AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Jobs: The FAA has finally certified Boeing’s 737 MAX 7, a long-delayed milestone that could restart deliveries for the smallest variant of the MAX family. Rural Health Funding: States are scrambling to meet fast deadlines for the new Rural Health Transformation Program, with Alaska among those navigating how quickly to award grants before money is at risk of clawback. Alaska Construction Safety: Two people died after a trench collapsed while workers installed a septic system at a Delta Junction medical clinic; authorities say they’re investigating whether any criminal conduct played a role. Fisheries & Marine Industry: Bering North LLC is repowering the Bering Sea trawler Progress with a new 2,000-horsepower Cummins engine, part of a broader push to boost capacity and efficiency. Energy Infrastructure: Western LNG awarded Allseas a contract to install a key subsea section of the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline near the Alaska border, targeting offshore work in 2029. Business & Workforce Culture: A Wall Street Journal report highlights growing “helicopter parent” involvement in hiring and workplace disputes, including a staffing-agency case in Alaska. Utilities: Avista reported stronger Q2 2026 results and confirmed its 2026 utility earnings guidance. Local Economy: Homer awarded a contract for flood-damage design work at its municipal airport terminal, while the Homer Public Library plans temporary closures for upgrades.

Energy & Taxes: Anchorage Daily News opinion urges Alaska lawmakers to see the numbers before locking in a long-term gas line tax deal, warning financing and protections can’t wait for January. Energy Reliability: ENSTAR President argues Cook Inlet can’t meet demand and says imported LNG is the only near-term option that keeps service reliable while still leaving a path back to Alaska LNG. Tribal Gaming & Markets: Senators Murkowski and Schatz press the CFTC for proper government-to-government consultation as prediction markets rules could affect tribal gaming authority and revenues. State Governance: Another special session won’t solve the corporate income tax impasse, with leaders criticized for calling lawmakers back without a new proposal. Infrastructure Planning: A sponsored piece highlights facility condition assessments as a way for tribal governments to plan capital needs and replacement costs for more predictable funding. Workforce & Housing: Anchorage plans more night-only emergency shelter beds after a cold winter strained capacity. Military Buildout: Gov. Dunleavy launches an Alaska Military Affairs Office to coordinate military-related priorities across installations, industry, and communities. Aviation Disruption: WestJet flight attendants strike grounds hundreds of trips, stranding travelers and disrupting holiday travel. Mining Impacts: Alaska Native communities near a new gold mine prepare for man-camp-driven risks tied to the Manh Choh project.

Labor Disruption: WestJet’s 4,400 flight attendants walked off the job after contract talks with CUPE failed, grounding hundreds of flights and leaving travelers scrambling for refunds or rebooking. Aviation & Alaska: Alaska Airlines removed evangelist Whitney Lynn from a flight after a delay, citing safety concerns as she preached to passengers—another reminder that airline rules can collide with public-facing influencers. Legal Fight: An Alaska bush pilot, Kenneth Jouppi, is set for a US Supreme Court hearing over whether the state can seize his Cessna after a misdemeanor alcohol-transport conviction tied to a passenger’s beer. Energy & Policy: The US government moved toward deep-sea mining by planning a lease sale around American Samoa, a step opponents say accelerates ecosystem risk. Food & Local Economy: Alaska’s farmers markets are getting a spotlight during National Farmers Market Week, underscoring their role in local food access and small-producer revenue. Risk Mapping: A new national landslide exposure study estimates 6.5 million Americans live in landslide-prone areas, raising stakes for housing and recovery planning.

Alaska Airlines & air travel: An evangelist, Whitney Lynn, was removed from Alaska Airlines Flight 708 after preaching to passengers during a Orlando-to-San Diego delay; the airline said crew felt unsafe and she won’t be allowed to fly “for the foreseeable future.” Federal connectivity: The FCC is weighing cuts or elimination of the E-Rate program that subsidizes internet for Alaska schools and libraries, putting budgets in limbo for remote communities. Juneau cruise risk: The National Weather Service expects seasonal flooding from Suicide Basin near Mendenhall Glacier in early-to-mid August, likely affecting Juneau shore tours for several days (no itinerary changes yet). Southeast timber: The Tongass National Forest issued a Record of Decision for the South Revilla Integrated Resources Project, setting up up to 83 million board feet of timber harvest over 15 years. Business & economy: A national ranking lists Alaska among the bottom states for overall business tax rates, while another U.S. News state ranking places Alaska near the bottom overall. Local industry spotlight: Mountain Dog was named 2025 Alaska Manufacturer of the Year, highlighting Alaska-made growth and partnerships.

E-Rate Uncertainty: The FCC is weighing cuts or even elimination of the E-Rate program that subsidizes internet for Alaska schools and libraries, putting remote districts’ budgets in limbo. Arctic Research Milestone: The University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute is marking its 80th anniversary after H.R. 6496 created it in 1946, underscoring Alaska’s long-running role in Arctic science. Juneau Flood Watch: Juneau’s Suicide Basin near Mendenhall Glacier is expected to reach capacity Aug. 8-12, with possible impacts to cruise shore tours for several days as the National Weather Service monitors conditions. Aviation Labor Risk: WestJet’s flight attendants have issued a 72-hour strike notice, with 81 flights already canceled and more disruptions possible if talks miss the Sunday deadline. Alaska Airlines Disruption Incident: A Florida evangelist was removed from an Alaska Airlines flight after crew said they no longer felt safe with her preaching onboard. Juneau Death Investigation: Human remains found in a locked chest freezer in Juneau have been identified as Ross Pasquan, as police investigate the timeline and whether the death was concealed. AI Politics in Alaska: An opinion piece highlights how a $100K donation by Anthropic employees to Alaska governor candidate Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins complicates the AI policy debate. Student Loan Pressure: National reporting shows record federal student loan defaults after repayment resumed, with advocates warning the fallout is worsening for borrowers.

Aviation Safety Push: Federal and state leaders met in Anchorage to discuss Alaska aviation safety, with Sen. Dan Sullivan saying the FAA plans nearly $500M over three years for runway lighting, weather reporting and air traffic systems, tied to an effort to cut Alaska’s fatality rate by 90% by 2033. Mining & Permitting: Juneau’s New Amalga gold mine won faster FAST-41 federal permitting, drawing pushback from residents who worry the Tongass-adjacent project could bring industrial impacts. Landslide Risk & Insurance: A Southeast Alaska coalition heard how parametric-style insurance could help cover landslide losses where traditional homeowners coverage often falls short. Housing Grants: Housing Alaskans awarded grants for 77 new homes across 13 communities, aiming to unlock shovel-ready projects for workers, teachers, seniors and storm-impacted areas. Student Lending Rules: A Senate bill backed by Sen. Lisa Murkowski would loosen disclosure/conflict-of-interest requirements for colleges steering students to state-based private loan lenders. Local Business/Infrastructure: Homer awarded a contract for flood-damage design work at the Homer airport terminal, while the library schedules closures for upgrades. Power Outage: A raven is blamed for a townwide outage in Girdwood, affecting local businesses including a gas station and Alyeska Resort.

Cruise Tax Windfall: Alaska lawmakers have finally distributed $37.5 million in unspent cruise ship passenger tax funds, sending Homer $125,000 as the state moves money out of a long-idle account. Hazardous Waste Oversight: The EPA authorized Alaska’s hazardous waste management program, giving the state direct authority to permit and oversee treatment, storage and disposal—aimed at faster, more predictable approvals for businesses. Ferry Reliability Pressure: Cordova leaders are pushing back on an AMHS plan for a more than five-month winter service gap to Prince William Sound, warning the outage could raise costs and disrupt school and sports travel. Energy & Fuel Costs: AAA reports the national gas price average is flat at about $4.09 a gallon, with crude oil still elevated—an input that can keep Alaska’s fuel pressures sticky. Aviation Safety: NTSB findings on the Bering Air crash that killed 10 point to overweight operations and pilot airspeed management issues in icing conditions. Elections Money Limits: Alaskans will vote in August on campaign donation limits for state races, a potential shift in how political money flows into the Legislature.

Defense & Economy: Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced a new Alaska Military Affairs Office to coordinate military priorities across bases, communities, and industry, funded via a federal defense-community grant. Public Health & Care: Providence Alaska Medical Center earned national Center of Excellence status for robotic surgery, citing more than 10,000 robot-assisted procedures since 2000 and a da Vinci 5 system added in 2025. Environmental Regulation: The EPA transferred hazardous waste authority to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, making Alaska the 49th state with RCRA primacy. Rural Telecom Costs: An Anchorage Daily News and ProPublica investigation found U.S. phone customers are paying more than $340,000 a year to wire empty buildings on Adak for internet service no one uses. Local Infrastructure Funding: Wrangell is set to receive $375,000 from Alaska’s cruise passenger tax account for waterfront projects and related infrastructure. Aviation Safety: Federal investigators say a Bering Air crash near Nome was linked to pilot handling in severe icing and overweight flights, plus inadequate FAA oversight. Politics & Money: Alaska voters will decide Aug. 18 whether to restore campaign contribution limits after a 2021 court ruling left donations uncapped.

Alaska Energy & LNG: Alaska’s lawmakers are weighing whether to pause work on a gas pipeline bill as the state faces a looming Southcentral natural gas crunch, but critics warn “waiting” risks worsening shortages and higher utility bills. Nuclear Power Push: NuCube Energy and Alaska Fund announced an MOU to create NuAlaska, aiming to deploy turnkey nuclear power for remote Alaska needs using NuCube’s micro-modular reactor concept. Childcare Crunch: Alaska providers say the childcare gap is widening, with limited funding forcing programs like Head Start to cut the number of children served as costs rise. Nonprofit Finances (Local): New IRS Form 990-based rankings highlight top-revenue nonprofits in several Alaska communities, including Copper Valley Electric Association in Glennallen and Cordova Electric Cooperative in Cordova. Juneau Public Safety: Juneau police identified a man whose remains were found in a freezer, and investigators are looking into the timeline and whether motives involved concealment for financial gain. Environmental Cleanup: Alaska DEC says spill response is complete for the grounded F/V Arctic Sea near St. George Island, with wreck removal set to begin next month. Business/Markets: Rocket Lab’s stock reaction follows a $266M U.S. Space Force contract tied to Kodiak launch activity.

Aviation Safety: The FAA ordered inspections of seats on 453 Boeing 737 MAX jets after reports some seat assemblies may have been incorrectly installed and could disengage in turbulence or emergencies. Anchorage Economy & Community: A new drive-thru coffee shop opened in Nome, signaling more consumer options in a small market. Higher Education Operations: UAA permanently shut down its Testing Center in the Consortium Library, shifting many exams to online proctoring and other campus locations. Labor Watch: The Teamsters say it has a “victory” at United Airlines for 11,000 mechanics, but the union still hasn’t released the full contract terms. Southcentral Energy: Southcentral utilities warned of possible rolling outages and higher bills amid a natural gas shortage, with Alaska LNG backers arguing it’s needed for reliability. Public Health: Measles was detected in Anchorage wastewater, prompting clinicians to test and isolate suspected cases. Local Governance: Nome approved an economic development plan and discussed school safety grant support. Environment & Land Use: Groups asked a court to halt Izembek road construction while legal challenges continue.

Alaska Politics: Alaskans will vote in November on a ballot measure that would overhaul the state’s election system, including repealing ranked-choice voting and reinstating closed primaries, plus changes to 2020-era campaign disclosure rules. Alaska LNG & Energy: Alaska lawmakers opened a third gasline special session with limited business on day one, as the state weighs next steps for LNG policy and infrastructure. Cyber & Consumer Fraud: Wrangell police say scams are spreading through email, phone calls, and social media, including a fake rental listing that targeted an out-of-state mover. Banking & Tech: Northrim Bank selected Narmi to modernize its digital banking “front door,” aiming to improve account opening and online service across Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Global LNG: Uniper signed a long-term deal to buy LNG from Canada’s Ksi Lisims project, with first deliveries expected in 2032—an export plan that runs near the Alaska border. National Business: RNDC, the U.S.’s second-largest wine and spirits distributor, filed for Chapter 11 as costs rise and wholesale conditions worsen. Healthcare & Jobs: Wellstar Health System announced layoffs of about 761 employees in Georgia, while saying patient-care roles won’t be cut.

Anchorage Finance: The Municipality of Anchorage released audited financials showing its bond rating reserve and emergency fund are fully restored, with reserves rebuilt after drains tied to the 2018 earthquake, pandemic costs, and delayed federal reimbursements. Southcentral Energy: Enstar warned Cook Inlet gas deliverability may be unreliable for the next couple of years, raising the odds of higher heating bills and possible rolling blackouts unless lawmakers move on a natural gas pipeline plan. Alaska LNG Politics: Alaska lawmakers opened a third LNG special session focused on changing the project’s tax structure, but day one saw limited activity as lawmakers debate how much the state would subsidize the megaproject. Legal Land Transfer: A federal judge dismissed parts of a lawsuit seeking to block Alaska’s land conveyance tied to Ambler Road and potential mining/LNG support, clearing a legal cloud over the transfer. Robocall Crackdown: Alaska’s attorney general joined a push for stronger federal “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls and related scams. Workforce Investment: Wells Fargo donated $250,000 to AVTEC to expand scholarships for vocational training and faculty support. Spaceport Deal: Rocket Lab won a $266 million U.S. Space Force contract for missile-defense testing, with launches planned from Kodiak’s Pacific Spaceport Complex-Alaska. Airline Competition: Alaska Air Group’s proposed $1B acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines is set to face close antitrust scrutiny as the Biden administration challenges airline consolidation. Consumer Scam Alert: A new report highlights how loyalty point scams work, often via phishing links that steal rewards account logins.

Credit Union 1 Expansion: CU1 (Anchorage) is rolling out NCR Atleos ATM branding in 24 Circle K locations across Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wasilla and the Kenai Peninsula, aiming to boost convenient cash access statewide. Aviation Safety: The FAA is proposing inspections for 453 Boeing 737 MAX jets registered in the U.S. after concerns that passenger seats may be improperly installed in seat tracks, with potential emergency-evacuation and injury risks. Space Defense Contract: Rocket Lab won a $266 million U.S. Space Force deal for up to 18 suborbital launches from Alaska’s Kodiak area to support missile-defense testing. Energy Crunch: Southcentral utilities are bracing for possible winter gas shortages as stored gas runs low and Enstar warns curtailment could be needed if weather turns harsh. Cruise Industry Hit: Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic Sea Bird reported its fourth gastrointestinal outbreak in two months; the CDC logged 13 cases, and a Southeast Alaska sailing was canceled. Manufacturing Funding: NIST announced $46.5 million for new Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers, including $706,300 for Alaska. Legal Aid Boost: Alaska Legal Services Corp. is getting more state and foundation funding, with an increase in civil filing fees approved to expand access to free legal help.

Alaska LNG: Alaska lawmakers opened a third special session with no bill in hand, as Gov. Mike Dunleavy said he’s still meeting to find a path forward on a tax break for the proposed megaproject—leaving the clock ticking and optimism thin. Oil & Gas: Alaska is seeing a resurgence in oil development as Japan and other Middle East-dependent buyers look north for supply stability amid Strait of Hormuz disruption. Fisheries: Strong demand is pushing Alaska pollock prices back toward 2022 record levels, with tight inventories and EU sanctions risk hanging over whitefish markets. Aviation & Safety: The FAA warned 453 U.S.-registered Boeing 737 MAX jets may need seat inspections due to possible incorrect installation. Defense & Space: Rocket Lab won a record $266M U.S. Space Force contract for hypersonic missile-defense testing, with launches largely planned from Kodiak. Juneau Power: A downtown Juneau outage delayed a Juneau Assembly meeting, with power restored shortly before it resumed. Anchorage Housing: The Anchorage Assembly extended the grace period for short-term rental owners to register before fines start. Juneau Cruise Sustainability: Princess Cruises marked 25 years of shore power in Juneau, touting emissions avoided and community credits.

Space & Defense: Rocket Lab won a $266 million U.S. Space Force contract for hypersonic testing at Kodiak’s Pacific Spaceport Complex, covering 12 suborbital launches with options for six more through 2028, with work starting now and a new Kodiak launchpad planned. Local Land Use: The Fairbanks North Star Borough approved a 40-acre land sale to the Arctic Audubon Society to connect and expand the Audubon Riedel Nature Reserve to 360 acres. Alaska Politics & Campaigns: Alaska U.S. House Democrat Matt Schultz ended his campaign, saying money left him without a viable path, and he backed independent Bill Hill; the race remains shaped by big third-party spending. Air Cargo: DSV launched a weekly dedicated air charter from Seoul to Chicago-Rockford, routing via Anchorage, highlighting Alaska’s role as a cargo fuel stop. Health & Supply Chain: A syphilis-in-pregnancy drug shortage tied to Bicillin L-A supply delays treatment availability into late 2027, with state advisories already issued. Business Aviation: JetBlue is reshaping fares with more seat and refund/change options as airlines lean harder into segmented pricing.

Alaska Senate Race: Mary Peltola’s campaign says it’s building momentum with 10,000+ volunteers across 160+ communities as it closes in on the Nov. election against Sen. Dan Sullivan. Municipal Utilities: Anchorage is moving toward a waste-to-energy incinerator plan that could reshape how the city handles trash and power by 2032. Transportation & Preservation: The state’s Safer Seward Highway project is drawing new pushback from Anchorage’s Historic Preservation Commission, warning of irreversible impacts to cultural sites and settings. Critical Minerals & Defense: Nova Minerals points to a July 20 White House executive order favoring secure domestic critical-mineral supply chains, aligning with its Alaska antimony plan and a $43.4M defense award. Maritime Jobs: Homer is welcoming a new 190-foot offshore supply vessel, the C-Atlantis, aimed at boosting local marine work and supporting natural gas operations. Health Coverage: A Medicare move guide highlights how Alaskans may need plan changes when relocating, especially for Medicare Advantage and Part D. Community Support: Anchorage School District will host free school-supply and clothing events for families ahead of the new school year.