AGP Executive Report

Gas Prices: AAA says Valley and state averages jumped this week, with crude oil rising on Strait of Hormuz instability. WEIO Sports & Culture: The World Eskimo-Indian Olympics wrapped up with standout competition, including a new swing kick world record and the Dene Stick Pull’s big sportsmanship moments. Alaska LNG Fight: Legislators and Hilcorp-linked claims swirl as a proposed Alaska LNG tax break bill faces major political fallout. U.S. House Race: Anchorage pastor Matthew Schultz suspended his Democratic bid for Alaska’s at-large seat, urging voters to back independent Bill Hill. Juneau/Arts & Community: UAF Museum of the North fine arts collection manager Della Hall highlights how museums preserve Alaska’s human and natural history. Public Safety: A tipster helped solve a 30-year Fairbanks-area disappearance, leading to a murder charge. Cruise Health: CDC reports a third gastrointestinal outbreak on a cruise ship in two months, including a stop in Alaska. Road Work: Juneau curb-ramp work start date pushed to July 27.

Deep-Sea Mining Concerns: A new report warns seabed mining could release unregulated radioactivity, citing studies that found radioactive isotopes on polymetallic nodules and possible radon releases during processing. Boeing Labor Talks: Boeing’s opening offer to SPEEA could come within weeks as the union contract nears its Oct. 6 expiration, with both sides aiming to reset labor relations. Southeast Alaska Rescue: The Coast Guard says 36 passengers were rescued after a Southeast Alaska sightseeing vessel began taking on water near Annette Island; no injuries reported. Alaska Weather Watch: A flood watch is in effect for the southern Kenai Peninsula through Tuesday, with heavy rain and runoff possible, plus strong gusts along Turnagain Arm. Bear Safety on Trails: Multiple viral reports highlight close grizzly encounters in Alaska, underscoring the importance of staying calm and following ranger guidance. WEIO Wraps Up: The World Eskimo-Indian Olympics in Fairbanks ends with finals and record-setting performances, bringing families and community together. Juneau/SE Security: New TSA 3D scanners are rolling out at Juneau International Airport to speed screening.

Southeast Alaska Rescue: The Coast Guard says 36 passengers were rescued Thursday after the whale-watching vessel Eagle One Express began taking on water near Nichols Passage and was beached on Annette Island; no injuries were reported, and passengers were taken to Ketchikan by nearby good Samaritan boats. Election Integrity Fight: Sen. Lisa Murkowski reiterated she will oppose the GOP-backed SAVE America Act, warning the bill’s citizenship proof and voting changes could create major barriers for Alaska’s rural and Native voters. Arctic Watch: The U.S. Coast Guard says it tracked two China-flagged research ships transiting the U.S. EEZ and extended continental shelf in the Bering Sea as they headed north, using an operation to monitor for potential malign activity. Native Community Calendar: Alaska readers may want to note the 25th annual Native Hawaiian Convention runs July 20–22 in Honolulu, followed by a Keiki Hula festival July 23–25. Cruise Notes: Seabourn announced its 2028 “Ruby Collection” voyages, including Alaska sailings, as part of its 40th anniversary lineup.

Arctic Security: A new analysis says Russia has surged ahead of the U.S. by expanding Arctic bases, ports and LNG capacity while U.S. facilities decline, underscoring how the region is becoming a bigger strategic priority. Glacier Bay Safety: Glacier Bay imposed an emergency 13-knot speed limit in the eastern Lower Bay after humpbacks moved into the park’s busiest entry area, affecting all vessel traffic until whales disperse. Alaska LNG Fight: A key Alaska LNG compromise bill failed after competing accounts of whether Hilcorp or other players pressured changes, leaving lawmakers and the governor facing another round of energy politics. Boeing Oversight: The FAA said Boeing can resume self-certifying airworthiness for 737 Max and 787 aircraft after months of review, shifting more focus back to earlier defect detection. Local Public Safety: A former Seward police officer was permanently banned from law enforcement in Alaska after a plea deal over repeated cellphone use while driving a juvenile on duty. Sports & Community: Alaska’s RK Ilagan helped Blackwater start 2-0 in the PBA, while local coverage also highlighted a Prince of Wales Island dirt bike crash that killed two teens.

Juneau Local Politics: The filing period opened Friday for Juneau Assembly and school board seats, with five openings this fall and candidates able to file until July 27. Public Safety & Health: A behavioral health recovery center planned for Anchorage’s Fairview will open without a walk-in crisis clinic, shifting to by-appointment outpatient services under a “good neighbor” agreement. Courts: The retrial of former Juneau chiropractor Jeffrey Fultz, accused of assaulting more than a dozen women, still has no set trial date. Aviation & Travel: The FAA says it will let Boeing resume issuing airworthiness certificates for all 737 MAX and 787 planes starting next week, while a separate incident saw an American Airlines flight canceled after an engine backfire warning shortly after pushback. Southeast Alaska Tourism: A Ketchikan-area tour boat evacuated passengers after taking on water near Annette Island; no injuries were reported. Wildlife & Parks: A brown bear involved in an Alaska Zoo fight was transferred to a new facility, and Hyder’s Fish Creek bear viewing area is closed after a glacial outburst flood damaged the platform. Energy & Industry: Alaska’s government is planning a state-funded oil search tied to the Arctic Refuge debate, as industry remains wary of bidding.

Alaska LNG fight: The Alaska House voted down a multibillion-dollar tax break for the trans-Alaska natural gas pipeline, after Gov. Mike Dunleavy warned he’d veto a version that would expand the corporate income tax for some private oil and gas companies—setting up a third special session starting July 27. Native children: Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Sen. Brian Schatz introduced the Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act to improve health, education and safety for American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian kids. Arctic permitting: Trilogy Metals’ Ambler Metals says a coordinated federal and state permitting schedule under FAST-41 for its Ambler project is now on the permitting dashboard, with a targeted record of decision expected in September 2028. Marine Highway update: A Louisiana shipbuilder submitted the apparent low bid—about $349.99 million—for the Tustumena replacement vessel, a key link for Southcentral Alaska, Kodiak Island and the Aleutians. Juneau-area culture: Sealaska Heritage Institute shared plans to tear down Juneau’s City Hall and build a new arts facility. Public safety: Two teens died in a dirt bike crash on Prince of Wales Island, and troopers continue related investigations.

Alaska LNG Tax Break: A House-Senate conference committee advanced a final substitute bill for the Alaska LNG project, swapping the usual property tax for a gas-volume-based tax while keeping a modified corporate income tax on certain pass-through oil and gas entities—setting up a high-stakes yes-or-no vote. Southcentral Energy: Enstar warned natural gas supplies “not looking good” for this winter after regulators denied a request to expand storage capacity, leaving more uncertainty for more than 150,000 customers. Juneau Community: Spice Juneau Indian Cuisine is up for sale for $300,000, but the owner says it’s staying open and is about “new dreams,” not closing. Public Safety & Preparedness: The Red Cross of Alaska will host a Juneau disaster planning workshop and resource fair July 19 ahead of potential Suicide Basin flooding. Wildlife & Environment: NOAA data show gray whales facing a potentially catastrophic decline, with stranding deaths rising sharply. Sports & Culture: Juneau’s local buzz includes a restaurant sale, while statewide attention also turns to the Perseids meteor shower peaking Aug. 12-13.

Alaska LNG: Juneau lawmakers are expected to unveil a compromise Alaska LNG bill Thursday, aiming to replace the state’s property tax with an alternative volumetric tax to spur the long-envisioned 800-mile pipeline. Native Families: Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Sen. Brian Schatz introduced a Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act to improve outcomes for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian kids and families. Wildlife: Two stranded gray whales on the Kenai Peninsula—one near Anchor Point and another near Kasilof—point to a wider West Coast mortality trend, with causes pending testing. Elections 2026: In Alaska’s U.S. House race, Rep. Nick Begich leads fundraising in Q2, while the U.S. Senate contest shows Mary Peltola raising more than Dan Sullivan. Public Safety & Community: Nome is tackling growing pains from dust and road conditions with reduced-speed enforcement and a transportation committee in the works. Economy & Food: Alaska’s commercial salmon catch jumped to 29.5 million as Bristol Bay prices moved higher, even as overall harvest remains down from last year. Culture: The 65th World Eskimo-Indian Olympics opened in Fairbanks with the qulliq lighting and traditional events celebrating Alaska Native culture.

Alaska LNG: The Interior delegation is back in Juneau after a special session push for an Alaska LNG construction tax break, with questions swirling over costs and whether the plan can hold together. Juneau Airport: New 3D security scanners are rolling out at Juneau International Airport, aiming to speed up screening for travelers. Public Safety in Anchorage: Anchorage Assembly leaders are still hashing out the structure and powers of a new public safety commission after the old advisory group dissolved in 2024. Data Centers in the Interior: Alaskans for Data Center Accountability is planning a community gathering in Fairbanks to press for clearer impacts on power, rates, water, air, and local communities. Health & Food Safety: Cyclospora cases are rising nationally, prompting fresh-produce safety reminders. UAF & Critical Minerals: The National Science Foundation is funding a UAF-led critical minerals accelerator engine with major research-to-commercialization goals. Air Travel: Alaska Airlines is expanding Hawaii service, including new nonstop Boise–Honolulu flights this December.

Glacial Flood Safety: Sealaska is helping Juneau prepare for annual glacial outburst flooding from Suicide Basin, installing barriers to protect downstream communities after major 2023 and 2024 damage. Salmon Science: NOAA links declining Yukon River Chinook runs to marine heatwaves that disrupt prey and raise natural mortality, not just harvest or bycatch. Wildlife Safety Tech: A new “Bear-dar” early-warning system uses radar and AI to alert Arctic communities when polar bears approach settlements. Juneau Travel: TSA has installed new 3D scanners at Juneau International Airport to speed security while keeping laptops and liquids in carry-ons. Local Sports & Culture: The World Eskimo-Indian Olympics return to Fairbanks this week, highlighting Alaska Native games, dance and art. Community Housing: Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s Stabilization & Recovery program helped thousands of families, including 2,369 children, move from crisis to stability before its Sept. 30, 2025 sunset.

Alaska Politics & Policy: Alaska’s HB 126 is now law, changing what Alaska Native Corporations must file for proxies and annual reports—shifting some public disclosure away from the state for smaller Village Corporations. Elections: Alaska voters have until Sunday, July 19 to register or update for the Aug. 18 primary, which includes races for governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and 50 of 60 legislative seats, plus a ballot measure on campaign contribution limits. Juneau & Southeast: Juneau is preparing for another year of glacial outburst flooding, with state and federal partners working on annual response planning and a new evacuation map. Air Travel: Alaska Airlines is adding a Boise-to-Honolulu nonstop route starting Dec. 17, giving winter travelers a direct option to Hawaii. Business & Industry: Nova Minerals says engineering and design for its Alaska antimony pilot plant is complete, aiming to build a domestic supply chain for a key defense material. Community Sports: Ketchikan Little League Minors Select Baseball won the District 2 championship over Juneau’s Gastineau Channel team, 6-4.

Alaska LNG: Lawmakers are heading back to Juneau this week to try to move an Alaska LNG tax-cut bill forward, but negotiators still haven’t agreed on the final version, leaving the timeline tight for a vote. Critical minerals: Nova Minerals says it has finished engineering and design for its Estelle antimony pilot plant in Alaska, clearing the way for construction to start this quarter. Wildfire watch (Interior): Rain is helping slow two Interior Alaska fires near Wiseman and Allakaket, with crews continuing containment and mop-up. Public safety/health: Doctors are urging families to be ready for drowning risks, stressing that seconds matter for kids. Elections: A crowded Alaska primary is shaping up as voters weigh multiple candidates, including a GOP push around Dan Sullivan’s re-election bid. Juneau community: The city is preparing for glacial outburst flood season with updated planning and evacuation efforts. National policy: Fifteen Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration to block cuts to a $1 billion school mental health grant program.

Juneau Transportation: Juneau just landed a $12.1 million federal grant for safety upgrades at the Fred Meyer intersection of Egan Drive and Yandukin Drive, including a new traffic light, dual left-turn lanes, and added pedestrian crossings; construction is slated to start in spring 2027. Public Safety & Health: A bystander in an Anchorage-area Glenn Highway crash credited CPR training for helping save an infant after a multi-vehicle wreck; police say the crash is still under investigation. Alaska Politics: The Alaska Democratic Party is suing the state Division of Elections over the eligibility of a Republican candidate who allegedly filed a blank personal finances disclosure. Coast Guard in Southeast: The U.S. Coast Guard held a change-of-command ceremony in Juneau, with Capt. Ginny Nadolny taking over as sector commander of Coast Guard Sector Southeast Alaska. Local Sports & Community: Mat-Su Miners center fielder Tyler Akers is sharpening his baseball skills in Alaska’s summer league while preparing for football at East Central University. Wildlife & Recreation: Valdez fisheries updates say pink salmon are arriving, and the Kids Pink Salmon Derby is set for July 25.

King Cove Road Permit: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has cleared the way for an 18.9-mile road linking King Cove to Cold Bay’s all-weather airport, a long-sought project aimed at better emergency access, though critics warn it could harm wildlife and wetlands. Juneau/Alaska Politics: Alaska lawmakers and the state’s delegation reacted to the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, with Sens. Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski offering condolences and flags ordered flown at half-staff. Alaska LNG Debate: An opinion piece argues Alaska should demand transparency and contracts before moving ahead with the LNG pipeline, warning about giving away resource value without signed commitments. Wildlife & Climate: A report says warming waters are helping invasive northern pike spread and intensify pressure on salmon and trout in southcentral Alaska. Denali Repatriation: Latvia’s foreign ministry says it’s working to bring home three climbers who died on Denali and an injured survivor, with documentation taking weeks and donations already topping €112,000. School Mental Health Fight: Fifteen Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration to block cuts to a $1 billion school mental health grant program.

School Mental Health Fight: Fifteen Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration to block cuts to a $1 billion school-based mental health grant program, arguing the department plans to end funding despite a court order. Air Force Honor: An Eielson-based F-16 pilot, Capt. Nathanial Welch, received the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor device for 2025 Middle East actions. Cost of Living: Alaska’s biggest cities—Juneau, Anchorage and Fairbanks—remain far above the national urban average, driven largely by high healthcare and grocery costs. Wildfire Update: Colorado’s Aspen Acres Fire is 35% contained, with officials warning there’s still more work ahead as hot, dry conditions persist. Community & Culture: Kenai marked the Fourth of July with its 250th-anniversary parade, featuring dinosaur-themed entries and local awards. Wildlife Moment: A rare bear cub and wolf pup interaction was captured off Alaska’s coast, lasting about 45 minutes and looking more like play than rivalry. Local Watch: Anchorage’s EasyPark is adding long-term parking at the 5th Avenue Garage as downtown housing grows. Politics in Alaska: FactCheck.org rejected claims in ads attacking Mary Peltola’s military pay votes, saying they mislead voters.

Wildlife & Climate: Grey whales are dying along the West Coast at alarming rates, and researchers say warming conditions may be part of the problem. Public Safety: Anchorage Police identified the drivers killed in a multi-vehicle Glenn Highway crash, and a young passenger was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Fire Updates (Out of State, but Alaska readers watch): Aspen Acres Fire in Colorado continues to burn with major progress on containment, and officials say some Beulah residents may begin a phased return soon. Local Life & Community: Fairbanks hosts the 9th annual Alaska Yoga Festival with workshops for all ages, plus a summer Fairbanks Shakespeare production of “Pericles: Prince of Tyre.” Outdoor & Hunting: Alaska’s first mule deer harvest follows years of rare sightings, with wildlife officials warning about parasite risks as mule deer expand north. Juneau/Alaska Civic Pulse: Alaska Democrats face election-related legal fights and ethics scrutiny as the 2026 campaign season heats up.