AGP Executive Report

Aviation Safety: The FAA ordered inspections of 471 Boeing 737 Max jets for possible cracks in a structural component near the forward galley door, with the directive effective Sept. 10. Energy & Utilities: Enstar has started arbitration with Cook Inlet gas supplier HEX over alleged “discretionary gas” sales that could affect winter storage and raise shortage concerns. Healthcare Finance: ANTHC is set to receive a $400 million federal settlement tied to unpaid healthcare costs, a major win for Alaska’s largest Native health provider. Local Government & Waste: Anchorage is advancing plans for a waste-to-energy incineration-style plant that could generate power by 2032, as leaders also worry about future gas supply. Energy Policy: Alaska lawmakers begin a third special session aimed at passing an Alaska LNG property tax cut, but the governor still hasn’t introduced a bill. Business & Travel: Delta will return to Tokyo Narita from Seattle with daily nonstop service starting March 27, 2027, intensifying competition with Alaska Airlines. Environment & Land Use: Three Alaska tribes sued to stop construction of a King Cove road through Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, seeking an injunction. Agriculture: Alaska peony growers report major losses after unusual winter weather. Sports & Community: The Alaska Nanooks unveiled a 2026 volleyball schedule with multiple themed events and a home opener Sept. 3.

Defense Supply Chains: Lockheed Martin is in talks to secure U.S.-linked supplies of scandium and germanium to cut reliance on China, underscoring how Alaska’s economy can feel the ripple effects of federal procurement. Anchorage Economy: AEDC says Anchorage is lagging the rest of Alaska’s recovery, with a shrinking labor pool and weak consumer confidence driving a new push to reverse economic decline. Broadband Policy: SpaceX is urging the FCC to wind down High-Cost subsidies, arguing satellite networks like Starlink have made rural telecom support less necessary. Telecom Buildout: Pioneer Consulting is advancing engineering for the FISH West 2 submarine cable to connect Seward and Homer, with branches to remote communities, funded through USDA’s ReConnect program. Space & Defense Contracts: Rocket Lab is set to report earnings after winning more than $663 million in new U.S. Space Force contracts tied to its Neutron rocket. Air Travel Oversight: The FAA ordered inspections of hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets for cracks near a service door reinforcement. Local Fishing & Food: Fish Creek in Mat-Su is seeing a sockeye surge, prompting higher bag limits, while coho rules tighten amid monitoring disruptions. Education: Six Alaska governor candidates met with superintendents and school leaders, broadly agreeing education funding is in crisis. Housing Affordability: A new analysis estimates how much income Alaska households need to buy a starter home in 2026.

Federal Reserve Watch: Anchorage business leaders heard Gov. Lisa Cook say she’s “prepared to act” by raising rates if inflation doesn’t cool, warning price pressures could become entrenched. Local Economy: AEDC says Anchorage jobs are back up but the city’s recovery still lags the rest of Alaska, with housing shortages and weak downtown confidence cited. Anchorage Governance: The Anchorage Assembly voted to call off an investigation into Rep. George Martinez’s municipal travel records. Public Finance & Policy: Alaskans will vote Aug. 18 on whether to reinstate state campaign contribution limits, after a court struck down the current low limits. Health & Safety: FDA recalled Bettergoods pistachio nut butter sold at Walmart in 19 states, including Alaska, due to possible salmonella contamination. Business & Industry: University of Alaska regents approved eliminating out-of-state tuition for 2027, aiming to streamline costs and boost enrollment. Environment & Construction: A Juneau construction firm faces a proposed $350K settlement over alleged Clean Water Act violations tied to wetland dredging and dumping. Tourism: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport set a new passenger record as summer travel spending supports local jobs.

AI Accountability: Pennsylvania joined a 16-state push for transparency after an alleged Hugging Face breach tied to an OpenAI experimental model, with AGs demanding documents and safeguards. Southeast Alaska Costs & Projects: Wrangell’s August utility bills jump after a 10-day hydropower shutdown forced diesel backup, adding about $100 for a typical home; the borough can’t waive charges under its code. Local Recreation Overhaul: Wrangell is dismantling aging playgrounds and concentrating upgrades at two sites, aiming for at least one new playground by summer 2027. Tongass Cabin Build: A new U.S. Forest Service cabin at Little Lakes near Long Lake is on track for completion by late September, using local labor and materials. Native Land Legislation: A Landless Natives bill passed a Senate committee for land-owning Native corporations in five Southeast communities, but still needs full Senate and House action. Business & Products: Res-Q launched a “Beauty Omega” Omega-7 supplement using wild Alaska Pollock; Western Union rolled out Visa-linked stablecoin remittances via Stablecard. Alaska Economy Pulse: A Southeast business survey shows Wrangell swinging from pessimism to one of the region’s strongest outlooks.

University of Alaska Tuition: The UA Board of Regents voted to eliminate the nonresident tuition surcharge across UAA, UAF and UAS starting fall 2027, aiming to simplify billing, boost recruitment and support Alaska’s workforce needs. Local Infrastructure: Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility is moving ahead with a Girdwood sanitary sewer manhole rehabilitation project to cut inflow and infiltration, rehabilitating 102 manholes and replacing five. Energy & Policy: Alaska Gasline Caucus leaders will host an Aug. 6 Anchorage listening session on how a North Slope gas pipeline could affect communities, businesses and utilities. Public Safety & Waste: Anchorage’s Central Transfer Station will stop accepting asbestos-containing construction materials, with staff screening loads and directing customers to a separate lot. State Politics & Money: A ballot measure on Alaska’s Aug. 18 primary would cap political contributions at $2,000, targeting the post-2021 surge in big-donor influence. Economy Watch: Gas prices were mostly steady, with crude oil volatility tied to Middle East developments keeping pump prices elevated.

Boeing & Aviation: The FAA has finally certified the Boeing 737 MAX 7, ending nearly a decade of review after the 2018 and 2019 MAX crashes and a 2024 Alaska Airlines incident; the clearance is Boeing’s first new-aircraft approval since the crisis. Alaska Education & Workforce: Kodiak College’s College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) won renewed federal funding of more than $450,000 for its third year after meeting enrollment goals, with support for first-year students from migrant and seasonal fishing and farm families. Alaska Local Politics: Kodiak’s borough assembly and city council will see new faces this fall as at least one incumbent steps down ahead of the Oct. 6 municipal election filing window. Alaska Energy & Land Use: A proposed 400-foot hydro dam on Caribou Creek near the Matanuska Glacier drew community concerns about landslides, flooding, and impacts to gold mining claims and recreation; Chugach is still in early investigation and permitting. Alaska Environment: The Tatlanika Fire is pushing smoke and ash into the Fairbanks area, with conditions expected to linger into midweek. Food Safety: Walmart Bettergoods pistachio nut butter is recalled in 19 states, including Alaska, after Salmonella was found in a specific lot. Defense Supply Chains: Lockheed Martin is reportedly in talks to secure U.S.-mine supplies of scandium and germanium to reduce reliance on China, aligning with Trump’s mineral waiver restrictions.

Aviation & Jobs: The FAA finally certified Boeing’s 737 MAX 7 after nearly a decade of review, a key step in Boeing’s comeback following the 2018-19 MAX crashes and the 2024 Alaska Airlines incident. Alaska Politics: Alaska’s open primary is Aug. 18, and voters can compare candidates’ issue answers in a new statewide voter guide. Fisheries: Kodiak’s chamber is reviving its long-running fisheries debate tradition with gubernatorial and federal candidate forums set for Sept. 9 and Sept. 12. Rural Economy: Kuskokwim Bay’s commercial salmon fishery reopened after a five-year hiatus, but declining catches and rising costs cut the season short. Health Policy: A bipartisan Senate push would block the Education Department from moving major offices to other agencies, with Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski among the backers. Housing & Community: Juneau’s Marie Drake building is set to get new life as the city moves its parks and recreation maintenance division there in October. Food Safety: Walmart-linked Bettergoods pistachio nut butter was recalled in 19 states, including Alaska, after Salmonella was found. Finance & Tech: BlackRock launched tokenized cash and stablecoin-reserve products aimed at meeting U.S. payment stablecoin reserve rules. Energy & Costs: A new report highlights how AI data centers are adding pressure to electricity bills nationwide.

Aviation & Jobs: The FAA has finally certified Boeing’s 737 MAX 7, a long-delayed milestone that could restart deliveries for the smallest variant of the MAX family. Rural Health Funding: States are scrambling to meet fast deadlines for the new Rural Health Transformation Program, with Alaska among those navigating how quickly to award grants before money is at risk of clawback. Alaska Construction Safety: Two people died after a trench collapsed while workers installed a septic system at a Delta Junction medical clinic; authorities say they’re investigating whether any criminal conduct played a role. Fisheries & Marine Industry: Bering North LLC is repowering the Bering Sea trawler Progress with a new 2,000-horsepower Cummins engine, part of a broader push to boost capacity and efficiency. Energy Infrastructure: Western LNG awarded Allseas a contract to install a key subsea section of the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline near the Alaska border, targeting offshore work in 2029. Business & Workforce Culture: A Wall Street Journal report highlights growing “helicopter parent” involvement in hiring and workplace disputes, including a staffing-agency case in Alaska. Utilities: Avista reported stronger Q2 2026 results and confirmed its 2026 utility earnings guidance. Local Economy: Homer awarded a contract for flood-damage design work at its municipal airport terminal, while the Homer Public Library plans temporary closures for upgrades.

Energy & Taxes: Anchorage Daily News opinion urges Alaska lawmakers to see the numbers before locking in a long-term gas line tax deal, warning financing and protections can’t wait for January. Energy Reliability: ENSTAR President argues Cook Inlet can’t meet demand and says imported LNG is the only near-term option that keeps service reliable while still leaving a path back to Alaska LNG. Tribal Gaming & Markets: Senators Murkowski and Schatz press the CFTC for proper government-to-government consultation as prediction markets rules could affect tribal gaming authority and revenues. State Governance: Another special session won’t solve the corporate income tax impasse, with leaders criticized for calling lawmakers back without a new proposal. Infrastructure Planning: A sponsored piece highlights facility condition assessments as a way for tribal governments to plan capital needs and replacement costs for more predictable funding. Workforce & Housing: Anchorage plans more night-only emergency shelter beds after a cold winter strained capacity. Military Buildout: Gov. Dunleavy launches an Alaska Military Affairs Office to coordinate military-related priorities across installations, industry, and communities. Aviation Disruption: WestJet flight attendants strike grounds hundreds of trips, stranding travelers and disrupting holiday travel. Mining Impacts: Alaska Native communities near a new gold mine prepare for man-camp-driven risks tied to the Manh Choh project.

Labor Disruption: WestJet’s 4,400 flight attendants walked off the job after contract talks with CUPE failed, grounding hundreds of flights and leaving travelers scrambling for refunds or rebooking. Aviation & Alaska: Alaska Airlines removed evangelist Whitney Lynn from a flight after a delay, citing safety concerns as she preached to passengers—another reminder that airline rules can collide with public-facing influencers. Legal Fight: An Alaska bush pilot, Kenneth Jouppi, is set for a US Supreme Court hearing over whether the state can seize his Cessna after a misdemeanor alcohol-transport conviction tied to a passenger’s beer. Energy & Policy: The US government moved toward deep-sea mining by planning a lease sale around American Samoa, a step opponents say accelerates ecosystem risk. Food & Local Economy: Alaska’s farmers markets are getting a spotlight during National Farmers Market Week, underscoring their role in local food access and small-producer revenue. Risk Mapping: A new national landslide exposure study estimates 6.5 million Americans live in landslide-prone areas, raising stakes for housing and recovery planning.

Alaska Airlines & air travel: An evangelist, Whitney Lynn, was removed from Alaska Airlines Flight 708 after preaching to passengers during a Orlando-to-San Diego delay; the airline said crew felt unsafe and she won’t be allowed to fly “for the foreseeable future.” Federal connectivity: The FCC is weighing cuts or elimination of the E-Rate program that subsidizes internet for Alaska schools and libraries, putting budgets in limbo for remote communities. Juneau cruise risk: The National Weather Service expects seasonal flooding from Suicide Basin near Mendenhall Glacier in early-to-mid August, likely affecting Juneau shore tours for several days (no itinerary changes yet). Southeast timber: The Tongass National Forest issued a Record of Decision for the South Revilla Integrated Resources Project, setting up up to 83 million board feet of timber harvest over 15 years. Business & economy: A national ranking lists Alaska among the bottom states for overall business tax rates, while another U.S. News state ranking places Alaska near the bottom overall. Local industry spotlight: Mountain Dog was named 2025 Alaska Manufacturer of the Year, highlighting Alaska-made growth and partnerships.

E-Rate Uncertainty: The FCC is weighing cuts or even elimination of the E-Rate program that subsidizes internet for Alaska schools and libraries, putting remote districts’ budgets in limbo. Arctic Research Milestone: The University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute is marking its 80th anniversary after H.R. 6496 created it in 1946, underscoring Alaska’s long-running role in Arctic science. Juneau Flood Watch: Juneau’s Suicide Basin near Mendenhall Glacier is expected to reach capacity Aug. 8-12, with possible impacts to cruise shore tours for several days as the National Weather Service monitors conditions. Aviation Labor Risk: WestJet’s flight attendants have issued a 72-hour strike notice, with 81 flights already canceled and more disruptions possible if talks miss the Sunday deadline. Alaska Airlines Disruption Incident: A Florida evangelist was removed from an Alaska Airlines flight after crew said they no longer felt safe with her preaching onboard. Juneau Death Investigation: Human remains found in a locked chest freezer in Juneau have been identified as Ross Pasquan, as police investigate the timeline and whether the death was concealed. AI Politics in Alaska: An opinion piece highlights how a $100K donation by Anthropic employees to Alaska governor candidate Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins complicates the AI policy debate. Student Loan Pressure: National reporting shows record federal student loan defaults after repayment resumed, with advocates warning the fallout is worsening for borrowers.

Aviation Safety Push: Federal and state leaders met in Anchorage to discuss Alaska aviation safety, with Sen. Dan Sullivan saying the FAA plans nearly $500M over three years for runway lighting, weather reporting and air traffic systems, tied to an effort to cut Alaska’s fatality rate by 90% by 2033. Mining & Permitting: Juneau’s New Amalga gold mine won faster FAST-41 federal permitting, drawing pushback from residents who worry the Tongass-adjacent project could bring industrial impacts. Landslide Risk & Insurance: A Southeast Alaska coalition heard how parametric-style insurance could help cover landslide losses where traditional homeowners coverage often falls short. Housing Grants: Housing Alaskans awarded grants for 77 new homes across 13 communities, aiming to unlock shovel-ready projects for workers, teachers, seniors and storm-impacted areas. Student Lending Rules: A Senate bill backed by Sen. Lisa Murkowski would loosen disclosure/conflict-of-interest requirements for colleges steering students to state-based private loan lenders. Local Business/Infrastructure: Homer awarded a contract for flood-damage design work at the Homer airport terminal, while the library schedules closures for upgrades. Power Outage: A raven is blamed for a townwide outage in Girdwood, affecting local businesses including a gas station and Alyeska Resort.

Cruise Tax Windfall: Alaska lawmakers have finally distributed $37.5 million in unspent cruise ship passenger tax funds, sending Homer $125,000 as the state moves money out of a long-idle account. Hazardous Waste Oversight: The EPA authorized Alaska’s hazardous waste management program, giving the state direct authority to permit and oversee treatment, storage and disposal—aimed at faster, more predictable approvals for businesses. Ferry Reliability Pressure: Cordova leaders are pushing back on an AMHS plan for a more than five-month winter service gap to Prince William Sound, warning the outage could raise costs and disrupt school and sports travel. Energy & Fuel Costs: AAA reports the national gas price average is flat at about $4.09 a gallon, with crude oil still elevated—an input that can keep Alaska’s fuel pressures sticky. Aviation Safety: NTSB findings on the Bering Air crash that killed 10 point to overweight operations and pilot airspeed management issues in icing conditions. Elections Money Limits: Alaskans will vote in August on campaign donation limits for state races, a potential shift in how political money flows into the Legislature.

Defense & Economy: Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced a new Alaska Military Affairs Office to coordinate military priorities across bases, communities, and industry, funded via a federal defense-community grant. Public Health & Care: Providence Alaska Medical Center earned national Center of Excellence status for robotic surgery, citing more than 10,000 robot-assisted procedures since 2000 and a da Vinci 5 system added in 2025. Environmental Regulation: The EPA transferred hazardous waste authority to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, making Alaska the 49th state with RCRA primacy. Rural Telecom Costs: An Anchorage Daily News and ProPublica investigation found U.S. phone customers are paying more than $340,000 a year to wire empty buildings on Adak for internet service no one uses. Local Infrastructure Funding: Wrangell is set to receive $375,000 from Alaska’s cruise passenger tax account for waterfront projects and related infrastructure. Aviation Safety: Federal investigators say a Bering Air crash near Nome was linked to pilot handling in severe icing and overweight flights, plus inadequate FAA oversight. Politics & Money: Alaska voters will decide Aug. 18 whether to restore campaign contribution limits after a 2021 court ruling left donations uncapped.

Alaska Energy & LNG: Alaska’s lawmakers are weighing whether to pause work on a gas pipeline bill as the state faces a looming Southcentral natural gas crunch, but critics warn “waiting” risks worsening shortages and higher utility bills. Nuclear Power Push: NuCube Energy and Alaska Fund announced an MOU to create NuAlaska, aiming to deploy turnkey nuclear power for remote Alaska needs using NuCube’s micro-modular reactor concept. Childcare Crunch: Alaska providers say the childcare gap is widening, with limited funding forcing programs like Head Start to cut the number of children served as costs rise. Nonprofit Finances (Local): New IRS Form 990-based rankings highlight top-revenue nonprofits in several Alaska communities, including Copper Valley Electric Association in Glennallen and Cordova Electric Cooperative in Cordova. Juneau Public Safety: Juneau police identified a man whose remains were found in a freezer, and investigators are looking into the timeline and whether motives involved concealment for financial gain. Environmental Cleanup: Alaska DEC says spill response is complete for the grounded F/V Arctic Sea near St. George Island, with wreck removal set to begin next month. Business/Markets: Rocket Lab’s stock reaction follows a $266M U.S. Space Force contract tied to Kodiak launch activity.