AGP Executive Report

Amazon Ad Lawsuit: The FTC and 22 state attorneys general sued Amazon, alleging it secretly inflated ad prices by manipulating its real-time ad auctions, with Alaska’s acting attorney general saying the higher costs can hit local businesses and consumers. Alaska Politics: Alaska’s Lt. Gov. announced Treg Taylor won’t be certified for the governor ballot after an Alaska Public Offices Commission finding tied to financial disclosure rules. Cook Inlet Gas: A new opinion piece argues Cook Inlet gas is there, but near-term shortages and stalled LNG/export plans show Alaska needs the right incentives to unlock production. Kodiak Scam Conviction: A Kodiak jury convicted New York man Malik Johnson of defrauding a Kodiak woman of $48,000 through impersonation and wire transfers; sentencing is set for Dec. 15. Defense Community: Kodiak Borough joined the Association of Defense Communities, aiming to strengthen ties with other Alaska military communities as national defense activity grows. Libraries Under Pressure: A national report says book bans and censorship efforts are spreading into public libraries, raising concerns about harassment and defunding. El Niño Outlook: Coverage notes a strengthening El Niño with a high chance of major fall-winter weather impacts across the Northern Hemisphere.

Alaska Politics Shakeup: With the withdrawal deadline past, Alaska’s governor’s race is set for November after Tom Begich stepped aside and Democrats tried to consolidate behind Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins; meanwhile, former AG Treg Taylor was disqualified over financial disclosure issues, clearing the way for his running mate Candice English to advance. Ballot Chaos Details: In the final-days scramble, Taylor’s wife Jodi Taylor filed to become English’s running mate, and election officials certified the primary results as more candidates dropped out. Anchorage Surveillance Fight: Anchorage Assembly members and police leaders are set to clash over new surveillance technology rules, with critics warning the city is moving too fast on tools like camera systems. Tok Fire Aftermath: Evacuation orders lifted in Tok after the Mukluk Fire; officials now say 50 homes and 108 outbuildings were destroyed, and residents are being warned about hazardous ash. Critical Minerals Push: Nova Minerals briefed U.S. Department of Energy officials in Fairbanks, stepping up Alaska antimony plans tied to domestic supply and military-grade production. Public Safety: A Circle man faces a first-degree murder charge after troopers say he shot and killed another man during a drinking dispute. Election Watch: Alaska’s U.S. Senate and House races also saw late movement as candidates withdrew or were replaced.

Palmer Civic Plan: Palmer officials are weighing a new $50 million civic center that would consolidate police, fire, council chambers and most city staff on a 10-acre site, aiming to replace aging facilities—though funding and public buy-in remain big hurdles. Mining Road Approval: Alaska approved the first segment of a road tied to the New Amalga mine access, despite heavy opposition from the public earlier this year. Phone Service Disruption: GCI says statewide landline telephone service is experiencing disruptions, with customers potentially facing no dial tone, busy signals, or trouble completing calls. Self-Defense Training: A mother-daughter volunteer team has spent nearly 20 years teaching RAD self-defense in Alaska, emphasizing awareness and escape over fighting back. Interior Politics Snapshot: As absentee ballots are still being counted, unofficial turnout and early voting patterns show how Interior districts leaned in the state’s top races. Nanook Volleyball Home Opener: UAF’s Nanooks set a 2026 home opener schedule, including a Sept. 3 return to the Alaska Airlines Gymnasium. Alaska Defense Forum: Panelists at an Alaska Defense Forum highlighted how agriculture, water resilience, and partnerships across military, tribal, and community groups support national and economic security.

Alaska Public Safety: Alaska State Troopers opened fire on a man in Wasilla after a 4 a.m. call; troopers say the caller was intoxicated and no injuries were reported. The trooper who fired is on seven days’ administrative leave while the Alaska Bureau of Investigation reviews the case. Local Governance & Schools: A lawsuit over the closure of Campbell STEM Elementary School was dismissed, and Anchorage leaders say they’re working on a new process for future closures while aiming to avoid more school closings this year. Energy & Economy: Gas prices in Anchorage Municipality hit a low of $4.86 for premium in the week ending Aug. 22, while Fairbanks North Star Borough saw a low regular price of $4.39. Health & Medicaid: New data show Willow Medicaid providers billed $26,283 in 2024 for procedures/professional services, up 20.2% from 2023. Business & Development: Trilogy Metals says it has executed definitive agreements with the U.S. government to advance the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects, with a September 2026 closing expected. Sports: Lathrop beat South Anchorage 27-16 to start 3-0, and Washington volleyball opened 3-0 at the Husky Invitational at Alaska Airlines Arena. Wildlife: A woman in Haines was seriously but stable after a brown bear mauling while walking her dog; authorities are tracking the situation.

Plane Crash Tragedy: A Piper PA-24 crashed into Seldovia Slough near Seldovia, killing all four aboard. Pilot Eric Middlebrook, 68, of Anchorage, and passengers Ronald Schmidt, 65, Lance Schmidt, 20, and Daniel Simons, 82—three from San Jose, California—were recovered after the tide dropped; the cause is still under investigation. Local Politics: Middlebrook, a former mayor of Bethel (2006–2011), was remembered as a “quiet and gentle” pilot. Mining & Public Lands: Alaska approved the first segment of a New Amalga Gold Project access road near Juneau, despite heavy opposition from residents and conservation groups, approving a 1.3-mile gravel road plus staging areas. Infrastructure Boost: The Alaska Railroad won a $28.8 million federal grant to rehabilitate the historic Hurricane Gulch bridge, with work phased to keep service running. Public Safety: A Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly legislative priorities list includes a moratorium on commercial AI data centers and a proposal to tie homeschool allotments to participation in the AK STAR assessment. Health Care Costs: Medicaid billing data show sharp local spikes in several categories, including major increases in dental and other services across Alaska communities.

Alaska Politics: Tom Begich is suspending his Alaska governor campaign and endorsing Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, saying the race would cost millions more than he has and that Democrats should unite behind one ticket. Public Safety: Anchorage police say a woman shot and killed in an Aug. 18 downtown standoff was armed with a BB gun designed to look like a real firearm; the shooting wasn’t captured on video due to distance and height. Legal/Environment: A federal judge dismissed a coalition of environmental groups’ lawsuit challenging Trump’s offshore drilling reversal tied to a massive 625-million-acre reopening. Courts/Fisheries: The Ninth Circuit dismissed Oceana’s appeal over Alaska fish habitat protections, saying the group failed to show harm tied to the challenged rules. Aviation Tragedy: Investigators continue after a small plane crash near Seldovia killed four; three victims were identified as Bay Area residents, with the pilot from Anchorage. Community/Justice: “Run for Healing, Run for Justice” in Anchorage highlighted missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, pairing awareness with family-centered healing. Sports: Hermantown defenseman Drew Nelson committed to continue his hockey career at UAA.

Alaska Politics: Former Sen. Tom Begich has dropped out of the Alaska governor’s race, throwing his support behind Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins as the ranked-choice general election field reshapes. Local Culture: Anchorage marked the return of a Dena’ina place name with a parade and new Fish Creek plaza plans, aiming to boost Indigenous visibility citywide. Public Safety: NTSB is investigating a small plane crash near Seldovia Slough that killed four adults; crews waited for the tide to reach the submerged wreckage. Transportation Funding: Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced $410M in federal support for the Alaska Marine Highway System, including major work to replace the MV LeConte and keep rural Southeast routes running. Environment & Policy: A federal judge tossed a lawsuit by green groups challenging Trump’s offshore drilling order, while conservation advocates warn Alaska’s public lands protections are under renewed pressure. Elections Watch: Alaska’s U.S. Senate race continues to draw national attention after a “Decoy Dan” Sullivan scenario qualified for the ranked-choice general ballot.

Alaska Politics: The Alaska Division of Elections says it has finished counting ballots from the Aug. 18 primary, with absentee ballots still being tallied. Mary Peltola leads Sen. Dan Sullivan in the closely watched U.S. Senate race, and the top vote-getters set up a general election that includes two candidates named Dan Sullivan. Gubernatorial Race: Former Democratic lawmaker Tom Begich says he will withdraw from the governor’s race and endorse Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, leaving just one Democrat on the November ballot. Anchorage Public Safety: Anchorage Police Chief Sean Case detailed two officer-involved shootings earlier this month, including one where investigators later determined the weapon was a BB gun. Roads & City Life: Big Lake Road construction is underway with more than $16 million in federally funded improvements, expected to run through September. Local Business: A Wendy’s on Old Seward Highway is reportedly set to close Sunday. Community & Culture: A 50-state runner, Brady McDonald, is in Anchorage raising money to grant 100 wishes for critically ill children. Environment & Weather: NOAA’s September outlook favors above-normal rainfall in western Alaska, with temperatures near normal in many areas.

Northern Lights: NOAA forecasts a Kp 5 aurora Friday night, with Alaska far better positioned than the Lower 48; Saturday looks dimmer (Kp 3). Public Safety: Anchorage firefighters are gearing up for FireOps101, a hands-on emergency orientation that includes fighting a real fire, climbing a ladder, CPR, and jaws-of-life training. Coastal Alaska Preparedness: The Alaska Earthquake Center is updating tsunami resources with hazard maps and community presentations in Wrangell and Petersburg. Energy & Policy: U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told Alaska oil and gas leaders the world needs more Alaska crude, while lawmakers continue to debate LNG priorities. Maritime Security: Austal has started building the Coast Guard’s third Heritage-class cutter, set to be homeported in Kodiak. Wildlife & Land: A report warns rescinding the Roadless Rule could threaten hundreds of endangered species, including Alaska-linked habitats. Elections & Voting Rights: A court order changes Alaska’s ranked-choice ballot measure, while Ballot Measure 2 sparks renewed debate over voter choice and election rules. Local Sports: Kodiak swimming and diving opens its season with a home meet against Wasilla.

Critical Minerals & Industry: Nova Minerals says it has shipped about 454 tons of antimony processing and refining equipment to Alaska’s Port MacKenzie, with a barge leaving Seattle Aug. 26 and construction set to start as the company targets first production in 2027. Energy & Permitting: At the Alaska Oil & Gas Association conference in Anchorage, Sen. Dan Sullivan and Mary Peltola traded sharp views on federal permitting and environmental rules, with Sullivan pushing for faster timelines and Peltola criticizing “one-size-fits-all” enforcement. Aviation Safety: Four people died after a Piper PA-24 crashed into Seldovia Slough and sank; investigators are renewing calls for aviation safety after another deadly Alaska crash killed eight less than a week earlier. Public Safety/Local News: Anchorage police and fire are investigating a two-vehicle crash on the Seward Highway near Benson Boulevard that sent one person to the hospital and left a truck inside an appliance store. Health & Community: Alaska State Fair Cancer Screening Day offered free mammograms and cancer screenings; the fair also marks its 90th anniversary as longtime attendees return to Palmer. Education: Alaska’s early literacy results show the biggest gains since statewide tracking began, with fewer students below benchmark and more at/above benchmark.

Ferry Funding Boost: Alaska is set to receive $410.5 million in federal support for the Alaska Marine Highway System, including $161.2 million for operations, plus a new Southeast vessel and terminal projects—Kodiak lawmakers say it’s a big win for rural communities that rely on the ferries. Aviation Tragedy: A small Piper PA-24 crashed into shallow waters near Seldovia, killing all four adults on board; troopers recovered the bodies after the tide went out, and the NTSB is investigating. Housing in Valdez: Blueberry Terrace in Valdez held a ribbon cutting for 20 new affordable units, built as duplex-style homes designed to keep costs down while giving residents more privacy. Oil & Gas Red Tape: The Trump administration is moving to streamline environmental reviews for winter exploration in the National Petroleum Reserve—potentially using a categorical exclusion to speed seismic and drilling work. Mining & Defense Supply: Felix Gold says pilot testing at its Treasure Creek project can convert hand-sorted stibnite into antimony metal without grinding or flotation, aiming to support high-grade antimony production for commercial and defense uses. Local Economy & Neighborhoods: Anchorage’s Fireweed Lane mural and business district vacancy concerns highlight the push to make the corridor a stronger destination as storefronts sit empty. Online Safety Settlement: Alaska is among states receiving money from a massive Meta youth-safety settlement, with the state’s share pegged at $16 million and new child-protection requirements tied to the deal.

Plane Crash in Seldovia Slough: A small Piper PA-24 crashed into shallow water near Seldovia just after takeoff, and rescuers had to wait for the tide to drop before recovering four adults; the NTSB is investigating and the cause is not yet known. Cook Inlet Oil-Sheen Mystery: State officials say multiple aerial surveys found no visible sheen near the inactive Spark Platform, but lines were shut in as a precaution while Hilcorp plans further inspections. Alaska Primary Voting Access: Election officials say all polling places opened statewide for the Aug. primary, but Alaska Native advocates warn some rural sites still faced partial-day access and ongoing barriers. Anchorage Public Safety: Anchorage police are investigating a man found dead with upper-body injuries, with no arrests reported. Crime Trends: Alaska’s 2025 crime report shows reported offenses rose 7.2% year over year, though overall crime remains far below 2018 levels, with Anchorage driving much of the increase. Gubernatorial Race: Former Anchorage mayor Dave Bronson says he will stay in the governor’s race and run against fellow Republicans. Local Outdoors: Anchorage’s Nordic Skiing Association is adding directional signs to help skiers navigate trails and avoid getting lost. Keywords: Seldovia crash, Cook Inlet sheen, Alaska primary, Anchorage crime, Bronson governor

Alaska Politics (Election): Alaska’s Senate ballot is getting even stranger as a second “Dan Sullivan” advances to the general election, setting up a rare same-name showdown that could confuse voters and reshape the race’s dynamics. Public Safety (Klawock): A Klawock juvenile faces an attempted murder charge after police say he fired a rifle at an officer during a standoff; troopers used OC munitions before the suspect surrendered. Wildfire Response (Tok): Six members of the Alaska Organized Militia were placed on state active duty and deployed to Tok to help with fire damage assessment, shelters, disaster services, and cleanup. Local Business (Bristol Bay Native Corporation): Bristol Bay Native Corporation announced C-suite changes, bringing in Logan Birch as a new senior vice president to help with leadership transition. Sports (Kodiak): Two Kodiak freedivers landed a 77-inch halibut, though it won’t be entered as a world record under IUSA rules. Space Weather (Aurora): A strong solar flare and incoming solar activity could bring unusually vivid northern lights to parts of the northern U.S. later this week. Tech & Kids (Meta settlement): Multiple states, including Alaska’s region, are reacting to a massive Meta child-safety settlement tied to Instagram and Facebook reforms, pending court approval.

Alaska Senate Shakeup: Retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan has advanced to Alaska’s November U.S. Senate general election, setting up a ballot with two “Dan Sullivans” plus Democrat Mary Peltola—an unusual same-name fight that could confuse voters even with ranked-choice voting. State Politics: Republican Bernadette Wilson also advanced to Alaska’s governor general election, while Alaska’s LNG tax-break push fizzled again as lawmakers declined to take up Dunleavy’s bill in a third special session. Public Safety & Environment: Alaska officials, the Coast Guard and Hilcorp are investigating a miles-long oily sheen in Cook Inlet after a pilot reported it near a decades-old former platform; cleanup efforts are underway. Local Life: The Spenard windmill at Koot’s is being taken down for repairs and fundraising. Education & Health: Alaska plans to bring back the Presidential Physical Fitness Test in schools for the 2027-28 school year. Wildlife Safety: A quick reminder to give moose plenty of space and never feed wild animals.

Gas Prices & Supply Strain: Gasoline hit $26.82 a gallon in the northwest Alaska village of Shungnak after low Kobuk River water disrupted barge deliveries, forcing fuel to be flown in twice this summer. Local Safety & Accountability: A new Anchorage letter warns drivers that pedestrians’ lives are “in your hands,” citing near-misses from speeding and right-on-red behavior. State Fair Upgrades: The Alaska State Fair is planning a roughly $10 million rebuild of the Borealis Theatre, including larger restrooms and family-friendly facilities, with work starting right after the 2026 fair. Employment Watch: Alaska’s unemployment rate fell in July, but total jobs also dropped, with losses concentrated in government employment. Cook Inlet Monitoring: Authorities are investigating a reported oily sheen near offshore platforms in Cook Inlet after a pilot spotted it; response crews were dispatched. Aviation Tragedy: The Air Force identified 2nd Lt. Leah R. Borsich, one of eight killed in a remote western Alaska charter crash near the Cape Newenham radar site. Election Confusion: Multiple letters and coverage continue to swirl around Alaska’s unusually tangled U.S. Senate primary ballot featuring several “Dan Sullivan” candidates.

Plane Crash Update: The NTSB and federal partners identified three of eight victims killed in a Cessna 441 crash near the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site in Southwest Alaska, after the aircraft attempted landings in heavy fog; investigators say wreckage was highly fragmented and a post-crash fire followed, with the flight chartered by the Army Corps of Engineers and operated by Security Aviation. Energy & Environment: A multi-agency response is underway in Cook Inlet after a pilot reported an oil spill Monday near Tyonek; ADEC says it’s unclear which vessel or rig caused it, while Hilcorp is sending resources to inspect nearby assets. Regulation & Permitting: A top Interior Department official told Alaska business leaders the agency is cutting regulations and speeding up reviews for mining, oil and gas, timber and tourism, including shorter environmental review timelines. Health: Alaska’s Healthy Alaskans 2030 status report finds chronic conditions persist, with some concerning trends like high blood pressure and cholesterol, but also points to improvements in health care and youth well-being. Local Justice & Elections: Anchorage and statewide politics remain in focus after coverage of Alaska’s primary turnout and ongoing ballot counting, while Fairbanks borough leaders finalized ballot language for a hand-counting petition. Public Safety: Strong winds are expected across Southcentral Alaska Tuesday, with gusts up to 50 mph in parts of Anchorage and Turnagain Arm. Business & Crime: An Anchorage businesswoman was sentenced to federal prison for nearly $1 million in COVID relief fraud, and police asked residents to check for unauthorized tap-to-pay charges in a March–July fraud ring.