AGP Executive Report

War Powers Showdown: The U.S. Senate approved a war powers resolution to block further military action against Iran in a rare bipartisan rebuke, 50-48, with Alaska’s Sen. Lisa Murkowski among the four Republicans joining Democrats; Trump blasted the vote as “poorly timed and meaningless,” saying it could complicate negotiations. Alaska Courts: The Alaska Supreme Court declined to take up a petition tied to the Fairbanks charter school fight, leaving the Pearl Creek STEAM dispute in limbo. Opioid Response Funding: FORE announced $3.7 million in new grants to 25 community groups nationwide to expand local overdose and opioid-use disorder support. Cybersecurity Stalled: A White House state critical-infrastructure cybersecurity initiative appears stalled, with many states saying they haven’t heard how to participate. Housing & Justice Data: New King County findings say permanent supportive housing cuts jail bookings sharply, though racial disparities persist. Alaska Education Snapshot: Mountain Park Elementary reported 6 American Indian or Alaska Native students in 2024-25. Federal Spending Anxiety: With FY2027 funding talks stalled, lawmakers are warning a shutdown could return as Sept. 30 nears.

War Powers Showdown: The U.S. Senate passed a war powers resolution blocking President Trump from resuming military action against Iran, 50-48—its first approval of such a measure by both chambers. Alaska Split in GOP Ranks: Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski voted yes, while Sen. Dan Sullivan voted no, joining most Republicans against the rebuke. Ballot Fight in Juneau: A namesake challenger to Sullivan is racing court deadlines after being removed from Alaska’s Aug. 18 primary ballot; an Anchorage judge agreed to expedite the case. Alaska Health Policy: Lawmakers overrode Dunleavy’s veto to expand pharmacist patient care statewide under HB 195, with changes effective Jan. 1, 2027. Arctic Energy Court Pressure: Washington AG Nick Brown filed an amicus brief opposing Trump-era oil and gas development in Alaska’s Arctic Refuge coastal plain. Wildlife Scrutiny: Photos and preliminary findings around Alaska’s Mulchatna predator program and a separate fin whale death in Seward are fueling new questions about state and ship impacts.

Ballot Fight in Alaska Senate Race: Alaska lawmakers held an investigatory hearing after the state Division of Elections removed a challenger—Dan J. Sullivan of Petersburg—from the U.S. Senate primary ballot, arguing the decision may be unlawful and raising fresh questions about ballot access and election neutrality. State Governance: Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto streak hit another high point as he vetoed nine bills, while lawmakers overrode two, including measures expanding pharmacists’ authority. Coast Guard Safety: A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crashed near Harbor Mountain in Sitka during a training flight; all four crew members were taken to a hospital with only minor injuries, and the crash is under investigation. Fisheries Relief: NOAA announced $124 million in fisheries disaster aid for Alaska and other affected states and communities, including $75.2 million for the Bering Sea snow crab fishery. Ukraine Diplomacy Echoes Alaska: Russian officials renewed claims about peace talks with Ukraine, referencing the Anchorage and Istanbul frameworks as negotiations remain stalled.

Coast Guard Safety: A U.S. Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk crashed during a training flight near Harbor Mountain in Sitka, injuring all four crew members; no deaths were reported and the cause is under investigation. Ballot Fight in Alaska: A Petersburg man with the same name and party as Sen. Dan Sullivan sued after the Alaska Division of Elections removed him from the August primary ballot, arguing the disqualification violates state and federal law. Elections Oversight: Alaska lawmakers and election-watchers are also weighing concerns about how Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher handled “intent” and ballot access rules in the Sullivan namesake case. Oil & Gas Legal Pressure: AG Nick Brown led a coalition of 14 states filing an amicus brief opposing Trump-era plans to maximize oil and gas development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Coastal Plain, arguing rushed reviews and legal violations. Anchorage Ethics: Two Anchorage Assembly members urged George Martinez to resign after an APOC penalty tied to alleged misuse of campaign funds. Marine Protection: NOAA and partners are investigating the death of a pregnant fin whale found on a cruise ship bow in Seward; advocates are renewing calls for slower ship speeds. Public Health: CDC data show U.S. overdose deaths down 13% year-over-year, though the total remains extremely high.

Alaska Elections & Courts: An attorney advising Alaska’s Legislature says the Division of Elections likely lacked legal justification for disqualifying Dan J. Sullivan of Petersburg from the U.S. Senate ballot, keeping the dispute alive as voters head toward the August primary. Rural Health Funding: The state has advanced more than 400 projects to the next step in its Rural Health Transformation Program grant process, signaling continued push to expand care access across remote communities. Public Safety: A Homer man died in an ATV crash near Donalds Lane and Voznesenka, a reminder of ongoing risks on Alaska’s roads and trails. Local Governance: The Matanuska-Susitna Borough launched a free Mat-Su Trails Passport with a raffle for visiting nine borough trail sites, aiming to boost outdoor tourism and local recreation. Environment & Restoration: A new look at Resurrection Creek restoration highlights how Alaska could tackle historically mined streams with watershed-scale rebuilding and strong partner coordination. National Politics: Massachusetts’ high court ruled a proposal to scrap party primaries can go to the November ballot, a potential model for election reform debates elsewhere. Public Health: The CDC reported 2,104 measles cases across 41 jurisdictions in 2026, raising alarms about whether U.S. elimination status can be maintained.

Wildlife & Federal Enforcement: NOAA says a 61-foot pregnant endangered fin whale was found dead on the bow of the Royal Caribbean ship Ovation of the Seas after docking in Seward, with a necropsy planned at a nearby beach and federal law enforcement investigating. Local Education & Community Tech: Wrangell students helped get Anan bear cameras livestreaming for a third summer, using a Teaching Through Technology program to install and then share the bears’ stories. State Government & Courts: Alaska’s attorney general office action is drawing fire over overturning Area M salmon management proposals, with critics warning it undercuts conservation for declining Western Alaska chinook and chum. Public Safety: Search efforts for a missing paddle boarder in Turnagain Arm were suspended by the Coast Guard and shifted to Alaska State Troopers, with volunteers continuing to look. Elections & Governance: A letter argues Alaska voters deserve an honest Senate ballot, while another warns Republicans have “weaponized” the Alaska Division of Elections. Federal Policy & Transparency: An opinion piece says the Trump administration’s push against “leaks” risks becoming a war on the truth, as nondisclosure rules tighten across federal agencies.

Alaska LNG Fight: The Alaska House rejected Senate changes to the LNG tax-break bill and sent it to a conference committee, setting up another round of bargaining as Gov. Dunleavy warns the Senate’s revisions “rig” the deal. Elections & Ballot Integrity: A letter argues Alaska voters deserve an honest Senate ballot after the Division of Elections removed Dan J. Sullivan from the race, raising the stakes for any lawsuit over eligibility. Federal Policy Watch: A Senate panel is weighing whether to block the Trump administration from moving core special education functions under HHS, a move disability advocates fear could disrupt services. Trans Health Legal Pressure: The FTC and multiple state AGs sued WPATH, alleging misleading claims about youth gender-transition treatments—Alaska is named among the plaintiffs. Local Governance: Fairbanks-area FAST Planning got a governor-signed green light on boundary changes, clearing the way for federal transportation dollars in expanded areas. Community & Health: Alaska’s Medicaid spending data highlights sharp local billing shifts, while a separate national HHS announcement touts $700M for mental health, addiction, and homelessness.

Alaska LNG Tax Break Standoff: The Alaska House rejected Senate amendments to the LNG tax break bill and sent it to a conference committee, setting up a compromise push before lawmakers reconvene July 1. Education & Courts: Acting Attorney General Cori Mills asked the Alaska Supreme Court to force the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District to open the Pearl Creek STEAM charter school after a judge denied a preliminary injunction. Elections & Ballot Access: Alaska’s Division of Elections removed a same-name challenger to Sen. Dan Sullivan, and related criticism says the process is being used to police voter confusion. Federal Special Education Fight: A Senate panel is weighing a move to block the Trump administration from shifting core special education functions to HHS, raising alarms for students with disabilities. Trans Health Legal Pressure: The FTC and multiple state attorneys general, including Alaska, sued WPATH over claims about pediatric gender-affirming care. Local Governance: Ketchikan Gateway Borough voters may soon decide whether to expand library powers areawide, after a petition cleared technical steps. Medicaid Spending Watch: New data show sharp local increases in Medicaid billing categories across Alaska communities, including pathology/lab and medicine services.

Alaska LNG: The Alaska Senate approved a multibillion-dollar tax break for the trans-Alaska gas pipeline, but late amendments cut the deal’s size—Gov. Mike Dunleavy and House leaders say the changes could effectively kill the bill, setting up a second special session. Federal Broadband: A ProPublica/Anchorage Daily News report highlights how the FCC’s Universal Service Fund surcharge shows up on Alaska phone bills, even as residents still face slow internet. Ocean Science Fight: The Trump administration backed off plans to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative after bipartisan pushback, with sensors worth $386 million across Alaska and other coasts. Defense & Arctic: The Coast Guard plans to homeport new icebreakers in Kodiak (2028) and Seward, boosting U.S. Arctic security capacity. Elections & Courts: Alaska’s AG is asking the Alaska Supreme Court to compel Fairbanks to open a charter school, as election officials face legal challenges over ballot access. Military Returns Home: Remains of a 1952 Alaska plane crash airman were finally returned to his hometown in Wisconsin, underscoring ongoing recovery efforts for fallen service members. Fisheries Aid: NOAA is sending about $99 million to address declared Alaska fishery disasters, including Bering Sea snow crab and salmon harvest losses.

Alaska LNG Fight: Gov. Dunleavy vetoed nine bills in the special session flurry, while lawmakers overrode two—keeping pressure on the Legislature as a second special session looms over the Alaska LNG tax break. Charter School Court Battle: Alaska’s acting attorney general asked the Alaska Supreme Court to force Fairbanks to open the Pearl Creek STEAM charter school after a judge blocked an immediate opening. Public Health: The CDC says measles has spread to 41 states, with 2,104 confirmed cases nationwide—Alaska included among jurisdictions. Fisheries Relief: Federal officials are sending about $99 million to address three declared Alaska fishery disasters, including Bering Sea snow crab and salmon harvest losses. Tribal Broadband: NTIA opened new tribal broadband and digital inclusion funding, including $790M in new opportunities for tribes and Native entities. Environment & Pebble: Bristol Bay leader Alannah Acaq Hurley won the Goldman Environmental Prize for fighting the proposed Pebble Mine; oral arguments are set for June 25 in Anchorage. Aviation & Travel: Alaska Airlines launched its first nonstop Anchorage–Boston route for summer, using a Boeing 737 MAX 8.

Alaska Politics & Government: Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoed 9 bills on the penultimate day of Alaska’s special session, including measures tied to school funding and a teacher loan repayment program. Elections & Ballot Access: Alaska lawmakers and attorneys are still wrestling with the Division of Elections’ move to remove a same-name challenger from Sen. Dan Sullivan’s ballot, raising constitutional and ballot-integrity questions. Oil & Gas / LNG: As the gasline tax bill deadlocks, lawmakers are signaling a looming second special session while new estimates keep spotlighting how pipeline policy could reshape Alaska’s treasury. Education & Budgets: Districts across Alaska closed 12 schools this year amid severe budget cuts, forcing students into larger classes and trimming programs. Federal / Alaska Link: The NSF backed off plans to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative after resistance from scientists and Congress, a fight that included Alaska’s Sen. Lisa Murkowski. Public Safety: AAA is urging drivers to follow “Move Over” laws to protect roadside workers during peak summer travel.

Alaska LNG Showdown: Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoed nine bills in the special session’s penultimate stretch, while lawmakers raced to pass his Alaska LNG tax-break plan before Friday’s midnight deadline—otherwise he says a second special session is coming. Ballot Integrity Fight: A legal review is now questioning whether Alaska’s Division of Elections had authority to remove Dan J. Sullivan’s same-name challenger from the U.S. Senate ballot, raising constitutional concerns. Education Funding: Alaska was certified by the U.S. Department of Education for FY 2027 under federal equalization standards, keeping the state eligible to use Impact Aid calculations. Federal Fisheries Relief: NOAA allocated about $99 million in new disaster aid for Alaska snow crab and salmon harvest losses. Ocean Monitoring Reversal: The Trump administration backed off plans to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative, after bipartisan pushback. Public Safety: Anchorage police identified the armed shoplifting suspect killed in a South Anchorage Walmart shooting. Statewide Governance: A complaint alleges Alaska’s campaign finance repeal effort may be masking out-of-state funding sources.

Ballot Integrity Fight: An Alaska legislative attorney says Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom may have violated the U.S. Constitution when she disqualified Petersburg’s Daniel J. Sullivan from the U.S. Senate ballot, arguing state rules can’t override federal candidate requirements—setting up a new legal fight over whether ballot access can be weaponized. Labor & Aviation: Horizon Air flight attendants voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike as contract talks with Alaska Air Group stall, with union leaders pressing for double-digit pay raises amid rising costs. Reproductive Rights: Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawaiʻi, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky sued to block Alaska’s telehealth abortion ban, arguing it forces unnecessary in-person visits and violates the Alaska Constitution. Energy Pipeline Politics: With a special session deadline looming, Alaska Senate leaders weigh a major tax-cut package tied to the Alaska LNG project, while lawmakers and business voices push for movement. Military Medicine in the Arctic: JBER hosted a “Below Zero Medicine” conference focused on gaps in emergency care in extreme cold. Elections Process Watch: Separate reporting highlights how late-arriving mail ballots can affect tight races, with Alaska among states facing scrutiny over post–Election Day counting rules.

Alaska LNG Tax Fight: With the special session deadline looming, Alaska Senate Republicans are still short votes for a massive LNG tax break, as lawmakers debate whether the plan’s shift from a property tax to a gas tax can clear both politics and constitutional concerns. Elections Law: Alaska’s legislature’s attorney says the state elections division likely lacked legal grounds to remove a same-name Dan Sullivan challenger from the U.S. Senate ballot, raising constitutional questions about candidate qualifications. Abortion Access: Planned Parenthood sued to overturn Alaska’s telehealth abortion ban, arguing it forces unnecessary in-person visits and violates the Alaska Constitution’s protections for abortion rights. FTC vs. WPATH: The FTC, joined by Alaska and other states, sued WPATH over claims it misled parents about pediatric gender-affirming treatments, seeking to stop future allegedly false or unsubstantiated statements. Public Safety: Anchorage police say a Walmart shoplifting call turned violent when an alleged suspect fired at officers, killing him and injuring three officers. Arctic Readiness: JBER hosted a Below Zero Medicine conference focused on gaps in emergency care in extreme cold. Local Labor: Juneau firefighters ratified a new contract after nearly a year without one, including wage increases and improvements to the CARES sobering center.

Alaska Elections: The Alaska Division of Elections removed a “Dan Sullivan” namesake challenger from the U.S. Senate primary ballot, ruling the Petersburg candidate filed “for the purpose of confusing or misleading voters,” and also flagged the duplicate as likely ineligible—an unusually high-stakes fight over ballot access. War Powers & Iran: The U.S. Senate again failed to advance a resolution to halt Trump’s military action against Iran, with Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski joining Democrats while the measure fell short on procedure. Ocean Science: Alaska lawmakers joined a broader push to stop the Trump administration from dismantling the $386 million Ocean Observatories Initiative, warning the cuts would gut long-running monitoring off Alaska and beyond. Indigenous Fishing Rights: A court ordered Alaska to pay $1.8 million in attorney fees to Alaska Native corporations after the state lost a Kuskokwim River subsistence fishing rights fight. Coast Guard in Kodiak: The Coast Guard is expanding Base Kodiak with new housing and a child development center, part of a larger Arctic readiness buildout. Aviation & Trade: Alaska Airlines marked construction of a major Portland maintenance hangar, while Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute launched a U.K. campaign tied to a new Seattle–London route to boost Alaskan salmon demand.

War Powers Showdown: The U.S. Senate narrowly rejected a bid to force President Trump to pull troops from the Iran conflict, as lawmakers wait for details on a looming U.S.-Iran ceasefire framework. Alaska LNG Fight: Alaska Senate leaders say a trans-Alaska natural gas pipeline tax break still lacks enough votes to reach the floor before a Friday special-session deadline, raising the odds of major amendments or another session. Arctic Security Buildout: The Coast Guard picked Kodiak and Seward as homeports for its first Arctic security cutters, with the first vessel expected in 2028 and infrastructure work ramping up. Elections Integrity in Alaska: Alaska’s elections director ruled a “sham” Dan Sullivan namesake is ineligible for the U.S. Senate primary ballot, with an appeal possible. Labor Pressure in Alaska Air Group: Horizon Air flight attendants voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike after months of stalled bargaining, while the Alaska Air Group network faces renewed contract pressure. Public Safety & Courts: A Metlakatla man filed a federal civil rights lawsuit after a murder case was dismissed due to a botched prosecution. Community & Federal Spotlight: U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson will speak at UAF in July, with security and preregistration required.