AGP Executive Report

Immigration Enforcement Funding: The House narrowly passed a roughly $70B, three-year package to fund ICE and Border Patrol, sending it to President Trump after a 214-212 vote, with Democrats warning it’s a “blank check” and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski the lone GOP no. Anchorage Safety: Police say an SUV struck a pedestrian in East Anchorage near Boniface Parkway and Tudor Road; the victim was taken to a hospital with injuries not believed life-threatening. Wildlife Smuggling Crackdown: U.S. Fish and Wildlife inspectors described how “stinky” cargo at the Anchorage airport helped lead to seizure of 1,600 pounds of shark fins from nearly 17,000 sharks. Rural/Tribal Health: A House bill would expand veterinary public health services in Tribal and rural areas, aiming to reduce zoonotic disease risks and animal-related injuries. Boeing Update: Boeing delivered 60 planes in May, including 51 737 Max jets, after a wiring issue shifted some deliveries earlier in the year. Energy Policy: The Trump administration announced $850M for coal plant modernization and new coal infrastructure, drawing criticism over subsidies.

Alaska Politics: Alaska Lt. Gov. is investigating Dan Sullivan’s namesake challenger after complaints of “voter confusion,” as the GOP scrambles to define whether the campaign is a sham or a legitimate run. Immigration Enforcement: Senate Republicans advanced a $70 billion ICE crackdown bill with only Sen. Lisa Murkowski opposing—while Democrats say it dodges affordable-housing fixes and keeps Trump’s priorities funded. Wildlife & Health: A mule deer hunter in Skagway is raising alarms about winter ticks, which could devastate Alaska’s moose if the parasite ever takes hold. Ocean Monitoring: Alaska fishery leaders are reacting to the planned shutdown of a major deep-ocean observing network, warning it could create a “blind spot” for climate and fisheries planning. Local Safety: Anchorage police are investigating a pedestrian collision at Tudor Road and Checkmate Drive. Community & Environment: Volunteers are helping restore Resurrection Creek habitat with native plants grown from Forest Service seed. Business/Resources: Ambler Metals named Ron Rimelman president to push permitting and development work for its Arctic project in Alaska’s Ambler Mining District.

ANWR Oil Drilling Push: The Trump administration’s latest Alaska wildlife refuge lease sale drew tepid interest, raising just $3.7 million for 700,000 acres with only two bidders—prompting renewed criticism that the plan threatens habitat and faces legal challenges. North Slope Gas Tax Debate: Alaska lawmakers are weighing a proposed 90% cut to state and local gas property taxes for a North Slope project, but some want more details before approving future concessions. Bethel Police Shooting: Alaska State Troopers say Bethel police shot and killed a man after a disturbance involving a shotgun; the investigation is ongoing. Education in Juneau: The Juneau School Board will consider a new five-year strategic plan and updated enrollment projections for optional programs, including potential staffing and funding impacts. H1-B Fee Blocked: A federal judge halted a new $100,000 H1-B visa fee that could have hit Alaska’s teacher hiring pipeline. Arctic Climate Finding: New research says Arctic river deltas hold far more frozen carbon than previously counted, a shift that could affect climate forecasts. Gas Prices Watch: Diesel prices hit a low in Yukon-Koyukuk, while Fairbanks midgrade prices also eased in late May.

Anchorage Public Safety: APD is investigating a Taku Lake Park shooting early Sunday that sent one man to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries; police say there’s no suspect information yet and the motive is under review. Traffic & Crashes: A deadly East Anchorage collision near Tudor Road and Boniface left one person dead after a Ford F-150 rear-ended a Honda Civic and involved other vehicles; no arrests or citations were issued. Wildlife & Community Events: King salmon are starting to show up at Ship Creek as the 33rd annual Slam’n Salm’n King Derby continues through June 20, with awards set for June 21. Homeland & Food Safety: U.S. Customs intercepted 337 live hatching eggs shipped to Alaska, after agriculture specialists found they were eggs without proper paperwork. State Politics: A Senate vote-a-rama funded ICE and CBP for the rest of Trump’s term, with Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski opposing. Energy & Policy Debate: Lawmakers are still wrestling with Alaska LNG questions, including new cost estimates and proposals to cap natural gas costs for Alaskans. Sports & Local Pride: The Alaska Sports Hall of Fame inducted a record class at the Anchorage Museum, honoring athletes including Olympic silver medalist Gus Schumacher.

Alaska LNG & gas prices: Glenfarne released updated Alaska LNG cost estimates, putting the full project at $44.5B to $54.5B and the pipeline alone at $13.2B to $16.9B, as lawmakers weigh a special session tax break and debate how to protect Alaskans from cost overruns; the pipeline developer also floated a proposal to cap the natural gas price for in-state customers. Energy & shipping: Japan received its first crude oil shipments from Alaska since the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, underscoring how Middle East disruptions are pushing buyers to diversify supplies. Environment & fisheries: Alaska Marine Community Coalition warned that dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative could create a fisheries “blind spot,” arguing long-running ocean monitoring like Ocean Station Papa is key for tracking conditions that affect salmon, halibut, crab and pollock. Local governance: Anchorage Assembly is set to consider natural burial projects in South Anchorage, aiming to create a low-cost, biodegradable cemetery option as low-cost space runs out. Politics in Alaska: Sen. Dan Sullivan is raising alarms about an 11th-hour challenger with the same name, saying it’s designed to confuse voters in Alaska’s open primary. Public health funding: Alaska health officials say they’ve identified more than 400 projects from 1,800 proposals for Rural Health Transformation Program funding, with final decisions coming soon.

Arctic Climate Watch: A new study links Alaska’s rust-orange rivers to permafrost thaw, showing two pathways: pyrite-rich rock breaking down in higher country and low-oxygen wetland soils releasing dissolved iron that later oxidizes in streams. Search & Rescue: Palmer man Frank Villavosos, 21, remains missing after a boat capsized on the Little Willow River near Willow; one woman was rescued and crews are still searching by air, water, dogs, and underwater cameras. Local Safety/Traffic: Tudor Road reopened after a multi-vehicle crash near Tudor and Boniface that injured people and shut eastbound lanes for hours. Aviation & Alaska Connections: Alaska Air Group CFO says jet-fuel volatility forced the carrier to pull guidance, but hopes to reinstate it if fuel prices stabilize; separately, Philippine Airlines is set to join the oneworld alliance, expanding global travel options that include Alaska Airlines. Community Spotlight: Thousands turned out for the 34th Alaska Run for Women at UAA, raising major funds for breast cancer support across Alaska. National Politics (Alaska angle): Sen. Dan Sullivan faces a ballot-name controversy with another “Dan J. Sullivan” candidate, with the incumbent calling it a “dirty political trick.” Science & Alaska: New research maps a sharp Yakutat microplate edge using thousands of small earthquakes, sharpening understanding of south-central Alaska’s quake risk.

Traffic & Safety: An East Anchorage crash closed eastbound Tudor Road near Boniface Parkway, prompting a police and fire response and an alert to avoid the area. Cancer & Community Health: The 34th Alaska Run for Women drew more than 5,000 participants and raised over $6 million over the years, spotlighting one Anchorage mother’s breast cancer story and early detection. Denali National Park Tragedy: A National Park Service mountaineering ranger died after falling into a crevasse while on patrol near 14,000 Foot Camp on Mount McKinley/Denali; the investigation is ongoing. Defense Training: Red Flag-Alaska 26-2 is underway with 2,100+ service members at Eielson and JBER through June 12, bringing together U.S. and international air forces for large-scale air combat training. Climate Science Funding Fight: The Trump administration is shutting down a $368 million deep-ocean observation network, with instruments being removed from sites including off Alaska, raising concerns about monitoring marine heat and greenhouse gas impacts. Local Economy & Culture (Southeast): Circle Seafoods is gearing up for its third season buying salmon at Metlakatla’s Annette Island Packing Company, supporting 100+ jobs and new retail products.

Arctic energy shakeup: Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge lease auction drew tepid interest—only nine bids covering about 10% of tracts, bringing roughly $3.7 million, with major international oil firms staying out. Immigration funding heads to the House: The U.S. Senate passed a $70 billion immigration enforcement package (52-47), with Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski the lone GOP no; House action is next. Ukraine talks stall: Vladimir Putin rejected Zelenskyy’s proposal for face-to-face talks, saying there’s “no point” without a framework first, while Zelenskyy pushes for direct engagement. Interior wildfire caution: Burn permits were suspended in Fairbanks, Salcha, and the Railbelt Fire Prevention Area due to dry, windy conditions. Local justice: A Fairbanks man was sentenced to 40 years for the 2022 murder of Carole Jo Romberg. Interior community arts: Fairbanks City Hall will host a weekend mural build celebrating land, waters, languages, and living traditions.

Alaska Energy & Wildlife: The Trump administration held an Arctic National Wildlife Refuge oil-and-gas lease sale, but bids were tepid: just $3.7 million for five tracts, with only Hex Energy and the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority competing—leaving conservation groups and many opponents unimpressed. Local Economy & Cost of Living: Gas prices continue to cool nationally, and Alaska still ranks among the more expensive states for fuel and EV charging, keeping affordability front and center for residents. State & Federal Policy: DOJ told federal judges the $1.8B “anti-weaponization” fund is dead after a judge blocked it earlier—an ongoing fight over how the money would be used. Public Safety & Community: FEMA says flood-risk maps are changing in Blaine County with a long comment and appeal process; in Alaska, the Blood Bank of Alaska reports its worst donated-blood shortage in years. Denali Tragedy: A Denali mountaineering ranger died after falling into a crevasse during a climbing patrol, with the incident under investigation. Anchorage & Education: UAF is installing seismometers in an engineering building to track shaking at multiple floors, and Anchorage-area school and childcare updates include new summer programming and ongoing district planning. Sports & Culture: Kodiak’s Hunter Slabinski is set for the state baseball semifinals, while Southeast artists and communities are gearing up for Celebration 2026.

Immigration Funding Fight: The U.S. Senate passed a roughly $70B package to fund ICE and Border Patrol through the end of Trump’s term, clearing a bruising 18-hour vote-a-rama after GOP infighting over the $1.8B “anti-weaponization” settlement fund; Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) was the lone Republican to vote no. Coal Push Reaches Alaska: Trump announced nearly $700M in federal support for coal power and exports using Cold War-era emergency powers, including upgrades to plants and funding for new coal projects tied to Alaska. Ukraine Diplomacy Sparks New Round: Zelenskyy published an open letter urging face-to-face talks with Putin and offering a ceasefire during negotiations, while Putin said Russia will strengthen air defenses after Ukrainian drone strikes. Arctic Watch: Scientists revived ancient microbes from permafrost, and separate research traced storm-driven ocean waves from Antarctica to Alaska—both underscoring how a warming Arctic is reshaping ecosystems and climate signals. Anchorage/Alaska Local Notes: Anchorage weather stays hot and breezy with storm chances later, and the state’s next Arctic National Wildlife Refuge lease sale is set to face fresh scrutiny.

Alaska Politics: U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan is facing a ballot headache: a second “Dan J. Sullivan” has appeared on Alaska’s primary ballot, prompting the incumbent to accuse opponents of trying to “trick” voters; the Peltola campaign and Alaska Democrats deny involvement. Local Economy & Community: Anchorage is rolling out “Meet Me Downtown” to spotlight downtown businesses, events, and dining, with a toolkit for local vendors. Community Events: The Anchorage Summer Night Market returns Friday with a new F Street location downtown (6th–7th Avenues). Culture & Heritage: Fairbanks is launching a major mural at City Hall celebrating Interior Alaska’s cultures and landscapes, and Juneau unveiled a new totem pole memorial honoring Alaska Native veterans. Public Safety: Anchorage police identified three people killed in a fiery Seward Highway crash and are asking for witness and dash-cam tips. Statewide Animal Welfare: Alaska shelters are urging residents to “Adopt Local” this June as many facilities report being full. National/World Watch: Trump announced nearly $700M in emergency-backed support for coal plants, including new Alaska coal projects, while Zelenskyy called for face-to-face Ukraine talks with Putin.

Alaska Energy & Industry: Nova Minerals says its 2026 Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals push is fully funded, with a major antimony drilling and development program aimed at pilot-scale production in late 2026 to early 2027. Local Politics & Governance: North Pole City Council deadlocked on whether to ask voters about switching to a city manager form, after recent clashes involving the mayor and council. Elections & Ballot Rules: A debate over ranked-choice voting is heating up, with critics warning a repeal push could reopen the door to darker campaign money. Public Safety & Courts: Anchorage police and prosecutors continue to move cases tied to alleged child sexual abuse material, while other reports track serious crashes and arrests across the Anchorage area. Health Care & Aging: CMS data highlights nursing home rankings and scores across Anchorage and Southcentral counties, including fines and overall ratings for several Providence and Polaris facilities. Environment & Science: A long-term DNA study sheds new light on beluga family ties in Bristol Bay, while separate reporting warns ocean monitoring sensors are being dismantled, leaving parts of the Gulf of Alaska and beyond “going dark.” Sports & Community: Mid-Alaska Conference baseball crowned West Valley, and Alaska’s state track and field weekend produced standout individual title hauls.

Alaska Coast Guard Watch: The U.S. Coast Guard says it monitored dozens of suspected Russian fishing vessel incursions near the U.S.-Russia maritime boundary in early 2026, boarding 40 boats and citing multiple fisheries violations, including catch weighing and recordkeeping issues. Wildlife & Hunting: Alaska’s first documented mule deer kill is raising alarms for native wildlife, with officials warning the non-native deer could spread disease and parasites as sightings expand. Alaska Travel & Air: Alaska Air Group named former T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert to its board, while separate reporting highlights how airlines are tightening lounge and ticket rules—details that matter for frequent flyers. Community & Care in Alaska: Covenant House Alaska is urging earlier intervention for youth aging out of foster care, citing Alaska’s high foster care entry rate and the risk of homelessness when support gaps persist. Juneau Elder Housing: Chilkat Plaza at Juneau Pioneers’ Homes is set for a grand reopening next week, with a ribbon cutting and tours for the renovated outdoor gathering space. Ocean Science Funding: A major ocean monitoring network is set to go dark off the Oregon coast as federal funding cuts dismantle parts of the system that also tracked Alaska waters.

LNG Debate in Anchorage: Alaskans are still split as lawmakers push a special session LNG package, with Anchorage officials warning the project could reshape local infrastructure and services while supporters argue it’s a needed economic engine and opponents warn of construction-phase revenue hits and long-term cost risk. Interior Push for Gas Access: Fairbanks residents rallied for an LNG spur line, saying without it they won’t get “one molecule of gas,” as project leaders tout milestones toward a final investment decision. Ocean Monitoring Under Pressure: Multiple reports say the Trump administration is dismantling a major ocean monitoring system, raising alarms among scientists about losing critical climate data. Whale “Thrums” Solved: Alaska Whale Foundation researchers traced haunting deep-sea sounds to humpback whales, using land microphones and local tips—new insight that could also help reduce ship strikes. Nursing Home Ratings Watch: CMS data highlights big gaps across Alaska facilities, including Anchorage County’s Centennial Post Acute scoring 1/5 with fines, while Kenai Peninsula’s Heritage Place posts a stronger 4/5 and no penalties. Anchorage Business & Tech: Anchorage Digital announced an Ethena Labs partnership expanding institutional lending via its collateral management and USDtb stablecoin role. Public Safety & Health: Alaska’s blood supply is under strain, and a cruise ship in Southeast reported a gastrointestinal outbreak affecting a dozen people.

Starlink Fees: SpaceX says its “demand surcharge” can hit existing Starlink customers too if they replace a dish by buying a new kit from a retailer instead of going through support—especially in high-demand areas where the charge can run up to $1,500. Wildlife Safety: Moose calving season is ramping up across Alaska, and Fish & Game warns mothers with calves can charge; officials urge hikers to keep distance and know what to do if a moose comes at you. Elections Watch: Alaska’s governor’s primary ballot is getting crowded, with 17 candidates filed so far as ranked-choice voting sends the top four vote-getters to the general election. Anchorage Community: The Alaska Run for Women is in its final countdown in Anchorage, with bib pickup underway and Saturday’s races at UAA’s Cuddy Quad. Health Alert: Blood Bank of Alaska is issuing an urgent statewide call for donors, with A and O types especially needed. Local Leadership: Anchorage’s municipal manager is changing hands as Becky Windt Pearson heads to Alaska LNG’s Glenfarne Group and Bill Falsey returns as manager. Sports & Culture: UAF names a new chancellor, and Nick Offerman is set as the final Alaska State Fair concert performer.

War Powers Showdown: Congress is still wrestling over whether it can rein in President Trump’s Iran war powers, with some Republicans now signaling they may shift as gas and fertilizer prices squeeze voters ahead of 2026. Alaska Water Watch: NOAA warns harmful algae blooms are becoming more frequent in the Arctic as warming waters spread toxins like paralytic shellfish poisoning in Alaska waters. Anchorage Politics & Energy: Alaska’s election filing deadline passed, setting up a high-stakes 2026 ballot shaped by the Glenfarne gas pipeline fight and deep property tax exemptions. Rural Health: The Senate unanimously advanced a bill to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration, aimed at keeping rural hospitals afloat. Public Safety: FEMA denied Alaska’s request for a 90% federal reimbursement for October 2025 storm damages, reverting to the usual 75/25 split. Sports: Dimond’s Nevaeh Watkins won three straight state titles, while Chugiak charged to a fifth straight D1 team championship. Community: Nome marked MMIP Awareness Day with a large candlelit vigil and marches honoring missing and murdered Indigenous people.