AGP Executive Report

Alaska Primary Countdown: Alaska voters head to the polls Tuesday in a crowded, nonpartisan pick-one primary that will narrow governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House and key legislative races to the top four vote-getters for November. Rural Voting Staffing Concerns: Alaska Native groups say rural precincts may be short-staffed and that some election workers have waited months for per diem payments, urging the Division of Elections to publish vacancy counts and contingency plans. U.S. Senate Race Watch: The AP reports the marquee contest pits incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan against Democratic former Rep. Mary Peltola, with a crowded field and a second “Dan Sullivan” also on the ballot. Campaign Shakeup: Peltola’s campaign confirms staffing updates ahead of the primary, after reports of senior staff changes days before Election Day. Local Politics: A gaming executive tied to the Eklutna casino donated $20,000 to an Eagle River House candidate in the final week. Housing Affordability: A new national report says HUD spending hasn’t improved affordability, with home prices outpacing incomes in every state. Wildfire: A fast-moving blaze near Tok triggered Level 3 GO evacuations as crews respond.

Alaska Senate Primary: Alaska voters head to the polls Tuesday to narrow a crowded field and set up the high-stakes U.S. Senate showdown between Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola, a race that could help decide control of the chamber next year. Campaign Pressure: A new GOP ad targets Peltola over claims she would raise taxes on seniors, while national groups pour money into the contest. Local Elections: Fairbanks North Star Borough voters will consider two ballot questions Oct. 6 that could move the borough election to November and require hand-counting, with machine tabulators barred for official counts starting in 2027. Economy Watch: Fairbanks is feeling federal job losses, with 2025 cuts tied to deeper, faster federal reductions than expected. Surrogacy Court Fight: A Texas-born baby case tied to an Alaska surrogate—after a prenatal heart diagnosis—continues to raise legal and ethical questions across multiple states. Energy Policy: Gov. Mike Dunleavy says Alaska’s $50 billion gas pipeline bill is stalled again, warning lawmakers’ inaction sends a negative signal to investors. Mental Health in the Arts: A Homer clothing brand is bringing mental-health messaging to the Alaska State Fair.

DOJ Independence Clash: Newly confirmed Attorney General Todd Blanche refused to promise the Justice Department will always act independently of the White House, saying no AG should “pledge” that and that he’ll consider the president’s lawful priorities. Alaska Politics: Alaska’s primary is Tuesday, with Sen. Dan Sullivan and former Rep. Mary Peltola leading the race; national attention is also swirling around claims of “trickery” tied to the Dan Sullivan name confusion. Military Spending for Anchorage: Officials are preparing for major federal dollars tied to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, with talk of about $2 billion next year and up to $7 billion over several years under “Fightertown Recapitalization.” Local Community Grants (Juneau): The Juneau Community Foundation awarded about $52,700 to 24 Southeast Alaska nonprofits and schools, including support for youth programs. Fairbanks Art: A new Yup’ik mural is going up downtown, aiming to brighten the winter landscape. Public Safety: Alaska State Troopers arrested a Mat-Su mechanic wanted on more than $2 million in warrants tied to fraud and theft history.

DOJ Independence Fight: Attorney General Todd Blanche refused to pledge the Justice Department will act independently of the White House, saying he won’t make such a commitment and would consider the president’s views in prosecutions. Alaska Primary Watch: Alaska voters head to the Aug. 18 primary with a tight U.S. Senate race in the spotlight, including Democrats targeting Sen. Dan Sullivan and a crowded field for the state’s lone House seat. Public Safety: Alaska State Troopers arrested mechanic Charles Yingst, wanted on more than $2 million in warrants tied to fraud and theft allegations, after he cut off an ankle monitor. Wildlife & Policy: Colorado is cracking down on people who leave food or trash accessible to bears, lowering enforcement thresholds and raising penalties for repeat violations. Local Economy/Accountability: The state ordered a former Anchorage RV rental owner to pay over $230,000 in fines and restitution after allegations of deceptive practices. Sports: Alaska native Gabriel Hughes starts for the Rockies as they wrap up their season series with the Giants. Culture: Cirque literary journal highlights North Pacific Rim writers, including Alaska ties.

Alaska Politics: Mary Peltola is distancing herself from Kamala Harris after Harris backed her in a fundraising push, with Republicans immediately tying Peltola to the endorsement ahead of Alaska’s Senate primary. Elections & Voting Rules: Alaska voters head to a statewide primary Tuesday, with Ballot Measure 1 on the ballot to restore campaign contribution limits after a court reversal left limits too low. U.S. House Race: A “shadowy” group is boosting Democrat Eric Hafner in Alaska’s lone U.S. House race via a text message that lacked required sponsor disclosures, raising questions about legality. Consumer Protection: Alaska’s attorney general secured a Southeast Alaska settlement to stop stores from misrepresenting jewelry as “made in Alaska,” with a permanent injunction and penalties. Public Safety: A woman was hospitalized after a brown bear attack on Anchorage’s Wolverine Bowl trail; she escaped using bear spray. Local News: The owner of a shuttered Anchorage RV rental company was ordered to pay more than $230,000 in fines and restitution over alleged deceptive practices. Search & Rescue: Authorities called off a multi-day search after finding a missing hiker’s body near Port Armstrong.

U.S. Senate stakes in Alaska primary: Democrats are targeting Alaska’s nonpartisan U.S. Senate race as the key to flipping the chamber, with incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan facing a crowded field that includes Mary Peltola; Sullivan’s campaign highlights fisheries and environmental bills, while Peltola has rejected unsolicited support from Kamala Harris. Alaska governor race profiles: The Northern Light’s “Beyond the Campaign” series spotlights GOP candidates Adam Crum, Bill Walker, James Parkin and Dr. Matt Heilala, each pitching a different path to govern. Ballot measure clarity in Anchorage: The League of Women Voters of Anchorage says Aug. 18 includes Ballot Measure 1 on campaign contribution limits, while November ballots include measures on open primaries/ranked choice and on citizenship voting. School and staffing pressures: Anchorage School District prepares for back-to-school with academic gains but a projected $40 million shortfall and teacher hiring needs after closing three schools. Early voting surge: Alaska’s primary early vote is nearing the 2022 record, with 17,314 ballots received as of Friday. Public safety and scams: Anchorage saw one reported scam for the week ending Aug. 8, and firefighters’ union endorsements are landing in the governor race. Global shipping watch: A Panama Canal auction for a record $4.6 million shows how Iran-related disruptions are reshaping energy shipping—an issue Alaska voters may feel through costs.

Alaska Primary Countdown: More than 24,000 Alaska voters have already cast ballots ahead of Tuesday’s Aug. 18 primary, but early voting access is far thinner in rural Native communities than in Anchorage and Juneau. Governor Race Watch: Alaska Public Media’s “Behind the Ballot” profiles show candidates leaning hard on affordability and transparency, while Democrats and Republicans also quietly game out what the “top four” could mean for November. Campaign Finance Scrutiny: A former Alaska attorney general candidate faces allegations of massively violating donation limits by giving his own campaign far above the allowed amount. Juneau Flood Fix: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says it will seek industry proposals for a long-term glacial outburst flooding solution using “pitch briefings,” with a contractor selection targeted by year’s end. Education Pressure: Anchorage School District leaders say graduation and test results are up, but the district still faces a major budget shortfall and teacher hiring needs as it reopens after school closures. Wildlife Conflict: State wildlife officials killed a brown bear family near Eagle River after the animals entered a home, sparking debate over whether preventable steps were missed. National Politics Spillover: Alaska’s U.S. Senate race messaging is increasingly dominated by trawling and bycatch attacks, with outside groups targeting candidates over pollock bycatch records.

Space & Defense: Rocket Lab won a $397 million U.S. Space Force contract to build and launch “Flatellites” for real-time threat tracking, part of the push to expand space-based sensing. Alaska Politics & Elections: An Alaska judge upheld keeping Anchorage Republican Jose Tagle on the primary ballot even though he filed a blank financial disclosure form, saying the Elections Division doesn’t verify the form’s contents—APOC does. Alaska LNG: Gov. Dunleavy’s Alaska LNG pipeline bill appears stalled after lawmakers and business groups raised concerns, with the governor saying it sends a negative signal. Surrogacy & Abortion Fallout: A Dallas-born baby at the center of a multistate surrogacy dispute—linked to an Alaska surrogate and a Texas abortion fight—has been placed in intended parents’ custody after a judge ordered life-sustaining care. Climate Risk in Juneau: Juneau faced another glacial outburst flood threat from Suicide Basin, with flooding lower than recent years but still reaching some unprotected homes. Public Safety & Privacy: Flock Safety announced major changes after backlash over its license plate reader camera network. Health Policy: A new report warns hundreds of thousands of Americans with diabetes could lose Medicaid coverage as policy changes roll out.

Surrogacy Legal Fight: A baby born in Texas after a multistate surrogacy dispute is now in the custody of the intended California parents, with the child receiving specialized care for hypoplastic left heart syndrome; the surrogate, an Alaska nurse, is continuing to pursue custody. Alaska Politics: Gov. Mike Dunleavy says there’s “little reason” to keep Alaska’s special session going on the LNG bill after legislative leaders won’t attend to advance it, raising questions about whether any tax break moves before next year. Public Safety: Anchorage police say an officer shot and injured a man suspected of brandishing a handgun near a Wal-Mart on Debarr Road; the suspect was listed in stable condition. Wildfire Tragedy: Alaska wildland firefighter Leslie R. Washington of Noorvik died after a medical emergency while deployed to a Minnesota wildfire; Minnesota flags were ordered at half-staff. Local Government & Economy: Sitka mayoral candidate Lisa Lane filed to run, and a cruise-industry report says cruise visitors brought $105 million in direct spending to Sitka in 2024. Arctic Shipping: A Northern Sea Route shipping season is showing China and Russia deepening ties via Arctic LNG-linked voyages.

Alaska LNG: The Alaska LNG pipeline bill is in trouble again, with House leaders saying it lacks the votes and business groups criticizing the latest approach, even as Gov. Dunleavy pushes a “compromise” tax bill toward a special session. Elections & politics: Alaska’s crowded governor’s race is heading into the Aug. 18 primary, with 17 candidates and early voting already underway; one GOP newcomer, Matt Heilala, is pitching himself as an outsider. Consumer protection: Alaska’s Consumer Protection Unit says it found Southeast Alaska jewelry shops misrepresenting products as “Made in Alaska” or mined locally, including claims later contradicted by owners. Public safety: Ketchikan is dealing with unusual heat and a heat advisory, prompting local fire officials to share safety reminders. Health & federal appointments: Mark Cruz was confirmed to lead the Indian Health Service, putting a Native leader at the helm of care for Alaska Natives and American Indians. Tourism crackdown: The state’s tourism authenticity probe is tied to undercover visits in Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.

Alaska LNG Fight: Gov. Mike Dunleavy unveiled another “compromise” LNG bill in a special session that leaders say is likely doomed, as major business groups criticize the proposal—especially a corporate income tax expansion aimed at companies like Hilcorp. Primary Election Pressure: With Tuesday’s open primary nearing, candidates are spending heavily in a crowded governor’s race, while election watchdogs raise concerns about voter list handling; the ACLU of Alaska is challenging the state’s voter list maintenance program ahead of the vote. Juneau Flood Response: Juneau residents in the Mendenhall Valley are preparing for possible evacuation as glacial outburst floodwater rises, with officials urging action and the National Weather Service forecasting a crest. Fraud Warnings: Alaska and FEMA are warning storm survivors to watch for disaster recovery scams, including fake “FEMA” contacts and requests for money or banking info. Local Governance: Anchorage is moving ahead with redevelopment efforts tied to the former Nordstrom site, and Whittier voter misconduct prosecutions continue despite a recent U.S. Supreme Court citizenship ruling. Business & Industry: Rocket Lab says Kodiak will host its first “Ghost” global spaceport project at Narrow Cape, with testing planned to begin in 2027.

Alaska Politics & Elections: A new editorial argues Alaska’s primary is “our primary now,” saying independents and undeclared voters can’t sit out if they want different choices in November. Alaska Gov & Policy: Gov. Mike Dunleavy let two bills take effect without his signature and vetoed two others, including measures tied to University of Alaska fee notices and hunting/fishing license Permanent Fund-style requirements. Alaska Courts & Public Safety: Fairbanks Judge Kirk Schwalm sentenced Aaron Hague to 26 years for manslaughter, theft, and tampering in a “no body” homicide case. Federal Oversight in Alaska: DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin visited Anchorage to meet CBP and TSA staff, highlighting priorities for remote airport support. Alaska Voter Integrity: The Alaska Beacon reports 2,809 alleged noncitizens are on a voter list, with more Republicans than Democrats among those flagged. National Watch: NOAA ended administrative support for the Arctic Report Card, while NASA again debunked claims that Earth will lose gravity during Wednesday’s eclipse.

Juneau Flood Warning: The National Weather Service says Suicide Basin is now releasing, with the Mendenhall River expected to hit minor flood stage around 3 p.m. Tuesday and keep rising into the morning of Aug. 13; Juneau is warning residents to stay clear of rivers and advising evacuation for those in flood zones, with an emergency shelter open at Floyd Dryden Gym. Anchorage Blight Cleanup: Anchorage has begun demolition of the Big Timber Motel near Merrill Field after years of vacancy and repeated calls for fires and medical emergencies; the city says it will seek reimbursement for demolition costs if the property is sold or redeveloped. Ketchikan Internet Disruption: KPU says its internet service was restored after an outage tied to copper theft or vandalism affecting fiber lines in Canada, disrupting home phone, internet and TV for hours. Alaska Politics & Voting: A new report says more than 2,800 Alaskans are on a list of alleged noncitizens registered to vote, after thousands were moved to inactive status following DMV data matching. Statewide Primary Focus: Your Alaska Link’s “Behind the Ballot” continues with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Begich, highlighting education funding and plans to broaden revenue. Community: North Pole organizers are fundraising for a new welcome center after the old one was torn down due to mold.

Alaska Rural Health: Alaska has started rolling out the Rural Health Transformation Program, announcing the first $4.5 million of $272 million in federal funding for 19 projects statewide, with more awards coming weekly. Military in Alaska: Operation POLAR DAGGER is set to run Aug. 15-31 with localized training near Point Hope, St. Lawrence Island, Wales, Tin City and Little Diomede—no public access restrictions, but a minor increase in military presence. Alaska Courts & Elections: A state attorney says elections officials may have violated Alaska and federal law with voter removals, raising questions ahead of the primary. Health Care Access: A Senate-confirmed new Indian Health Service director, Mark Cruz, ends a long leadership gap at the agency serving about 2.8 million Alaska Native and American Indian patients. National Abortion Fight: Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signed a law removing the state’s 24-week limit, joining Alaska and other states that allow abortion up to birth. Justice Department: Todd Blanche was sworn in as U.S. attorney general after a razor-thin Senate confirmation. Scams Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows New York led scam reports in July, while Alaska’s neighbors in the Midwest and South also saw increases. Zuckerberg Yacht Controversy (Alaska): Reports and Coast Guard clarification continue to swirl after a skiff near southeast Alaska ran out of fuel and questions were raised about whether Zuckerberg’s yacht responded in time.

Alaska LNG & Taxes: Gov. Mike Dunleavy says he’ll introduce an updated Alaska LNG bill soon, calling lawmakers back Aug. 20, with a major property tax cut plus a “compromise” corporate income tax expansion that would cap a 2% rate for certain privately held oil and gas companies (S-corps/LLCs), while still excluding the LNG project itself. Elections Law: A Legislature attorney argues Alaska elections officials may have violated state and federal law when they removed thousands of suspected noncitizens from the active voter list, after DMV data flagged people who later said they are naturalized citizens. Gas Pipeline Oversight: The Senate Majority released a position paper saying it has done its part on gasline legislation, pointing to protections and safeguards in earlier versions and saying next steps rest with Glenfarne and the administration. Southcentral Energy Worry: Anchorage and utilities warn a Cook Inlet natural gas crunch could drive higher winter utility costs and reliability problems, arguing LNG is key to stabilizing the grid. Zuckerberg Yacht Flap: New details continue to swirl around Mark Zuckerberg’s $300M yacht and a Southeast Alaska skiff rescue, with the Coast Guard saying the skiff wasn’t in distress when first hailed and that the yacht’s crew didn’t hear the call on the monitored radio channel. Local Government: Anchorage plans to demolish the blighted Big Timber Motel this week as part of a cleanup push. Vetoes: Gov. Dunleavy vetoed two more bills, bringing his term total to 31.

Campaign Finance: Kodiak Rep. Louise Stutes agreed to a proposed Alaska Public Offices Commission settlement: a $2,643.50 civil penalty and repayment of $13,869.44 to her own campaign, cutting what could’ve been a much larger penalty by 99%. The deal still needs APOC approval. Wetlands Enforcement: A Juneau construction company, Duran Construction, faces a $350,000 consent agreement after alleged illegal discharges into wetlands and tidal marsh areas, with required mitigation at three sites. Broadband in Rural Alaska: Actelis Networks says it received orders worth more than $100,000 from regional carriers to extend broadband to remote Alaska schools and healthcare facilities using a hybrid fiber-copper approach. Alaska Airlines Disruption: An Alaska Airlines flight from Miami to Seattle was delayed after alleged passenger threats led to a lockdown protocol; authorities later said there was no credible threat. Southeast Alaska Rescue Controversy: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s yacht Launchpad didn’t initially hear a Coast Guard radio call for help from a fuel-stranded skiff near Southeast Alaska, according to a spokesperson, and another vessel had already assisted by the time the yacht reviewed the contact.