AGP Executive Report

Alaska Politics & Elections: A left-leaning Mat-Su group staged an anti-Trump counterprotest outside a Nick Begich stop near Palmer, and says it will run a “nonpartisan” booth at the Alaska State Fair ahead of the Aug. 18 primary. Primary Countdown: Alaska voters are being urged to check registration status and use the state’s voter guide ahead of the Aug. 18 vote, which also includes Ballot Measure 1 on campaign contribution limits. Crowded Governor Race: With 17 candidates in the governor primary, candidates are struggling to stand out and secure enough votes to reach the top four for November. U.S. Justice Department Fallout: The U.S. Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general, with Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski voting no over DOJ independence concerns. Voting System Fight: Elon Musk is backing a push to repeal Alaska’s ranked-choice voting and related election rules, pouring money into the campaign. Southeast Alaska Rescue: A cruise ship helped tow a stranded skiff after it ran out of fuel, while reports say Zuckerberg’s yacht ignored a Coast Guard call. Oil Revenue: Higher oil prices are boosting Alaska’s tax collections, potentially easing budget pressure and creating surplus dollars for payments and programs.

Energy Security: Southcentral Alaska utilities are warning the region could enter winter without enough natural gas to meet demand, with Enstar saying the outlook “not looking good” and Matanuska Electric preparing for possible rolling blackouts during ordinary cold snaps. Federal Politics: The U.S. Senate confirmed Trump loyalist Todd Blanche as attorney general in a razor-thin 50-49 vote early Saturday, with Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski joining Democrats in opposition; Trump immediately attacked Murkowski online after her “no” vote. Juneau Flood Planning: A Juneau resident urged lawmakers to keep pushing for a long-term glacial outburst flood solution, saying temporary barriers help but families can’t live with the threat year after year. Local Arts & Development: Sealaska Heritage Institute unveiled plans for a “crown jewel” arts building in Juneau, tied to the city selling the contaminated City Hall site for $1.5 million. Southeast Alaska Rescue: A cruise ship detoured to help a stranded skiff between Petersburg and Juneau, with social media attention on how close Zuckerberg’s yacht was during the response.

Federal Reserve Fight: President Trump renewed his push to remove Fed Gov. Lisa Cook, giving her 21 days to respond to mortgage-fraud allegations—an escalation that again tests central-bank independence. U.S. Attorney General: Todd Blanche’s confirmation path looks clearer after Sen. Bill Cassidy said he’ll vote yes, even as Alaska’s Sen. Lisa Murkowski remains a “no,” keeping the GOP’s final math in focus. Alaska Elections: The Division of Elections is sending citizenship notices to about 3,000 voters; roughly 1,900 haven’t confirmed yet, raising concerns about confusion at the Aug. 18 primary. Voter Disclosure Lawsuit: Alaska’s elections attorney argued candidates don’t have to disclose finances immediately, in a case challenging a blank Public Officer Disclosure form. Juneau Flooding: The Army Corps says it will soon unveil a long-term approach to glacial outburst flooding tied to Suicide Basin. Local Economy/Community: A Juneau brewery is launching a non-alcoholic IPA with a $20,000 grant, and Alaska Public Media received $1.15M for equipment upgrades.

AG Confirmation Fight: Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski said she’ll oppose Todd Blanche for attorney general, citing concerns about “politicization” at the Justice Department and issues tied to the Epstein files and a proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” style fund—throwing Blanche’s confirmation into doubt until GOP Holdout Breaks: Sen. Bill Cassidy announced he will vote to confirm Blanche, likely clearing the path despite Collins and Murkowski voting no. Elections & Voting Access: Alaska’s Division of Elections is still dealing with voter roll problems, sending follow-up letters to about 3,000 people removed from the active list; roughly 1,900 remain marked “inactive noncitizen” pending verification. Local Governance: Ketchikan City Council advanced a ballot measure that could directly affect the city-run Ketchikan Public Library if voters approve changes tied to a borough measure, while also approving an electric utility financing proposal for Oct. 6. Public Safety/Travel: Wildfire smoke forced multiple flight cancellations at Kelowna International Airport, including Alaska Airlines service.

Voter Roll Shake-Up: Alaska’s Division of Elections says it mistakenly removed 3,048 people from the active voter list after a DMV data match flagged possible noncitizens; the director says about 685 contacted the state and were restored to active status, while others can still vote via absentee or a “questioned ballot.” Energy Crunch & Gas Line Politics: Enstar has started arbitration with Cook Inlet gas supplier HEX over “discretionary gas” that Enstar says is needed to refill storage for winter demand; meanwhile, Gov. Dunleavy urged lawmakers to pass an LNG/gas-line package in a special session, but leaders say they haven’t seen the bill yet. Native Health Settlement: ANTHC is set to receive a $400 million federal settlement over unpaid healthcare support costs. Medicaid Fraud Case: Anchorage group home operators Kyle and Molly Bates and an employee face charges tied to more than $14 million in alleged Medicaid fraud. Wildfire Smoke & Pregnancy: A new study finds wildfire smoke is erasing some prenatal health gains from cleaner air, hitting low-income, rural, and Indigenous communities hardest. Local Business & Community: Young Fairbanks lemonade stand owners wrapped up a weeklong training at UAF’s business program before selling lemonade Friday to support charities.

Matanuska-Susitna Fishing Update: Sockeye are surging at Fish Creek, prompting Alaska Department of Fish and Game to raise the daily bag limit to six salmon (with a coho cap) through Aug. 15, even as coho fishing stays inconsistent and flooding has disrupted Susitna River monitoring. Federal Courts & Guns: A federal judge struck down parts of the National Firearms Act registration rules, ruling the government can’t enforce them after the tax basis was removed—an outcome West Virginia says is a win for gun owners. Broadband Policy: SpaceX urged the FCC to wind down and sunset USF High-Cost subsidies, arguing satellite broadband makes the program obsolete. Economy & Alaska Business: Fed Gov. Lisa Cook said she voted against a rate hike but is ready to act if inflation doesn’t keep cooling. Alaska Politics & Voting: The League of Women Voters backs Ballot Measure 1 to restore Alaska campaign contribution limits, arguing it levels the playing field. Education: Alaska superintendents met with six gubernatorial candidates in Juneau, pressing for education funding and warning of school closures and staffing cuts. Infrastructure: Pioneer Consulting is in the engineering phase for the FISH West 2 submarine cable linking Seward and Homer, with branches to Seldovia, Port Graham and Nanwalek.

Anchorage Economy & Tourism: A new AEDC snapshot says Anchorage jobs are back but the city’s recovery still lags the rest of Alaska, with housing shortages, weak downtown investment, and a negative perception problem weighing on confidence; at the same time, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport hit a new passenger record and Visit Anchorage says tourism is driving millions into the local economy. Federal Reserve Watch: Fed Gov. Lisa Cook told an Anchorage business crowd she’s ready to raise rates if inflation doesn’t cool, warning inflation could become entrenched if policymakers wait too long. Local Governance: The Anchorage Assembly voted to call off an investigation into member George Martinez’s municipal travel records. Elections & Campaign Finance: Alaskans are voting on whether state races should reinstate contribution limits, a ballot measure aimed at closing a gap left by a court ruling. Public Safety/Justice: Acting AG Cori Mills joined a coalition of states in a $400 million settlement with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and anticompetitive conduct. Environment & Courts: A Juneau construction firm could pay $350,000 in a proposed Clean Water Act settlement over alleged wetland violations.

Alaska Voting Access: The Alaska GOP is pushing mail-in voting in the Aug. 18 primary, sending absentee ballot request mailers and seeking ballots at higher rates than their share of registered voters. Wrangell Land & Culture: A federal land-grant bill for Landless Natives cleared a Senate committee again, but still needs full Senate and House action. Wrangell Memorial Debate: WCA is urging officials to reconsider a proposed Freedom Rock location near an Indian graveyard, saying Indigenous heritage and context should lead. Tongass Infrastructure: A new U.S. Forest Service cabin near Long Lake on Wrangell Island is on track for completion by late September. Southeast Economy: Wrangell’s business outlook flipped from pessimistic to among the strongest in a Southeast Conference survey. Anchorage Public Safety: Anchorage Police are seeking upgrades to real-time crime monitoring. UA Tuition Change: The University of Alaska Board of Regents voted to eliminate out-of-state tuition starting fall 2027. Military Weekend Plans: Arctic Thunder returns this weekend at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson with major airshow crowds and traffic/noise alerts. Southeast Cleanup: BoatUS Foundation-backed work is removing abandoned and derelict vessels in Metlakatla, Yakutat and Sitka.

Alaska Politics: Anchorage voters are adapting to a new early voting spot at the Midtown Mall after long lines at the Division of Elections office. Federal Confirmation Watch: Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski is still undecided on President Trump’s attorney general pick Todd Blanche after the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced his nomination; Sen. Susan Collins says she’ll vote no. Elections & Access: Absentee voting is open for Alaska’s Aug. 18 primary, including in Bethel for Y-K Delta residents who may not have local polling options. Natural Resources: The Alaska Gasline Caucus will hold an Aug. 6 listening session in Anchorage to hear from mayors, utilities, and industry about benefits and challenges of an Alaska natural gas pipeline. Fisheries: NOAA will close commercial salmon fishing in the Cook Inlet EEZ starting Aug. 5 to protect the coho quota. Public Safety: Authorities identified human remains found in a Juneau freezer as Ross Pasquan; investigators are treating it as suspicious. Wildlife: A humpback whale strike sank a sailboat in Glacier Bay; the family survived.

Boeing Certification: The FAA certified the Boeing 737 MAX 7, ending nearly a decade of review after the 2018 and 2019 crashes and a later Alaska Airlines incident, a win that sent Boeing shares higher. Alaska Politics & Courts: Alaska’s child welfare class action lost its appeal at the Ninth Circuit after plaintiffs sought voluntary dismissal, preserving a March rejection of claims against the state. Attorney General Path: The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general after Blanche issued written steps ending a controversial “anti-weaponization” fund, setting up a likely full-Senate vote. Alaska Fire & Air Quality: The Tatlanika Fire near Fairbanks pushed ash over the weekend; officials say smoke and possible ash could linger into midweek, while a new Shovel Fire was reported Sunday. Local Elections: Kodiak’s borough assembly and city council will see new faces this fall as some incumbents step down; candidate filing runs through Aug. 17. Energy & Community Concerns: A proposed Caribou Creek hydro project near the Matanuska Glacier drew worries about landslides, flooding, and impacts to mining claims and recreation. Tribal Economic Grants: The Administration for Native Americans opened new grant programs (EAGLE and AI3) replacing long-running SEDS funding, shifting priorities and sparking consultation concerns.

Alaska Elections: Early in-person voting is underway for the Aug. 18 Alaska primary, with officials reporting nearly 10,000 absentee ballot requests as of July 31, plus some hiccups like Anchorage’s early-voting move to the Midtown Mall. Voter Roll Fight: The Alaska Division of Elections says it won’t immediately restore 3,048 voters marked “inactive” after citizenship-status data issues, despite a bipartisan lawmakers’ push to fix the purge. Primary Politics: A new Alaska voter guide and candidate comparisons are rolling out as voters decide crowded races under the state’s open primary system. Local Government & Services: The Mountain View Library in Anchorage remains closed after a car and tractor-trailer crash; staff say the building is cleared structurally but there’s no reopening date yet. Nome Campaign Stop: Gubernatorial candidate Meda DeWitt and running mate Chris Steere visited Nome as the campaign ramps up. Fisheries Spotlight: The Kodiak Chamber is reviving its long-running fisheries debate tradition with events scheduled for Sept. 9 and Sept. 12. Arctic Energy Policy: The Interior Department is proposing updates to 2016 Arctic exploratory oil and gas rules, aiming to reduce burdens and improve clarity.

Sexual Assault Sentencing: Byron Demantle of Kwethluk was sentenced to 33 years for sexually assaulting three women, after a guilty plea and years of litigation over withdrawing it. Religious Disruption on Flight: An Alaska Airlines passenger was removed after preaching during a delay, with the airline saying crew and passengers felt unsafe. Election Integrity Debate: A new push over noncitizens on voter rolls is sparking questions about how much it can actually change Alaska’s election integrity efforts. Social Security Warning: A nonpartisan analysis says Social Security benefits could be cut by about 22% if the trust fund runs out in 2032, hitting future retirees hard. Alaska-Linked Business/Industry: Bering North is repowering a Bering Sea trawler with a new 2,000-hp Cummins engine as it prepares for higher capacity. Antitrust: AG William Tong announced a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition. Energy Infrastructure: Allseas won a contract to install a key subsea section of the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline near the Alaska border, with offshore work slated for 2029.

Gas Tax Deadlock: Alaska lawmakers are still stuck on a long-term gas line tax deal, with the Anchorage Daily News editorial board urging the administration to show side-by-side numbers now and separate the pass-through tax proposal into its own bill with clear rules and fiscal review. Federal Science Funding Fight: The U.S. Senate is moving to block a White House rule that would let political appointees steer or reject science grants, a move backed by Sen. Lisa Murkowski and others. Tribal Consultation in Prediction Markets: Murkowski and Sen. Brian Schatz are pressing the CFTC for real government-to-government consultation over prediction markets, warning it could affect tribal gaming authority and revenues. Mining Boom, Safety Concerns: Alaska Native communities near Tok are preparing for potential harms from man camps tied to a new gold mine. Anchorage Homeless Shelter Expansion: The city is seeking contractors to add 30–50 night-only emergency beds for extreme cold periods. Workplace Tragedy: Two workers died after a 13-foot trench collapse during septic system work in Delta Junction. Air Travel Disruption: WestJet flight attendants strike is grounding flights across Canada, with ripple effects for travelers.

Labor & Travel Disruption: WestJet flight attendants represented by CUPE WestJet Component went on strike early Sunday after contract talks stalled, grounding about 4,400 flights and leaving passengers scrambling; the airline says affected travelers will be refunded or rebooked. Alaska Weather & Risk: A 4.9-magnitude earthquake hit Alaska Sunday with no reported damage or injuries. Climate & Housing Safety: A new national study maps landslide exposure at the building level, finding 6.5 million Americans live in landslide-prone areas—highlighting uneven risk and recovery capacity. Local Anchorage Impact: The Mountain View Library in Anchorage closed “until further notice” after a vehicle crashed into the building early Saturday; officials say it was extensively damaged. Religion vs. Airline Rules: A Florida evangelist was removed from an Alaska Airlines flight after preaching during a delay, sparking debate over passenger conduct and religious expression. Public Health: Alaska’s governor proclaimed Aug. 2–8 as Community Health Center Week.

Juneau Flood Watch: The National Weather Service is tracking rising water at Suicide Basin near Mendenhall Glacier, with capacity expected Aug. 8–12 and possible flooding that could disrupt cruise shore tours for days. Anchorage Crash: An Anchorage police vehicle collided with a taxi in Midtown early Saturday, killing the taxi driver and front passenger; the officer and three other passengers were hospitalized. Library Damage: The Mountain View Library in Anchorage closed “until further notice” after a vehicle crashed into the building, causing extensive damage. E-Rate Uncertainty: The FCC is considering changes that could scale back or end the E-Rate internet subsidy program for Alaska schools and libraries. Public Safety Grants: DOJ is accepting applications for more than $107 million in grants for Tribal Nations to strengthen public safety and justice services. Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. plans a lease sale process tied to deep-sea mining rights in American Samoa, drawing criticism from opponents. Tongass Timber Decision: The Tongass National Forest issued a Record of Decision for the South Revilla project, setting up up to 83 million board feet of timber harvest over 15 years.

Juneau Flood Watch: The National Weather Service says Suicide Basin near Mendenhall Glacier is expected to reach capacity Aug. 8-12, with possible flooding that could disrupt cruise shore tours for several days, though no cancellations are planned. Elections Under Scrutiny: Alaska’s election system is again in the spotlight, with an opinion piece arguing ranked-choice voting helped create “Decoy Dan Sullivan,” and another column accusing the Division of Elections of mismanagement and political favoritism ahead of the Aug. 18 primary. Public Safety Update: Juneau police say human remains found in a locked chest freezer were identified as Ross Pasquan, and investigators are still looking into how long he was there and the circumstances of his death. Campaign Finance & Politics: Multiple opinion pieces target Alaska’s PFD “dividend” promises as election-year bait, while national coverage highlights Elon Musk’s planned major spending push for GOP midterms, including Alaska. Airline Incident: A Florida evangelist was removed from an Alaska Airlines flight after preaching to passengers during a delay, with crew saying they didn’t feel safe. Tribal Justice Funding: The DOJ opened a major tribal public safety grant opportunity totaling more than $107 million for Alaska Native and American Indian tribes.