leaders, broadly agreeing education funding is in crisis. Housing Affordability: A new analysis estimates how much income Alaska households need to buy a starter home in 2026.

Federal Reserve Watch: Anchorage business leaders heard Gov. Lisa Cook say she’s “prepared to act” by raising rates if inflation doesn’t cool, warning price pressures could become entrenched. Local Economy: AEDC says Anchorage jobs are back up but the city’s recovery still lags the rest of Alaska, with housing shortages and weak downtown confidence cited. Anchorage Governance: The Anchorage Assembly voted to call off an investigation into Rep. George Martinez’s municipal travel records. Public Finance & Policy: Alaskans will vote Aug. 18 on whether to reinstate state campaign contribution limits, after a court struck down the current low limits. Health & Safety: FDA recalled Bettergoods pistachio nut butter sold at Walmart in 19 states, including Alaska, due to possible salmonella contamination. Business & Industry: University of Alaska regents approved eliminating out-of-state tuition for 2027, aiming to streamline costs and boost enrollment. Environment & Construction: A Juneau construction firm faces a proposed $350K settlement over alleged Clean Water Act violations tied to wetland dredging and dumping. Tourism: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport set a new passenger record as summer travel spending supports local jobs.