AGP Executive Report

Credit Union 1 Expansion: CU1 (Anchorage) is rolling out NCR Atleos ATM branding in 24 Circle K locations across Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wasilla and the Kenai Peninsula, aiming to boost convenient cash access statewide. Aviation Safety: The FAA is proposing inspections for 453 Boeing 737 MAX jets registered in the U.S. after concerns that passenger seats may be improperly installed in seat tracks, with potential emergency-evacuation and injury risks. Space Defense Contract: Rocket Lab won a $266 million U.S. Space Force deal for up to 18 suborbital launches from Alaska’s Kodiak area to support missile-defense testing. Energy Crunch: Southcentral utilities are bracing for possible winter gas shortages as stored gas runs low and Enstar warns curtailment could be needed if weather turns harsh. Cruise Industry Hit: Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic Sea Bird reported its fourth gastrointestinal outbreak in two months; the CDC logged 13 cases, and a Southeast Alaska sailing was canceled. Manufacturing Funding: NIST announced $46.5 million for new Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers, including $706,300 for Alaska. Legal Aid Boost: Alaska Legal Services Corp. is getting more state and foundation funding, with an increase in civil filing fees approved to expand access to free legal help.

Alaska LNG: Alaska lawmakers opened a third special session with no bill in hand, as Gov. Mike Dunleavy said he’s still meeting to find a path forward on a tax break for the proposed megaproject—leaving the clock ticking and optimism thin. Oil & Gas: Alaska is seeing a resurgence in oil development as Japan and other Middle East-dependent buyers look north for supply stability amid Strait of Hormuz disruption. Fisheries: Strong demand is pushing Alaska pollock prices back toward 2022 record levels, with tight inventories and EU sanctions risk hanging over whitefish markets. Aviation & Safety: The FAA warned 453 U.S.-registered Boeing 737 MAX jets may need seat inspections due to possible incorrect installation. Defense & Space: Rocket Lab won a record $266M U.S. Space Force contract for hypersonic missile-defense testing, with launches largely planned from Kodiak. Juneau Power: A downtown Juneau outage delayed a Juneau Assembly meeting, with power restored shortly before it resumed. Anchorage Housing: The Anchorage Assembly extended the grace period for short-term rental owners to register before fines start. Juneau Cruise Sustainability: Princess Cruises marked 25 years of shore power in Juneau, touting emissions avoided and community credits.

Space & Defense: Rocket Lab won a $266 million U.S. Space Force contract for hypersonic testing at Kodiak’s Pacific Spaceport Complex, covering 12 suborbital launches with options for six more through 2028, with work starting now and a new Kodiak launchpad planned. Local Land Use: The Fairbanks North Star Borough approved a 40-acre land sale to the Arctic Audubon Society to connect and expand the Audubon Riedel Nature Reserve to 360 acres. Alaska Politics & Campaigns: Alaska U.S. House Democrat Matt Schultz ended his campaign, saying money left him without a viable path, and he backed independent Bill Hill; the race remains shaped by big third-party spending. Air Cargo: DSV launched a weekly dedicated air charter from Seoul to Chicago-Rockford, routing via Anchorage, highlighting Alaska’s role as a cargo fuel stop. Health & Supply Chain: A syphilis-in-pregnancy drug shortage tied to Bicillin L-A supply delays treatment availability into late 2027, with state advisories already issued. Business Aviation: JetBlue is reshaping fares with more seat and refund/change options as airlines lean harder into segmented pricing.

Alaska Senate Race: Mary Peltola’s campaign says it’s building momentum with 10,000+ volunteers across 160+ communities as it closes in on the Nov. election against Sen. Dan Sullivan. Municipal Utilities: Anchorage is moving toward a waste-to-energy incinerator plan that could reshape how the city handles trash and power by 2032. Transportation & Preservation: The state’s Safer Seward Highway project is drawing new pushback from Anchorage’s Historic Preservation Commission, warning of irreversible impacts to cultural sites and settings. Critical Minerals & Defense: Nova Minerals points to a July 20 White House executive order favoring secure domestic critical-mineral supply chains, aligning with its Alaska antimony plan and a $43.4M defense award. Maritime Jobs: Homer is welcoming a new 190-foot offshore supply vessel, the C-Atlantis, aimed at boosting local marine work and supporting natural gas operations. Health Coverage: A Medicare move guide highlights how Alaskans may need plan changes when relocating, especially for Medicare Advantage and Part D. Community Support: Anchorage School District will host free school-supply and clothing events for families ahead of the new school year.

Aviation & Travel: Delta Air Lines will cut three nonstop routes out of New York’s JFK—Houston, Memphis and St. Louis—shifting those markets to LaGuardia, a move that reshapes competition at the New York hub. Local Economy & Community: Fairbanks’ Project Summer Connect is bringing more than 25 service providers together for a twice-yearly resource fair, helping residents access food, health and housing-related support. Workforce & Trades: U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan and “Dirty Jobs” host Mike Rowe highlighted the need for skilled-trades workers at the Fairbanks Pipeline Training Center, tying workforce development to Alaska’s major projects. Sports & Public Finance: The Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly approved a postponed deal keeping the Carlson Center as the Nanooks hockey hub, including a $1 annual lease for exclusive locker-room use. Elections & Governance: Alaska sent more than 3,000 letters to voters asking them to verify U.S. citizenship ahead of the Aug. 18 primary, citing unusually high numbers tied to voter-roll maintenance. Energy & Industry: Repsol reported stronger first-half performance and said Libya awarded it two new exploration blocks, while noting projects in Alaska remain part of its portfolio. Business & Tech: Coinbase says it’s preparing Bitcoin for quantum threats via post-quantum key management work and a new $15 million Bitcoin Security Consortium.

Aviation & Cargo: Alaska Airlines completed its Hawaiian Airlines acquisition but will keep Hawaiian as a separate brand, a rare merger choice that could reshape Alaska’s Hawaii strategy and brand economics. Elections & Voting Integrity: Alaska sent more than 3,000 letters to voters asking them to verify U.S. citizenship ahead of the Aug. 18 primary, after voter-roll maintenance flagged “old data” that officials say may have been picked up incorrectly. Fintech & Regulation: Wise’s U.S. national trust bank charter application was denied by the OCC over money-laundering and terrorist-financing risk management concerns; the company plans to refile under the GENIUS Act framework. Public Safety Tech: Fire officials in California and near Fairbanks are testing autonomous drones to spot ignitions and drop water or retardant early, aiming to stop small starts from becoming major wildfires. Maritime Economy: An offshore supply vessel, the C-Atlantis, arrived in Homer as the first of its kind to call the port home, targeting December 2026–June 2027 charter and project work. Energy & Markets: Gas prices rose nationally to a $4.09 average as crude oil volatility tied to the Strait of Hormuz pushed costs higher.

Alaska LNG Politics: Gov. Mike Dunleavy has called lawmakers back for a third special session to negotiate a multibillion-dollar property tax break for the Alaska LNG project, but legislative leaders are already calling the odds “low” and “unlikely,” setting up another costly round of stalled talks. Local Governance & Health Care: The Anchorage Daily News editorial board says Fairview residents are being unfairly labeled NIMBYs over opposition to an additional behavioral health center, while also criticizing the Assembly for poor notice and behind-the-scenes rollout. Air Cargo & Jobs: Alaska Airlines is moving to expand freight capacity by buying four new cargo planes, aiming to strengthen Alaska’s air cargo footprint as jet-fuel costs remain a pressure point for airlines. Mining & Land Use: A lawsuit challenges a permit for road construction through an Alaska wildlife refuge, keeping attention on how development projects navigate environmental limits. Energy Policy: The Interior Department released a new USGS coal assessment tied to federal lands, highlighting large coal resource estimates and reigniting debate over “clean coal” and public-land energy planning. Elections Watch (Not Alaska): Maine Democrats quickly selected Troy Jackson as their U.S. Senate nominee after Graham Platner withdrew, a reminder of how fast political races can reset.

Alaska Energy & Utilities: Enstar is asking the Regulatory Commission of Alaska to revisit a denial of its $240M Kenai Loop Pool gas storage plan, arguing storage is “critical” for Southcentral customers starting next year. Alaska Economy & Policy: A Commonwealth North forum says federal spending drives about $20B of Alaska’s economy, but researchers can’t reliably track recent federal dollars—raising questions about how well the state can plan. Local Governance: Mat-Su voters will decide on a borough-wide 1% sales tax this November, paired with a primary residence property tax exemption; opponents warn of added burdens and potential service-area revenue impacts. State Politics: Alaska’s governor race fundraising shows Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins leads with $1.8M, much from Lower 48 donors, while Tom Begich reported $1.1M. Business & Labor: Sen. Dan Sullivan and “Dirty Jobs” host Mike Rowe highlighted Alaska trade training as pipeline, port and defense buildouts could expand skilled-work demand. Maritime/Defense: Coast Guard icebreaker Healy is sidelined after a “significant engineering casualty,” while the cutter Storis continues Arctic patrols. Fisheries: Prince William Sound commercial salmon catch through July 23 totals about 1.4M fish, below forecast. Health Costs: A new analysis says Alaskans pay the highest health care costs in the U.S., at over $14K per person in 2024. Outdoors/Grants: Alaska’s biggest economic engine may lack visibility, but Wyoming’s outdoor trust just backed trail infrastructure with a $300K grant—an example of how recreation funding can move projects forward.

Cruise & Tourism: Disney Cruise Line signed a 15-year agreement with Huna Totem to secure weekly ship calls at Icy Strait Point through at least 2041, with a minimum annual passenger guarantee aimed at stabilizing jobs and local business in Hoonah. Native Health & Land Policy: The U.S. Justice Department approved a $400 million settlement with ANTHC over contract support costs, while a Senate panel advanced the Alaska Native Landless Equity Act to let five Southeast communities form village corporations and receive 23,040 acres each—drawing conservation concerns about potential privatization. Courts & Public Safety: The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a challenge to Alaska’s forfeiture of a bush pilot’s plane after a passenger brought a six-pack of Budweiser into a dry village, a case that could reshape how far criminal forfeiture reaches. Energy & Costs: AAA says gas prices jumped 15 cents to a national average of $4.09, and jet fuel costs are rising again as Middle East tensions return, threatening another round of airfare hikes. Broadband Buildout: Matanuska Telecom Association confirmed a $108 million BEAD award to extend fiber to more than 10,000 homes and businesses in the Mat-Su, moving federal funding into construction. Environment & Infrastructure: Two sets of lawsuits seek to block a road permit for construction through Izembek National Wildlife Refuge wetlands, setting up a major legal fight over Alaska’s wildlife refuge access.

Alaska Airlines Cargo Expansion: Alaska Airlines says it will lease four additional 737-800 converted freighters, doubling its dedicated cargo fleet from five to nine and boosting reliability for Alaska and Hawai‘i starting in the first half of 2027. Water Infrastructure: Unalakleet is in the middle of a multi-phase overhaul of its water and sewer systems after years of leaks, boil-water notices, and failing pipes, with work now focused on the distribution network. Local Emergency Funding: The Matanuska-Susitna Borough approved a preemptive disaster declaration for Talkeetna ahead of heavy rains expected to push the Susitna River near flood stage, unlocking state and federal cleanup and mitigation money. Anchorage Weather Disruption: Strong winds knocked out power and downed trees across Anchorage and Mat-Su, including outages that hit businesses when traffic lights went dark. Education Leadership: Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District named Kara Four Bear as superintendent as it faces financial turmoil and debt while consolidations and staffing changes loom. Community Business Closure: North Pole’s Little Richard’s Family Diner plans to close July 27 after more than 16 years, as owners retire. Energy & Policy Watch: A new Interior/USGS coal assessment highlights large coal resources under federal lands, while national politics continues to swirl around war powers and election rules.

Ukraine Diplomacy: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Russia’s Sergey Lavrov in Manila, renewing talk of ending the Russia-Ukraine war but saying there’s no quick deal and diplomacy will take sustained effort. Alaska LNG Debate: Opinion and reporting keep circling back to who benefits from Alaska LNG and whether proposed tax breaks and project risk are being fairly weighed. Bitcoin Security: BlackRock, Coinbase, Strategy and other major firms launched a Bitcoin Security Consortium, pledging $15 million over three years to fund long-term network security research, including quantum-resistant work. Wildlife & Federal Policy: The Trump administration is rolling back endangered-species habitat protections, with states warning they can’t realistically replace federal safeguards. Local Business & Growth: Kodiak businesses are expanding wildlife tourism as demand rises, while a new Wrangell company, Structure, is setting up to build remote monitoring systems for utilities and other operations. Anchorage/Fairbanks Governance: Anchorage housing permits are outpacing 2024, and Fairbanks is weighing a loitering/panhandling ordinance to give law enforcement clearer guidance.

Anchorage Housing Boom: The Municipality says it has permitted 330 residential units this year—already beating all of 2024—and reports permit valuations up 118% (about $75 million more), helped by its 10,000 Homes in 10 Years push and faster reviews. Local Accountability: The Anchorage Assembly censured East Anchorage member George Martinez over campaign finance violations; lawmakers may still consider an investigation and possible removal. Fisheries Oversight: Alaska lawmakers approved a special audit of the Alaska Board of Fisheries’ processes and legal compliance from 2023 to mid-2026 amid fallout from Area M salmon restrictions that were later voided. Air Travel Disruption: Volcanic ash from Russia’s Shiveluch led to flight cancellations and delays across Alaska, including 10 Alaska Airlines cancellations affecting about 1,100 passengers. Banking & Deals: Northrim BanCorp reported $15.3 million Q2 profit and announced an agreement to acquire PBCO Financial. Mining Restructuring: NOVAGOLD moved toward full control of Donlin Gold, reaching definitive agreements to buy out Paulson’s remaining stake. Connectivity Upgrade: GCI says it will use Starlink’s dedicated bonded gateways to strengthen resilient service in hubs like Bethel, Sitka, Kotzebue and Dillingham. Energy & Transportation: U.S. senators praised a Corps permit for the King Cove Road, a long-stalled project aimed at improving access to Cold Bay.

Airlines & Fuel Costs: Alaska Air Group posted a Q2 loss of $76 million as revenue rose 10% to $4.1 billion, but a fuel spike squeezed margins; the carrier says revenue trends are improving and expects a stronger Q3. Aviation Fleet Upgrade: Alaska Airlines will replace Hawaiian’s inter-island 717s with Boeing 737-800s starting in 2028, adding more premium seats and fast, free Starlink Wi-Fi. Mining Deal: NovaGold will buy Paulson’s remaining 40% stake in Alaska’s Donlin Gold in an all-stock deal, creating a single U.S.-listed company valued around $4.2 billion. Arctic/Geopolitics: The Kremlin reportedly plans to keep occupied Ukrainian areas as permanent buffer zones, and the EU is working to finalize a new Russia sanctions package ahead of a July 23 deadline. Shipping Risk: Tankers are rerouting in the Red Sea as Houthi threats against Saudi ports raise the risk of attacks and disrupt energy trade. Local Business/Community: A Kids Literacy Farmers Market in Anchorage drew 530+ visitors with “Kindness Coins” that kids earned through reading activities and spent on produce. Wildlife Policy: The Trump administration is rolling back Endangered Species Act habitat protections, with experts warning states can’t fully replace federal safeguards.

Alaska LNG: Alaska lawmakers signaled low odds of passing a multibillion-dollar property tax break for the project in a third straight special session, with disagreement over expanding the corporate income tax still blocking progress. Native Health Funding: The U.S. Justice Department approved a $400 million settlement for ANTHC over unpaid healthcare support costs, a major cash infusion for Alaska’s largest Native health provider. Broadband Buildout: Alaska Broadband Office got full approval to deploy BEAD awards, with more than $629 million already granted to subgrantees for projects targeting 46,000+ homes and small businesses. Telecom Expansion: GCI rolled out upgraded 5G service across more communities, continuing a statewide push to replace older networks. Education Staffing: Sen. Lisa Murkowski introduced a bill to exempt Alaska public schools from a new $100,000 H-1B fee, aiming to ease teacher shortages. Fisheries Policy: The Alaska Board of Fisheries took first steps toward protections for a Migratory Salmon Corridor in Area M, as salmon management remains a flashpoint. Airline/Travel: Alaska Airlines plans to expand its Hawaiian interisland fleet with Boeing 737-800s starting in 2028, replacing the 717s. Population: Alaska’s population rose 0.2% from 2024 to 2025, adding 1,649 residents. Court Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear an Alaska bush pilot’s challenge to forfeiting his plane after a passenger carried a six-pack of beer.

Alaska Supreme Court heads to U.S. Supreme Court: A bush pilot’s fight over the state’s seizure of his $95,000 plane after a passenger brought a six-pack of beer to a dry village is now set for review by the nation’s top court, raising an “excessive fines” challenge. Rural fuel squeeze: Western Alaska residents say fuel costs remain punishing, with some villages paying far more for heating oil and gas than the rest of the state—an issue tied to broader supply disruptions. Student-loan fallout hits Alaska too: A national AP analysis finds record defaults, with Alaska among the states with the highest default rates as pandemic-era protections ended and borrowers fall behind. Boeing legal win: Boeing won a Fourth Circuit appeal overturning certification of a shareholder class action tied to the Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 cabin-panel blowout. Energy policy watch: The federal government moved closer to opening Ohio’s Wayne National Forest to oil and gas via a planned lease sale—part of a wider push to expand drilling on public lands.

Supreme Court Watch: Alaska bush pilot Kenneth Jouppi is headed to the U.S. Supreme Court after the state sought to seize his $95,000 Cessna over a passenger’s six-pack of beer on a flight to a dry village—Jouppi argues the forfeiture violates the Constitution’s Excessive Fines protection. Wildfire Tech: Drone firefighting is moving from concept to trials, with teams in Alaska’s Nenana testing autonomous systems that can detect and suppress early fires without human intervention. Energy & Policy: Alaska lawmakers are gearing up for a third special session on the gas line after the latest push stalled, with pipeline momentum still tied to votes and a likely veto threat. Local Governance: Anchorage Assembly members are pushing to censure—and possibly investigate for removal—fellow member George Martinez after an Alaska Public Offices Commission fine over alleged misuse of campaign funds. Elections & Money: Mary Peltola outraised Sen. Dan Sullivan in the latest fundraising period, setting up a high-stakes U.S. Senate race that could shape control of the chamber. Business & Markets: Graphite One cleared another Ohio permitting step for its synthetic battery anode materials plant, a move aimed at building a domestic graphite supply chain.