AGP Executive Report

Retail Expansion: Cost.U.Less will open a 50,000-square-foot flagship in Hagåtña on Aug. 28, replacing its long-running Tamuning store that closes Aug. 27; all Tamuning staff will move to the new flagship or the Dededo location. Workforce & Health Care: UAA and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium signed an agreement to let UAA healthcare students complete clinical rotations at local ANTHC facilities, aiming to build a sustainable in-state workforce. Defense Spending Watch: Alaska officials are preparing for major federal dollars tied to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson’s “Fightertown Recapitalization,” with talk of about $2B next year and nearly $7B over several years. Anchorage Economy: JBER could see roughly $7B in coming years, according to officials, with potential spillover for Anchorage businesses and services. Local Grants: Juneau Community Foundation’s Douglas-Dornan fund awarded $52,728 to 24 Southeast Alaska nonprofits and schools, supporting youth programs and outdoor access. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports the lowest diesel in Fairbanks North Star Borough at $4.78 for the week ending Aug. 8, with statewide diesel averaging $5.43.

Healthcare Workforce Pipeline: UAA and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium struck a deal to let UAA health students complete clinical rotations at ANTHC facilities, aiming to build a sustainable local workforce. Defense Spending Outlook: Alaska officials and analysts are preparing for major federal dollars tied to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson’s “Fightertown Recapitalization,” with talk of about $7B over several years. Anchorage Economic Boost: JBER could see roughly $7B in coming years, with officials saying the spending could ripple through Anchorage’s economy. Marine Fuels Upgrade: Shanghai Port completed a first-of-its-kind dual-fuel, dual-vessel bunkering operation offshore, a sign of shifting fuel supply chains that matter to Alaska’s shipping interests. Public Safety Equipment: The FBI donated 30 body armor kits to Wasilla Police Department through its Legacy Body Armor Program. Energy Prices Watch: Diesel hit a low of $4.78/gal in Fairbanks North Star Borough for the week ending Aug. 8, while the statewide average rose to $5.43. Fraud Case: Alaska State Troopers arrested a Mat-Su mechanic wanted on $2M+ in warrants tied to fraud and theft allegations.

Alaska Consumer & Courts: Alaska’s acting attorney general secured another Southeast settlement over “made in Alaska” jewelry claims, ordering Jewelry Land to pay a $20,000 penalty and keep proof records. Travel & Aviation: Delta says cancellations are spiking—over 19,000 flights canceled in the first half of 2026, nearly double last year—while a separate report notes Alaska is among airlines facing a federal probe into “surveillance pricing.” Energy & Shipping: China is dominating Arctic shipping routes as sanctions reshape trade lanes, while Russia’s Northern Sea Route activity highlights how Arctic LNG-linked cargo moves despite restrictions. Local Economy & Tourism: The owner of a shuttered Anchorage RV rental firm was ordered to pay more than $230,000 in fines and restitution tied to alleged deposit charges, tax overbilling, and forged damage claims. Food & Safety: FDA warned of a Schwarzkopf hair mousse recall in 12 states including Alaska due to a can defect that could leak under pressure. Elections & Money: Alaska voters head to a statewide primary Tuesday, with Ballot Measure 1 aimed at restoring campaign contribution limits.

U.S. Senate Control Watch: Alaska’s nonpartisan primary could decide the Senate’s 53-45 balance, with Democrats targeting Sen. Dan Sullivan’s seat as voters sort through 16 candidates, including Mary Peltola. Anchorage Schools & Budgets: Anchorage School District is heading into the new year with academic gains but a projected ~$40 million structural shortfall, after closing three schools and still needing teachers. Gas Prices (Ketchikan): Midgrade hit a low of $4.79 in Ketchikan Gateway Borough for the week ending Aug. 8, with only one station reporting; Alaska’s average midgrade rose to $4.97. Election Ballot Basics (Anchorage): The League of Women Voters lays out Aug. 18 and November ballot measures, including restoring campaign contribution limits and changes tied to open primaries, ranked choice, transparency, and citizenship voting. Energy Shipping Disruption: An empty LPG tanker paid a record $4.6 million to jump the Panama Canal queue amid Iran-related Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Tech & Travel Pricing Scrutiny: A House inquiry asks major airlines, including Alaska Airlines, to explain whether AI and consumer data shape the fares people see. Space/Defense Industry: Rocket Lab unveiled its containerized GHOST launch system, aiming to make deployable spaceport infrastructure faster for military and commercial use.

Education & Budgets: Anchorage School District is heading into the new year with early signs of academic gains, but it’s also dealing with a projected ~$40 million structural shortfall, school closures, and ongoing teacher shortages. Public Safety & Community: Flags are at half-staff in Minnesota for Noorvik firefighter Leslie R. Washington, who died responding to the Bear Trap Fire after a medical emergency. Alaska Politics & Campaign Finance: Former AG Treg Taylor and his running mate Candice English are accused of massively violating Alaska donation limits by self-funding their campaigns past the July 17 cap. Governor’s Race Watch: Alaska’s crowded primary is driving behind-the-scenes strategy, with leading candidates discussing whether one should step aside depending on who lands in the top four. Energy Policy: Gov. Mike Dunleavy says there’s “little reason” to keep the latest special session going as the Alaska LNG gasline compromise bill appears to be stalling again. Infrastructure for Resilience: The Army Corps of Engineers will seek industry proposals for a long-term fix to Juneau’s glacial outburst flooding, using a faster, “pitch briefing” approach. Health Care Quality: Two Kenai Peninsula hospitals were recognized by the American Heart Association for improving heart disease and stroke care. Business & Industry: Alaska’s Senate race is increasingly focused on trawling and bycatch, with outside groups targeting candidates over pollock bycatch records.

Alaska LNG Standoff: Alaska House and Senate leaders say they won’t meet to advance Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s latest gasline tax-break push, arguing the bill lacks votes and needs more time. Nome Tax Ruling: The Alaska Supreme Court sided with Norton Sound Health Corporation, confirming an apartment building used for housing is exempt from City of Nome property taxes. Juneau Flood Relief: Juneau residents in the Mendenhall area saw a much milder glacial outburst flood crest than feared, with limited damage reported as water levels receded. Rocket Lab Defense Contract: Rocket Lab won a $397 million Space Force deal to design, build and launch “Flatellites” for threat tracking. Health Care Recognition: Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center earned American Heart Association recognition for improving heart-disease care through quality-improvement programs. Elections Compliance: An Anchorage judge ruled the Division of Elections properly kept a House candidate on the ballot despite a blank financial disclosure form, with accuracy checks left to APOC. Energy Prices: Diesel prices in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area hit a weekly low of $5.34 per gallon, per GasBuddy.

Alaska LNG Standoff: Gov. Mike Dunleavy says there’s “little reason” to keep Alaska’s third special session going after legislative leaders won’t advance his gasline tax-break bill, raising doubts about timing and whether lawmakers will revisit it until the regular session. Local Governance: Sitka mayoral candidate Lisa Lane filed for the top job, pitching her long community ties and small-business background as she runs against two current assembly members. Cruise Economy: A new Oxford Economics report for CLIA estimates cruise activity is a major driver for Sitka, citing $105 million in direct spending in 2024 and $136 average spend per passenger. North Slope Fuel Watch: GasBuddy data shows the lowest regular price in North Slope Borough hit $7.99 per gallon for the week ending Aug. 8. Aviation Safety: A Boeing 737 fan-blade failure tied to a 2018 U.S. crash highlights a mandated fix deadline that doesn’t arrive until 2028. Crypto/Finance: SharpLink plans to stake $200 million in ETH via Lido, with Anchorage Digital as custodian for the staked token.

Alaska LNG: The Alaska LNG pipeline bill is again in trouble, with House leaders saying it lacks the votes and Dunleavy pushing a “compromise” version that includes a corporation tax. Immigration enforcement contract: Koniag Government Services, a Kodiak/Anchorage-based Alaska Native corporation subsidiary, won a $63 million DHS/ICE national call center contract in rural Tennessee. Tourism authenticity crackdown: Alaska’s consumer protection unit reached a fourth settlement in six months over jewelry origin misrepresentations, targeting “Made in Alaska” claims that undercut local craft and tourism businesses. Interior energy squeeze: Interior Alaska braces for winter uncertainty after a major firewood supplier winds down, threatening thousands of households and wood-fired businesses. Crypto security: More than 40 crypto firms and groups, including Anchorage Digital, urged AI labs to share access for security testing to close the gap between attackers and defenders. Oil on the North Slope: ConocoPhillips started production at the Coyote 3SX project, adding to Alaska’s North Slope output momentum. Logistics win: Lynden Logistics was named top airfreight forwarder in Quest for Quality for the 20th time.

Alaska LNG: The Alaska House Majority says Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s latest Alaska LNG bill doesn’t have the votes, collapsing a third straight special session and drawing a sharp rebuke from the governor after business groups criticized the tax package. State Politics: With Tuesday’s open primary looming, candidates in Alaska’s crowded governor’s race are spending heavily—about $10 million a week ahead of the vote—while regulators scrutinize possible self-funding violations. Energy & Policy: Dunleavy’s compromise LNG proposal would nearly eliminate pipeline property taxes and add a 2% S-corp income tax on certain privately held producers, a key fight point for lawmakers and industry. Local Governance & Safety: Dearborn police warn residents to avoid alleged outside anti-Islam protesters at an upcoming city council meeting. Native Affairs & Federal Contracting: Federal documents show an Alaska Native corporation, Koniag Government Services, will operate a 24-hour ICE call center in rural Tennessee. Natural Resources & Industry: Nova Minerals is ramping up its Estelle project in Alaska with three drill rigs running around the clock and antimony pilot-plant progress at Port MacKenzie. Elections Guide: Voters have until 8 p.m. Aug. 18; the ballot includes Measure 1, which would cap individual campaign donations at $2,000 per election cycle.

Federal Contracting: DHS awarded a $63 million deal to Alaska Native-owned Koniag Government Services to run a 24/7 ICE call center in Adams, Tennessee—raising questions locally about whether the tiny town is ready for the infrastructure and staffing needs. Southeast Business Disruption: Ketchikan Public Utilities suffered a second internet outage in 10 days tied to copper theft and fiber damage in Canada, knocking out service for hours and hitting local businesses. Aviation & Consumer Tech: Rep. Frank Pallone pressed major airlines, including Alaska Airlines, for answers on “surveillance pricing,” asking whether personal data and AI help set what individual travelers pay. Crypto & AI: Bitcoin Policy Institute and crypto firms urged AI labs to provide early access to frontier models for Bitcoin and open-source developers, warning that public systems’ guardrails can leave defenders behind. Health & Safety: Henkel recalled Schwarzkopf Professional Osis Grip Extra Strong Mousse in 12 states due to a packaging defect that could leak and potentially explode under pressure. Alaska Climate & Infrastructure: NOAA will end administrative support for the Arctic Report Card, while a separate report highlights Point Lay’s ground sinking as permafrost thaws. Local Justice: Fairbanks-area man Aaron Hague was sentenced to 26 years for manslaughter, theft and evidence tampering in a “no body” homicide case.

Alaska LNG: The $55B Alaska LNG megaproject is back in the spotlight as lead developer Glenfarne Group says it’s talking with two more potential gas buyers to secure additional offtake before a final investment decision. Southcentral Gas Crunch: ENSTAR has launched emergency arbitration against Cook Inlet producer HEX after HEX cut off “discretionary” gas deliveries mid-summer, deepening winter supply worries. Aviation Oversight: The FAA is proposing a new airworthiness directive tied to improperly installed seats on 453 Boeing 737 MAX jets, a sign regulators are tightening scrutiny even after Boeing gained more certification authority. Mining & Salmon: Kinross Gold and Trout Unlimited launched the Cripple Creek Restoration Project in Fairbanks, aiming to restore juvenile Chinook habitat harmed by historic mining diversions. Local Business & Safety: Anchorage began demolition of the long-vacant Big Timber Motel, citing crime and safety risks tied to trespassing. Community Growth: North Pole organizers are fundraising for a new welcome center to support residents and servicemembers at Eielson Air Force Base. Food Costs: A DoorDash “cheeseburger index” finds a $15 quick meal is disappearing, with Anchorage among the pricier markets. Internet Disruption: Ketchikan’s KPU internet outage was traced to fiber issues tied to Canada, including copper theft and vandalism.

Alaska Courts & Governance: The Alaska Supreme Court upheld an ethics ruling against former Sen. Lora Reinbold, saying she can’t block constituents on Facebook or delete their comments, reinforcing that lawmakers must preserve public access to legislative discussion. Healthcare Costs: A guide to Medicare Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy) breaks down who qualifies and how it can cut prescription drug costs even as the Part D out-of-pocket cap rises to $2,100 for 2026. AI in Politics: AI regulation is heating up as a campaign issue, with candidates framing “guardrails” as both a privacy/public-safety matter and a jobs-and-displacement question. Space & Tech: Rocket Lab’s latest push includes a portable, deployable “GHOST” launch system concept and continued expansion plans as it reports record revenue and backlog. Energy & Oil: Santos says it has started shipping crude from the Pikka development on the North Slope, with the first 450,000-barrel cargo loaded at Valdez. Health Care Leadership: The Senate confirmed Mark Cruz as permanent director of the Indian Health Service, ending a long leadership gap for the agency serving about 2.8 million Alaska Native and American Indian patients. Cruise & Tourism: National Geographic-Lindblad and Norwegian both announced new 2028-29 cruise deployments that include longer Alaska itineraries and calls to Juneau.

Alaska LNG Policy Fight: Gov. Mike Dunleavy says he’ll introduce an updated Alaska LNG bill soon, aiming to move the megaproject forward with a major property tax cut and a “compromise” that would extend a corporate income tax to certain privately held oil and gas companies via an S-corp provision (but not the pipeline). Local Energy Costs: Southcentral may face tighter natural gas supplies this winter, and Anchorage and utilities are warning that higher bills and reliability risks make LNG a pressing economic issue. Gas Pipeline Oversight: The Senate Majority released a position paper laying out its stance on the gasline and the tax relief, arguing it protects Alaska’s long-term fiscal future while pushing for project labor and apprenticeships. Real Estate & Municipal Finance: An Anchorage home seller says a municipal property tax accounting delay led to duplicate payments and extra costs, highlighting how city systems can hit households during closings. Anchorage Cleanup: The city is set to demolish the blighted Big Timber Motel, citing safety risks and repeated first-responder calls. Broadband Expansion: Actelis Networks says it secured orders worth over $100,000 to extend broadband to remote Alaska schools and healthcare facilities using hybrid fiber-copper. Business & Community: Anchorage Little League dugouts got fresh paint through a local “Paint It Forward” program. Aviation/Space Tech: Rocket Lab unveiled its portable “GHOST” spaceport system to enable more flexible launch operations, with Alaska mentioned as part of its broader launch plans.

Alaska Politics: Rep. Louise Stutes (R-Kodiak) agreed to a proposed Alaska Public Offices Commission settlement, paying a $2,643.50 civil penalty and repaying $13,869.44 to her campaign after alleged disclosure errors across multiple election cycles. Aviation & Safety: CNN reports threats from passengers on two flights triggered emergency protocols, including a lockdown, with Alaska Airlines and United both cited in separate incidents. Alaska Business & Energy: ConocoPhillips named Andy O’Brien as CEO, with Ryan Lance stepping down, as investors focus on whether the company can deliver on Alaska’s Willow project and manage cost and schedule risks. Shipping & Trade: NOAA wrapped up Operation North Pacific Guard, conducting dozens of boardings tied to illegal fishing, including shark finning and endangered species violations. Tech & Identity: Alaska is among states using a Mobile ID approach for digital driver’s licenses, as more travelers add credentials to phone wallets. Local Governance: Big Lake residents pressed Mat-Su Borough and troopers for faster action on crime, squatting and junk, with enforcement and cleanup constrained by property rules. Environment: A Juneau construction firm, Duran Construction, faces a $350,000 consent agreement after illegal wetland and tidal marsh discharges.

U.S. Justice Department: The Senate confirmed Trump’s former defense lawyer Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote, with Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski and Maine’s Susan Collins among the “no” votes, setting up another high-stakes chapter for DOJ leadership. Alaska Policy & AI: Two opinion pieces argue Alaska is falling behind on AI governance, warning that the state lacks broad guardrails on privacy, algorithmic fairness, and child safety even as lawmakers passed a narrower deepfake/AI child sexual abuse measure. Broadband & Jobs: Another op-ed credits universal service for Alaska’s connectivity leap, but says the broadband transformation still leaves work unfinished for full economic impact. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports Alaska diesel prices easing in the week ending Aug. 1, including a Kenai Peninsula Borough low of $4.87 and other borough-specific declines. Aviation Safety: The FAA ordered crack inspections for hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets, covering 471 aircraft, a reminder of ongoing airframe risk management. Local Business/Infrastructure: A Seward Highway design critique says a four-lane limited-access plan could isolate roadside businesses and distort property values, urging alternative layouts.

Fisheries Politics: A new national spotlight is landing on Alaska’s fisheries as critics warn industrial fishing practices are squeezing smaller fleets and coastal economies. Interior Economic Development: The University of Alaska Fairbanks is set to lead a Critical Mineral Accelerator Engine, bringing $15 million over two years to help turn Alaska’s mineral wealth into jobs. Education & Local Governance: A Fairbanks School Board Seat F candidate argues consolidation and austerity measures failed to deliver savings, citing lower-than-target school capacity and budget disputes. Space & Defense Supply Chains: Lockheed Martin is pursuing scandium and germanium sourcing deals tied to aircraft and military systems, underscoring how Alaska-relevant critical minerals are moving into procurement. Aviation Safety: The FAA ordered crack inspections for 471 Boeing 737 MAX jets, a reminder of ongoing aircraft reliability scrutiny. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports Alaska premium and diesel prices easing in early August, with multiple boroughs posting the week’s lowest figures. Elections & Money: Elon Musk is backing a ballot push to repeal Alaska’s ranked-choice voting, injecting major cash into the November fight. DOJ Leadership: The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote, with Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski among the no votes.