AGP Executive Report

Alaska LNG Deadline Pressure: Alaska lawmakers are scrambling to keep the $46B gas pipeline moving, with House debate Monday over a compromise that could add major property tax relief—after months of wrangling over how much tax break is “enough” without gutting state and local revenues. Budget Deal: Negotiators also locked in a $13.9B operating budget package that includes a $1,000 Permanent Fund dividend and a $200 energy rebate, setting up a final vote before the session ends. Greenland Talks, U.S. Leverage: Across the globe, closed-door U.S.-Greenland-Denmark discussions are reportedly pushing for long-term U.S. military access and investment veto power—sparking Greenland concerns about a “forever” role. Local Watch: Sitka’s measles scare ended with negative test results, and the Alaska House advanced a bill to require more transparency before University of Alaska fee hikes.

Alaska LNG Deadline Pressure: Alaska lawmakers are racing to finish a $13.9 billion budget deal that includes a $1,000 Permanent Fund dividend plus a $200 energy rebate, while negotiations over the governor’s Alaska LNG tax priorities are still unresolved as the session heads toward Wednesday. ICE/Border Fight in Washington: Senate Republicans are threatening to derail a major ICE and Border Patrol funding package over Trump’s $1 billion request for a White House “ballroom,” with GOP infighting raising uncertainty. Greenland Talks Escalate: U.S., Denmark, and Greenland negotiators are trying to cool a Greenland crisis, but reports say Washington is pushing for a “forever clause” for U.S. troop access and investment veto power—sparking sovereignty concerns in Nuuk. Tourism Twist in Alaska: The Aleutian Ballad, famous from “Deadliest Catch,” is now running a hands-on Bering Sea crab-fishing tour in Ketchikan, including live catch handling and bald eagle feeding with tribal approval. Travel Costs Rising: Memorial Day travel is expected to be pricier as oil and jet-fuel costs climb amid the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruptions.

Alaska Budget & Schools: Alaska lawmakers wrapped up operating-budget talks with a $1,000 PFD and a $200 energy relief rebate, sending the compromise back for final House and Senate votes. They also passed a bill to create a mental health curriculum for public schools, giving districts the option to adopt and tailor it. Cost Pressure: Across the country, soaring diesel prices are forcing school districts to raid emergency funds just to keep buses and generators running—an issue that’s hitting rural Alaska too. Local Governance: Anchorage is weighing how to enforce air-quality rules around leaf blowers, with residents pushing back on “one-size-fits-all” enforcement. Energy Policy: The Trump administration is moving to speed oil permitting in the National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska, a move likely to reignite the fight over Arctic development. Politics Beyond Alaska: In Louisiana, Sen. Bill Cassidy lost the GOP primary after Trump-backed forces and party loyalty pressures.

Alaska Budget Deal: Alaska lawmakers wrapped a conference compromise on the operating budget with a $1,000 Permanent Fund dividend plus a $200 energy relief payment, sending the draft to final House and Senate votes before the session ends Wednesday. Trump Loyalty Test: In Louisiana, Sen. Bill Cassidy lost his GOP primary after Trump-backed rivals and Trump’s revenge politics kept tightening the party’s loyalty rules; the fallout is already being framed as a bigger win for RFK Jr. MAGA Infighting: Trump also escalated attacks on Rep. Lauren Boebert, threatening to pull support over her backing of Thomas Massie. Anchorage Watch: The city is cracking down on leaf blower dust, and JBER is pushing a nearly 7-mile barbed-wire fence near Anchorage neighborhoods. Health Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court allowed mail-order abortion pills to continue while a major case proceeds. Energy Permitting: The Trump administration is moving to speed oil permitting in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve.

Alaska LNG Deadline Pressure: With just days left in the session, lawmakers are scrambling to craft an Alaska LNG tax deal that can survive a Dunleavy veto—while critics warn the “modernize” language is too vague and the rushed process could spook investors. Louisiana GOP Shakeup: In a major Trump-backed primary upset, Sen. Bill Cassidy lost to Rep. Julia Letlow and state Treasurer John Fleming, a reminder that GOP dissent is getting punished. Election Transparency Fight: A Fairbanks petition is pushing to return to hand-counted paper ballots, arguing the borough’s voting tech costs keep flowing out of state. Local Public Safety: Ketchikan firefighters found two people dead in a Lincoln Street house fire; investigators are still working to determine the cause. Community & Culture: North Pole held its Peace Officers Memorial Day ceremony, and Ketchikan’s “The Ladder” opens at SEAMAX this week. Travel Disruption: Spokane International is closing hourly parking near the main terminal as construction ramps up for a new central hall connecting concourses post-security.

Fire Response: Two people were hospitalized after a fire at StoryPoint Senior Living in Middletown; smoke came from a second-floor room, sprinklers activated, the blaze was contained, and all 130 residents were evacuated. Local Tragedy: In Ketchikan, police and fire investigators are probing a separate early-morning Lincoln Street house fire where two people were found dead. Alaska LNG Deadline Pressure: With just days left in the session, lawmakers are racing to craft an Alaska LNG bill that can clear both chambers and survive a Dunleavy veto, with tax-break levels still the big fight. Wildlife Investigation: Authorities are investigating carved initials on a gray whale carcass found on Whidbey Island, as researchers warn of record gray whale deaths in Washington waters. Public Safety & Health: Anchorage’s substance-use provider Anchorage Recovery Center is sued over alleged unpaid rent and stolen supplies, while federal budget threats loom for tribal colleges and universities. Opinion & Policy: Writers push for clearer “modernization” tax rules, and for Alaska to expand retirement savings access for workers.

Alaska Housing Push: The Alaska Legislature approved a capital budget with nearly $150 million for K-12 school repairs and construction, plus about $2.5 billion total for statewide projects—aimed at catching up on deferred maintenance. Workforce Housing: Lawmakers also moved to let the state development agency (AIDEA) finance “workforce housing” apartment projects, giving Alaska another lever to spur multifamily construction. Oil & Gas Permitting: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum launched a new effort to streamline permitting for oil and gas infrastructure in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, starting with public scoping for an environmental review. Courts & Accountability: The Alaska Supreme Court heard arguments in a lawsuit involving Cape Fox Corp., while separate criminal cases saw long sentences for sexual assault and illegal guiding operations. Public Health Watch: A Sitka clinic temporarily closed after a potential measles exposure, with lab results expected over the weekend. Community & Safety: Anchorage’s Chin’an Gaming Hall is expanding despite ongoing legal questions, and lawmakers are urging changes to visa fees to help Alaska districts recruit teachers.

Youth Mental Health Push: Alaska lawmakers approved SB 41, expanding youth mental health and suicide prevention resources and aiming to bring mental health discussions into schools. Whittier Land Deal: The Legislature gave final approval to HB 216, clearing the way for Whittier to buy strategic Alaska Railroad parcels—potentially opening space for new housing and businesses. Anchorage Housing Fallout: Renters at an Anchorage apartment complex say they’ve been hit with leaks, mold, cold, and sewage problems after a California landlord took over. Pension Warning: A fiscal watchdog group is urging Gov. Dunleavy to veto a pension bill that would restart a defined-benefit system, warning it could create major liabilities. AG Pick Rejected: The Legislature rejected Stephen Cox as attorney general, citing concerns about his past actions and legal positions. Trade & Tariffs: Trump says tariffs weren’t discussed on his China trip, even as the administration works on a new tariff approach. Energy Update: Wrangell approved a 44-acre solar project to cut diesel use during hydropower maintenance.

US-China diplomacy: Trump wrapped up his Beijing trip with a final tea and working lunch with Xi, both claiming progress while differences remain on Taiwan, Iran, and trade. Trump also said Xi pledged not to provide military equipment to Iran and that China wants the Strait of Hormuz reopened—while Trump claimed China agreed to buy more US oil, including shipments routed through Texas, Louisiana, and Alaska. Alaska politics: In Juneau, lawmakers rejected Dunleavy’s attorney general pick Stephen Cox, then Dunleavy named him Counsel to the Governor anyway; the same session also turned down other medical and counseling board appointees. Consumer finance fight: In Washington, Senate Republicans blocked Democrats from rolling back Trump-era changes to the CFPB, setting up another fight over consumer protections. Local Alaska: Soldotna approved a half-percent sales tax hike for city infrastructure, and Sitka’s 4-H is gearing up for a teen leadership camp.

Attorney General Fight: Alaska lawmakers rejected Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s attorney general pick, Stephen Cox, in a tight 29-31 vote—only the second time a cabinet nominee has failed confirmation in state history. Cox faced questions over his legal positions and his role tied to releasing Alaska’s voter rolls to the federal government. Local Governance: Sandstone’s interim mayor is set—Tyler Kotlowski will step in after Mayor Pete Spartz resigned for personal reasons. Public Safety: A fire heavily damaged Zeppa’s in Oldham County early Thursday; no injuries were reported and the cause is under investigation. Wildlife & Fisheries: NOAA decided Gulf of Alaska chinook salmon don’t need ESA listing for now, a win for Alaska’s fishery managers. Military Construction: The Pentagon’s FY27 request highlights barracks upgrades and installation safety, including work in Alaska. Business & Tech: China’s Xi told U.S. CEOs the market will “open wider,” while Alaska’s Legislature also advanced a consumer electronics right-to-repair bill.

Port Costs: Don Young Port staff say the Port of Alaska modernization could push shipping fees high enough to hit an Anchorage family of four with an average $1,500 a year unless lawmakers add funding, with costs flowing through surcharges on goods like groceries, fuel and building materials. Party Politics: Alaska Republicans reelected Carmela Warfield as party chair in Soldotna, beating a challenge from Zackary Gottshall. Energy & Land: The Trump administration transferred 1.4 million acres to Alaska to support the Ambler Road and the Alaska LNG push. Cargo Boom: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport jumped to the top U.S. cargo hub spot, helped by shifts in global air-freight patterns. Alaska LNG Deadline Pressure: Senate leaders warned they may not finish the LNG bill before session ends. Global Flash: Xi warned Trump Taiwan mishandling could spark conflict, while Nvidia’s H200 chip sales to China remain in limbo. Local Justice: A man convicted in the Haines child sexual abuse case was found guilty on 11 counts and faces sentencing in September.

U.S.-China Summit: Trump landed in Beijing for his first China visit in nearly a decade, with Elon Musk and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang riding along after Huang boarded Air Force One during a stop in Alaska. Trump says he’ll ask Xi to “open up” China for American business, even as Iran War Powers: the Senate again blocked Democrats’ push to curb Trump’s Iran war powers—49-50—with Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski voting yes for the first time and John Fetterman voting no. Arctic Defense: Davie Defense finalized a Coast Guard deal for five Arctic Security Cutters, adding to the icebreaker push. Alaska Schools: The House passed a bill to stabilize school budgeting using prior enrollment counts, while Anchorage lawmakers are weighing whether a $920-per-student formula boost could keep three elementary schools from closing. Health & Policy: A hearing is set on an Alaska bill that critics say threatens religious liberty while expanding LGBTQ protections.

U.S.-China Summit: President Trump is heading to Beijing and says his first ask to Xi Jinping will be to “open up” China for American firms, with the trip shadowed by Taiwan tensions and the Iran war. Tech Diplomacy: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang boarded Air Force One in Alaska after Trump personally pulled him in last-minute, joining Elon Musk and Tim Cook—an inclusion that could boost hopes for Nvidia’s stalled H200 chip sales to China. Alaska Energy: Alaska’s AIDEA is set to vote on spending up to $190 million for Arctic National Wildlife Refuge oil exploration—$175 million for geologic testing plus bids for new leases. Gas Prices: AAA reports gas is up about 20–23 cents over the past week, even as national averages ease slightly. Elections Spotlight: Commercial trawling is emerging as a major Alaska campaign issue, with candidates taking sharply different stances.

Disaster Response: Gov. Mike Dunleavy declared a disaster emergency for Interior Alaska ice-jam flooding, activating Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Temporary Housing for Chalkyitsik and Hughes after rapid water rise and evacuations. Health Workforce: The Legislature sent SB 89 to Dunleavy, formalizing rules that could let physician assistants work more independently in Alaska. Economy & Markets: Hotter-than-expected inflation data (April CPI) helped knock stocks off record highs, with energy costs tied to the Iran conflict driving the jump. Iran War Scrutiny: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced bipartisan grilling on the administration’s “end game,” war costs, and whether U.S. weapons stockpiles are being depleted. Gas Prices & Policy: Trump renewed calls to suspend the federal gas tax, while analysts warn it won’t cut prices as much as drivers expect. Local Watch: Sitka’s Assembly meets tonight to review a childcare needs assessment, with options ranging from about $277,000 to $2 million. Courts: An Anchorage jury convicted Martin Murray of sexual assault; sentencing is set for September.

Space & Defense: Space Force leaders say Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg are headed toward hundreds of launches a year, pushing for more sites, money, people and AI. Arctic Life: Utqiagvik is in its 84-day midnight sun stretch, with the next real sunset not until early August. Local Policy: Alaska lawmakers advanced a “right to repair” bill requiring electronics makers to provide parts, documentation and tools for independent fixes, and Anchorage is also weighing campaign-spending fines for an Assembly member. Health & Safety: The Anchorage Fire Department is hosting a free car-seat safety check next week. Energy & Industry: Interior is canceling a rule that treated conservation and development equally on public lands. Business/Travel: Anchorage Digital is stepping back from promoting a stablecoin alliance, aiming for more neutrality. Sports: The WHL final is tied 1-1 after Everett and Prince Albert split the first two games.

Kodiak Homecoming: Two sisters, Sara Loewen-Danelski and her family, are back in Kodiak to launch new ventures—she runs Kodiak College’s Community Education Program and says small groups are driving the town’s “cool things.” Hormuz & Gas Prices: President Trump doubled down on calling a Strait of Hormuz shutdown the “smartest move,” even as Wall Street paused and oil prices rose amid stalled U.S.-Iran talks. Statehood Talk: Trump says he’s “seriously considering” making Venezuela the 51st U.S. state—possible in theory, but politically and legally a steep lift. Campaign Focus: Mary Peltola unveiled a broad affordability plan for her U.S. Senate bid, targeting fuel, groceries, childcare, housing, healthcare, and energy. Arctic Oil Push: AIDEA is set to vote on up to $190 million for Arctic National Wildlife Refuge exploration work. Anchorage Schools: Parents say ASD’s school choice programs are losing seats and staff without clear explanations. Local Life: Wasilla will auction off the red caboose at Nunley Park after asbestos/lead concerns led to fencing.