AGP Executive Report

Anchorage & Mat-Su Public Safety: A fatal Sterling Highway crash near mile 62 killed former Anchorage Assembly member and teacher Karen Bronga; troopers say a pickup crossed into oncoming traffic and hit her motorhome, closing the highway for hours while investigators continue. Emergency Shelter Planning: Anchorage is seeking community groups to run an overnight emergency shelter during extreme cold, aiming to prevent situations where existing shelters and the safety center are full. Missing Person Search: Alaska State Troopers are still searching for Rodney Rutherford, 73, missing near Murphy Dome Road; crews have used ground teams, helicopters, and will review his vehicle and cellphone. Local Improvements: Town Square Park’s Anchorage revamp is moving ahead with crews removing the final commemorative bricks, with pickup options expected later this year or early fall. Wildlife & Community Alerts: Fairbanks added a free 24/7 microchip scanning station outside the animal shelter; and at Sand Lake, Fish and Game warned after a juvenile was bitten by an otter while paddleboarding. Aviation Safety: The FAA says seats on hundreds of Boeing 737 MAX jets may have been incorrectly installed and could require inspections. State Policy Watch: Lawmakers opened a third Alaska LNG special session focused on a property tax break, with slim hopes for a deal. Juneau Power Disruption: A downtown Juneau outage delayed a Juneau Assembly meeting for about an hour before power returned.

Alaska Politics: Alaska’s U.S. House race is getting reshuffled as Democrat Matt Schultz suspended his campaign, saying he lacked the money to keep going; he’ll still be on the Aug. 18 primary ballot but is expected to withdraw after results. Elections Integrity: Alaska is also sending thousands of letters urging voters to verify citizenship, after the state removed thousands from active voter lists based on older data—raising fresh questions about how the Division of Elections handles trust and process. Energy & Industry: Alaska LNG is still short on commitments, with Glenfarne needing more off-take before a final investment decision, while Alaska’s broader energy push continues to draw scrutiny. Public Safety & Courts: A legal fight over Alaska’s voter ID and Senate rules is playing out in Washington, with President Trump urging Senate Majority Leader John Thune to keep the chamber in session until the SAVE America Act passes. Local Economy: Anchorage is weighing a waste incinerator system that backers say could “fundamentally transform” local utilities. Science & Tech: Alaska-made tidal turbine tech is set for testing in Massachusetts, aiming to move marine energy closer to commercial deployment.

Elections & Voting Integrity: Alaska sent about 3,048 letters to voters asking them to verify citizenship ahead of the Aug. 18 primary, after officials said “old data” may have been pulled during voter roll maintenance tied to DMV records. U.S. Senate Race: With 100 days left, Mary Peltola’s campaign says it’s building statewide momentum through volunteers, door-knocking, and labor support as she challenges Sen. Dan Sullivan. Anchorage Infrastructure: The Municipality of Anchorage is moving toward a potential waste-to-energy incinerator-style plant on the landfill footprint, aiming to generate power by about 2032. Public Safety & Health: Anchorage School District will host free school-supplies and free-clothes events for families before the school year starts. Sports: Hays Larks improved to 2-0 at the NBC World Series with a 7-4 win over Tess’s Army. Bristol Bay Fisheries: The sockeye run is nearing the end after topping the pre-season forecast, with early timing standing out this year.

Elections & Voting Access: A letter urges Alaskans to check voter registration after claims the Dunleavy administration removed 3,500 people from state rolls, warning about what DOJ may do with voter data. Local Government: Fairbanks’ borough assembly approved a postponed UAF hockey locker-room lease ordinance after earlier concerns about fees and exclusive use. Housing & Homelessness Services: Fairbanks hosted Project Summer Connect, pairing residents with more than 25 service providers offering everything from wound care and disability sign-ups to naloxone and food assistance. Public Safety: Anchorage-area readers also saw reminders after a Sterling Highway crash and other local incidents, while wildlife safety stories highlighted bear encounters and the risks of off-leash dogs. Environment & Energy: A federal court partially dismissed a lawsuit over Interior’s public-land protections being rolled back for mining and the proposed Ambler road. Earthquakes: USGS reported a 5.8 quake near Atka, adding to recent Pacific Ring of Fire activity.

Airline Merger Watch: Alaska Airlines has completed its Hawaiian Airlines acquisition but will keep “Hawaiian” as a separate brand, a rare move after past Alaska branding changes like the Virgin America rollout. Public Safety & Wildlife: A woman was attacked by a brown bear on a Bear Valley trail above Anchorage; she survived and is recovering, with responders using a drone to monitor the bear. Community Health & Aging: Alaska Care Compass launched a statewide online directory to help families find and compare verified assisted living options across Alaska. Elections & Voting Access: Alaska sent more than 3,000 letters to voters asking them to verify U.S. citizenship ahead of the Aug. 18 primary, as election security debates heat up. Local Crime/Investigation: Juneau police say human remains were found in a chest freezer during cleanup at a late relative’s home, with identification pending the state medical examiner. Sports: Cook Inlet Soccer Club U17 girls won Alaska’s first U.S. Youth Soccer national championship. Environment & Infrastructure: A permafrost-thaw problem continues to rough up Alaska roads, with engineers warning unstable soils can run 100 feet deep in some valleys.

Voter Roll Shake-Up in Alaska: Alaska sent unusually high numbers of letters asking voters to verify U.S. citizenship ahead of the Aug. 18 primary, after election officials said “old data” may have been picked up during voter roll maintenance—raising concerns some recipients may already be citizens. Local Safety and Travel Disruptions: Multiple reports point to serious road incidents on the Sterling Highway, including crashes expected to close lanes for hours, while Anchorage also faced weather-driven impacts like power outages and flood watches. Wildlife and Subsistence Updates: New bear-resistant food lockers are coming to Juneau and Haines campgrounds, and salmon run timing remains uneven as Norton Sound’s subsistence season nears the final stretch. Anchorage Community Notes: Anchorage YEP wrapped trail and shoreline improvements at Cheney Lake, and local motorcycle clubs brought Christmas-in-July activities to children. National Politics, Alaska in the Mix: A major U.S. Senate race in Maine is moving fast after Democrats chose Troy Jackson to replace Graham Platner, a reminder that Alaska’s own Senate and election dynamics are part of a wider national fight.

U.S. Supreme Court Fight Over Alaska Plane Seizure: The court agreed to hear a case challenging Alaska’s seizure of a bush pilot’s $95,000 Cessna after authorities found a six-pack of beer, raising questions about whether the punishment was “excessive” under the Constitution. Elections Integrity Shake-Up: Alaska removed 3,048 voters from active lists after DMV data flagged possible noncitizens, but some people say they already confirmed citizenship—while lawmakers also learned 3,500 were told to verify citizenship. Arctic Icebreaker Update: Coast Guard Cutter Healy is sidelined after a “significant engineering casualty” and will undergo major repairs in Seattle, leaving the service with fewer icebreaking assets. Road Closures in Southcentral: The Sterling Highway is shut down near Skilak Lake after a major crash, with Skilak Lake Road offered as a detour. Anchorage Wildlife Moment: A Far North Bicentennial Park game-camera user captured brown bear activity, including a mother with triplets, after a quiet stretch in June. Local Governance Watch: Nome’s city utility board says overdue audits and missing budgets have left the utility unable to access programs and plan properly.

Supreme Court Fight in Alaska: A Fairbanks-area bush pilot, Kenneth Jouppi, is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to stop Alaska from seizing his $95,000 plane after state troopers found a passenger’s Budweiser six-pack on a flight into the “dry” village of Beaver. He was fined and jailed after forfeiture proceedings under Alaska’s criminal forfeiture law. Wildlife Refuge Road Lawsuits: Three Western Alaska tribal governments and multiple conservation groups filed new lawsuits in Anchorage to block a 19-mile road permit for Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, arguing the Army Corps’ wetlands-fill approval is illegal. Anchorage Local Living: Blue Market in Anchorage is pushing low-waste grocery shopping, with 75% of its vendors local to Alaska and customers bringing containers to refill bulk items. Air Travel & Costs: Alaska Airlines announced a new seasonal nonstop from Portland to Steamboat Springs, while national gas prices jumped to $4.09 and jet fuel costs are rising again—signals for higher fares ahead. Elections Watch: Alaska sent about 3,000 letters asking voters to verify U.S. citizenship ahead of the Aug. 18 primary, after officials said old DMV data flagged many actual citizens. Volcano Disruption: Ash from Russia’s Sheveluch volcano is causing flight delays and advisories affecting Alaska air travel.

Citizenship Checks: Alaska sent about 3,000 letters to voters asking them to verify citizenship ahead of the Aug. 18 primary, after elections officials said “old data” from the DMV may have incorrectly flagged some people—raising fears of wrongful removals and possible purges. Flood Watch to Advisory: Talkeetna and the Susitna Valley moved from flood watch to flood advisory as rain runoff pushed rivers toward minor flood stage, while a landslide disrupted Alaska Railroad service north of Talkeetna. Anchorage Storm Impacts: Strong winds knocked out power and downed trees across Anchorage and Mat-Su, with traffic lights out in some areas and flights delayed at Lake Hood. Public Safety Court Case: A woman accused of shooting a man outside Ptarmigan Elementary School in Anchorage made her first court appearance on felony assault and robbery charges. Local Infrastructure: Unalakleet began a long-awaited water system replacement, tackling leaks, boil-water issues, and a deteriorating distribution network. Cargo Expansion: Alaska Airlines plans to double dedicated cargo capacity by leasing four 737-800 freighters for service in 2027.

Anchorage & Fairbanks Public Safety: Fairbanks is weighing a new ordinance to tighten definitions of loitering, prowling, and passive or aggressive panhandling, aiming to give police clearer direction after courts have struck down broad “loitering” bans. Community Events: Fairbanks’ Golden Days celebration hits Saturday with a “Stars, Stripes and Golden Strikes” theme tied to the U.S. 250th anniversary, featuring a Grande Parade, downtown street fair, and the Chena River rubber ducky race. Anchorage Violence: Two Anchorage shootings are raising fresh concerns about neighborhood violence. Local Housing: Anchorage housing permits are outpacing all of 2024, city officials say. Alaska Politics: Sen. Dan Sullivan says a “Dan Sullivan” ballot strategy will backfire in the Alaska Senate race. Ukraine Diplomacy: In Manila, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met, with Lavrov warning the U.S. against further arms sales to Kyiv and Rubio saying there’s no quick path to a deal but the U.S. is ready to help if conditions change. Alaska Health & Justice: The Justice Department approved a $400M ANTHC tribal health settlement.

Anchorage Housing & Permits: Anchorage says housing permits are already outpacing all of 2024, with 330 residential units permitted so far this year and permit valuations up 118%—a boost tied to the city’s “10,000 Homes in 10 Years” push. Tribal Health: The Justice Department approved a $400 million settlement for the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium to cover unpaid tribal health contract support costs, supporting care across Alaska. Public Safety & Crime: A Soldotna-area man faces charges after troopers say he shot a neighbor’s generator, returned intoxicated with a pistol, and threatened people including troopers’ children. Local Government: The Anchorage Assembly censured George Martinez over campaign finance violations, with possible further action still on the table. Community Health Expansion: Anchorage Children’s Urgent Care and Outreach is moving to a larger space to expand primary and urgent care, opening July 27. Weather: A wind advisory is in effect for Anchorage and Eagle River through Thursday noon, with gusts potentially toppling trees and unsecured items. Aviation Disruption: Volcanic ash from Russia’s Shiveluch eruption triggered flight cancellations and delays across Alaska, including impacts at Anchorage and Fairbanks. Sports & Culture: The Beach Boys postponed their Alaska State Fair concert dates, with tickets honored when the band returns later this year. Fisheries Oversight: Alaska lawmakers approved a special audit of Board of Fisheries processes and legal compliance over the past three years amid transparency concerns. Supreme Court Watch: Alaska’s pilot forfeiture case tied to a six-pack of beer is headed to the U.S. Supreme Court, raising questions under the Eighth Amendment.

US-Russia Talks: Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet Russian FM Sergey Lavrov in Manila on July 23 to discuss the Ukraine war, with both sides signaling they still see room for “communication” even as Moscow hardens its stance. Cold Weather Safety: On Denali, doctors and rangers warn that frostbite can start with numb, pale fingers and stress safe rewarming and early treatment. Wildfire Risk: A new analysis says Alaska is the most dangerous state for wildfires by acres burned per fire, driven largely by extreme seasons in recent years. Air Travel Update: Alaska Airlines says it will replace Hawaiian’s inter-island 717s with Boeing 737-800s starting in 2028, bringing more premium seats and free Starlink Wi-Fi. Local Community Help: In Wrangell, a volunteer group is building a free online Resources Directory to make it easier to find services year-round. Health Alert: Doctors say more U.S. children are drowning, urging families to treat water safety as urgent—because seconds matter. Alaska Economy/Industry: NovaGold moves to buy out remaining shares in Alaska’s Donlin gold mine, aiming to consolidate control and advance the project.

Alaska Airlines Hawaii update: Alaska Airlines says it will replace Hawaiian’s retiring 717s with Boeing 737-800s for interisland service, with free Starlink Wi‑Fi, more first-class and premium seats, and a phased transition starting in 2028. Sports spotlight: Three Anchorage wrestlers—Trestin Houck, Shane Ostermiller and Jacob Morris—won national Greco Roman titles at Junior Nationals in Fargo, earning “Alaska Athletes of the Week” honors. Public safety & courts: Juneau police are investigating human remains found in a freezer; in Anchorage, two people were found dead in a burning vehicle on Muldoon Road. State politics: Alaska’s Aug. 18 primary is underway with absentee ballots already returned from overseas and military voters; 17 candidates are running for governor. Big legal fight: The U.S. Supreme Court will hear Alaska’s challenge to seizing a bush pilot’s $95,000 plane over a passenger’s six-pack of beer. Health funding: DOJ announced a $400 million settlement for ANTHC over unpaid healthcare support costs. Energy & housing: Alaska LNG lawmakers say odds are low for passing a property tax break in the coming special session, while Alaska’s population grew slightly in 2025.

Supreme Court Watch: Alaska bush pilot Kenneth Jouppi’s fight over the state’s seizure of his $95,000 plane over a passenger’s six-pack of beer is headed to the U.S. Supreme Court, with arguments expected in the fall and a key question tied to the Excessive Fines Clause. Rural Fuel Costs: Rural Alaska villages are feeling the squeeze from rising fuel prices, with elders in Western Alaska describing gas and heating costs that can hit extreme levels even before broader national price spikes. Alaska Politics: Democrat Matt Schultz suspended his U.S. House campaign and backed independent Bill Hill, arguing defeating Rep. Nick Begich is the priority for Alaska’s House race. Anchorage & Public Safety: ICE arrested an Alaska Department of Law attorney in Anchorage and is holding him in Washington state, according to ICE, as immigration proceedings move forward. Local Life: Anchorage Assembly members highlighted high social-services demand in Fairview, while Wrangell is collecting veterans’ stories for a Freedom Rock theme mural. Transportation & Security: Shipping risks keep climbing as tanker traffic faces renewed chokepoint threats tied to the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz.

Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for the western Kenai Peninsula, from Nikiski to Homer, through 10 p.m. Sunday, with heavy rain expected to keep rivers and low-lying areas high. Local Road Disruption: A landslide closed Ninilchik’s Beach Access Road, with crews waiting for conditions to improve before cleanup. Public Safety—Shooting: Anchorage police are investigating an early-morning shooting near West 33rd Avenue that sent one person to the hospital with a gunshot wound. Wildlife Risk: A woman was injured in a brown bear encounter on a trail above Anchorage’s Bear Valley neighborhood; the trail was later closed. Court Watch—Pilot’s Plane Seizure: The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear an Alaska bush pilot’s challenge to the state’s attempt to keep his $95,000 Cessna after a passenger brought a six-pack of beer into a dry village. State Legal Fight: Alaska is appealing attorney fees awarded in the Kuskokwim subsistence fishing lawsuit. Crime Update: An Akiachak man faces felony charges tied to an alleged sexual abuse case involving a 15-year-old. Anchorage Politics: The Anchorage Assembly is moving toward censure or possible removal of member George Martinez after an Alaska Public Offices Commission fine over alleged misuse of campaign funds. Business/Tech: Anchorage Digital launched native TRX staking for institutional custody clients.

Alaska LNG & Western Arctic: Natural Resources Committee Democrats are demanding answers over the Trump administration’s fast-track of an oil industry-backed rule for Alaska’s Western Arctic, warning it would weaken environmental protections and speed permitting across 23 million acres. Anchorage & rural connectivity: A ProPublica/Anchorage Daily News investigation says federal telecom subsidies are paying for internet service on nearly deserted Adak—at more than $340,000 a year—despite many buildings being empty. Public safety: Fairbanks police are investigating a fatal Steese Highway crash Sunday involving a motorcycle and a bicycle. Health watch: A CDC update shows COVID’s “Nimbus” variant driving rising ER visits across 27 states, and measles cases climbing to 2,260 in 44 jurisdictions as summer travel ramps up. Energy & costs: AAA reports U.S. gasoline averages $4 a gallon, with diesel above $5. Community & culture: The 65th World Eskimo Indian Olympics wrapped after four days of traditional competition, including swing kick and one-foot high kick finals.