AGP Executive Report

Alaska Arts & Community: Fairbanks artists painted two new murals on City Hall, part of a long-running biocultural heritage project meant to bring more Alaska Native art into public spaces. Indigenous Storytelling: Lingít artist Chloey Cavanaugh launched the Black and White Raven Company Magazine to give Indigenous writers and artists control of their own stories. Wildlife & Adventure: A bear attack near Skilak Lake left a mushroom forager injured after her dog was hit first, while Alaska’s Race to Alaska sailing event is set to send a Seattle teen team 750 miles through the Inside Passage. Sports & Culture: Anchorage soccer fans are catching World Cup fever, and 907 Sports profiles local NHL goalie Jeremy Swayman’s Olympic-gold year. Local Events: Palmer’s 90th Colony Days kicks off with a big parade Saturday and dozens of vendors and food trucks. Music: A Rossendale ukulele group video went viral, showing how small-town performances can travel worldwide.

Arts & Community: Fairbanks City Hall got two new murals painted by local artists, with elders and researchers tying the designs to biocultural heritage and climate adaptation. Indigenous Storytelling: Lingít artist Chloey Cavanaugh launched the first issue of the Black and White Raven Company Magazine, aiming to give Indigenous writers and artists control of their own stories. Local Events: Palmer kicked off its 90th Colony Days with a “Friday fling on steroids” vibe—vendors, food trucks, and a big parade Saturday. Theater & Youth: Seldovia’s Pier One Youth Theatre is running a 6-day Drama Camp (ages 10–17) July 6–11, ending with a community showcase. Sports & Culture: Seattle’s World Cup celebration is using a repurposed fish container barge as a floating soccer festival in Elliott Bay. Wildlife & Travel: Anchorage airport inspectors helped crack down on trafficked shark fins, and a Holland America Alaska cruise had to reroute after propulsion trouble. Politics (Alaska): The Alaska House advanced a major property tax exemption bill tied to the proposed Alaska LNG pipeline.

Alaska LNG Update: The Alaska House is poised to vote Friday on a bill that would cut taxes for the proposed trans-Alaska gas pipeline by about 85% for 30 years, with House Finance backing it unanimously and supporters saying it’s key to keeping the project competitive—though Senate concerns remain. Arctic Coast Guard News: Kodiak and Seward are named homeports for new Arctic Security Cutters, a major boost that could add hundreds of personnel and strengthens Alaska’s role in U.S. icebreaking capacity. Local Fundraiser: North Star ABATE raised $6,100 for a Pleasant Valley man battling cancer through its 8th annual “Cancer Sucks” Dart Run. Music & Film Buzz: Jethro Tull announced an expanded, newly remixed 1999 reissue (J-Tull Dot Com: Another Cast Of The Net), and Brad Pitt’s Alaska-set survival thriller Heart of the Beast dropped new trailer footage. Sports & Community: World Cup fever hit Anchorage as fans gathered to watch the tournament opener.

World Cup Watch in Anchorage: Soccer fans packed 907 Alehouse for the tournament opener, with supporters from Mexico and beyond soaking up the rare chance to see the World Cup outside their home countries. Coast Guard Icebreaker News: Kodiak will homeport two new Arctic Security Cutters, with Seward set for the third, bringing major jobs and crew families to Alaska as preparations ramp up for 2028. Alaska Sports Spotlight: Tri-Valley’s Taylor Eddington shattered a long-standing state record in the 300-meter hurdles at Dimond High School. Labor & Local Economy: Alaska Building Trades and 8 Star Alaska signed an MOU to prioritize hiring Alaska workers for the Alaska LNG Project’s construction workforce. Chilkat King Salmon Update: Fish and Game narrowed the June 14 opening area for Chilkat River kings, keeping harvest more conservative until run strength is clearer. Arts & Culture (regional): Seattle’s Sea-Tac unveiled a new C Concourse art-forward expansion timed for World Cup travelers, adding a tree-like centerpiece and live-performance space.

Alaska LNG: The Alaska House Finance Committee advanced a major property tax exemption bill for the Alaska LNG megaproject, clearing the way for a full House vote and aiming to give the project “certainty and stability.” Seward Cruise Terminal: Royal Caribbean and Alaska Railroad celebrated the official opening of the Dale R. and Carol Ann Lindsey Alaska Railroad Terminal in Seward, positioning it as Alaska’s largest cruise terminal and highlighting shore-power upgrades. Anchorage/Travel & Transit: Alaska Airlines unveiled a FIFA World Cup 2026 Seattle-themed aircraft livery, tying the airline’s whale-tail branding to host-city soccer festivities. Juneau Arts & Fashion: At Celebration, Indigenous jewelry makers and buyers focused on what earrings represent—identity, culture, and community wealth staying in Alaska. Sports Community: Todd Pridy’s post-baseball giving-back story spotlights how one local coach/teacher keeps supporting youth athletics in the Napa area. Streaming Pick: Netflix’s Outlast: The Jungle drops as a team-based survival reality series with a $1 million prize. Weather Watch: NOAA says El Niño conditions are present and could strengthen into a very strong event this fall.

Alaska LNG Update: The Alaska House Finance Committee unanimously advanced a bill to the House floor that would give the Alaska LNG megaproject a major property tax break, with Glenfarne and Gov. Mike Dunleavy backing the measure as a key step toward moving the pipeline forward. Seward Cruise Terminal: Seward’s new cruise terminal officially opened, replacing older docks and adding shore power to cut noise and improve air quality, with the Alaska Railroad highlighting the facility as a year-round hub for events. Fairbanks Public Art: Volunteers painted a new caribou-and-moose mural on Fairbanks City Hall, part of a larger public art initiative tying Indigenous knowledge and community research to the city’s outdoor spaces. Pearl Creek Charter Appeal: A Fairbanks Superior Court hearing is set for an appeal tied to the Pearl Creek STEAM School charter decision, as the district and charter supporters argue over resources and feasibility. Youth Pageant Spotlight: Miss Alaska Jr. High School America 2026 Madeline Gration is heading to nationals with a foster-care mission and a gown-and-interview prep push. Anchorage Entertainment Picks: The Anchorage Weekender rounded up midnight-sun events like live music downtown, knit-in-public at the museum, and a blossom festival. Sports & Media: Alaska Airlines resumed nonstop Portland service from Paine Field, and Netflix’s Outlast: The Jungle is back with a tropical survival twist.

Local Arts & Community: Kodiak History Museum is hosting a free marine mosaics workshop with local artist Kathy Johnson (noon–3 p.m. Saturday at Islander Bookshop), with all materials provided and registration required. Arts in Anchorage/Fairbanks: “Yoga in the Park” returns for summer—weekly free classes in Anchorage (Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at Delaney Park Strip through Aug. 5) and Fairbanks (Tuesdays at Griffin Park through July 28). Cultural Events: Combine Art Collective’s Sunday in the Gallery (June 14, 1–3 p.m.) features cyanotype printing with artist Kris Stewart, plus guest artists Ana V. Ramirez and Darin Yates on exhibit through Aug. 30. Sports & Entertainment (Alaska-adjacent): Anchorage’s Lt. Gov. is investigating a Petersburg Senate candidate’s sworn filing over possible perjury concerns, while Mat-Su schools approved a concealed-carry option for select trained staff. Travel/Media Buzz: Southwest Airlines is partnering with Foundation Media Partners to reshape its marketing storytelling, and World Cup viewing plans are driving bar-and-brewery watch parties across the region.

Outdoor Fitness: “Yoga in the Park” returns this summer with free weekly classes in Anchorage (Wednesdays, 6 p.m., Delaney Park Strip through Aug. 5) and Fairbanks (Tuesdays at Griffin Park through July 28), welcoming all skill levels. Community Cleanup & Public Art: Nome residents got a boost from a cleanup that hauled away 1,500+ pounds of trash, while Sitka is inviting designs for downtown crosswalk art (submissions due June 24). Local Science & Sports: UAF’s Large Animal Research Station (LARS) opens for the season with tours, and North Pole pickleball courts are back in action. Anchorage Schools Funding: The Anchorage School District is still waiting on clearer state/city support tied to HB 28’s energy rebate and local contribution cap. Juneau Flood Wall Fairness: Juneau Assembly voted to adjust the glacial outburst flood wall funding plan, shifting more costs to the city. Arts & Culture: Sealaska’s Celebration in Juneau drew about 1,800 dancers across four days, with standout photo highlights from Alaska Public Media. Alaska Outdoors Loss: Park ranger Robin Pendery died after a fall into a crevasse on Mt. McKinley/Denali during a climbing patrol.

Alaska Outdoors: Denali’s Mount Healy Overlook Trail, Kenai Fjords’ Exit Glacier Trail, Wrangell-St. Elias’ Root Glacier hike, and Anchorage’s Flattop Mountain are getting the spotlight for view-chasers and glacier lovers. Alaska Culture & Community: Juneau’s Celebration program unveiled a student-made Lingít comic book, bringing elders and young artists together to spotlight Tlingit characters and language. Alaska Sports: The World Cup is a big deal for Anchorage-area brothers Ronell and Byron Corral, who’ll attend their first match in person. Alaska News You Can Use: A Stream Watch volunteer orientation in Cooper Landing is training people to patrol popular fishing areas and teach watershed “why it matters” basics. Alaska Entertainment & Travel: Off the Beaten Path launched a small-group “Alaska National Park Grand Slam” itinerary designed to hit all eight parks with guided logistics. Elsewhere (Pride/Media): Capital Pride in D.C. shifted dates and is rolling out drag, parties, and pier events as celebrations ramp up.

Alaska Legislature Wrap: Lawmakers passed more than 70 bills in the final week, but overall only 114 of 685 bills made it through—leaving major ideas like paid parental leave and “right to repair” electronics behind. Anchorage Nightlife: Two longtime bars shut down in Anchorage, blaming rising costs, rent, and insurance—another hit to the city’s small-business scene. Fairbanks Public Art: A climate-and-culture mural is taking shape on Fairbanks City Hall, led by Alaska Native artists and tied to climate adaptation and biocultural heritage. Community Calendar (Alaska): Juneau’s weekly community calendar is out, plus a statewide youth shooting championship in Big Lake highlighted competition and camaraderie. Entertainment & Screen: “Twin Peaks” fans get a roundup of shows with similar Lynchian vibes. Travel for Alaska Cruisers: A Vancouver extended-stay hotel is pitching “home base” comfort to Alaska cruise passengers.

Alaska Arts & Community: Juneau’s community calendar is packed for June 8–14, from Cancer Survivors Day events and senior sing-alongs to meditation practice and summer lunch block parties. Music & Pop Culture: Mastodon debuted “Your Ghost Again” live in Prague, dedicating the new single to late guitarist Brent Hinds. Local Health & Wellness: A new youth-led “Wellbeing Club” podcast from the Portsmouth Diocese aims to normalize emotional wellbeing talks, with episodes shaped by young people and covering topics like bullying, anxiety, loneliness, and mental health. Sports Spotlight: Chugiak won the ASAA Division I softball title over Sitka, with Aubree Sims driving in five runs in the championship game. Alaska Food & Industry: Captain D’s says it’s rolling out wild-caught Alaska pollock across multiple menu items, partnering with seafood processors to meet demand for Alaska-sourced fish. Wildlife Safety (Global): A bear attack in Japan killed a mushroom forager, underscoring rising bear-attack concerns in forested regions.

Alaska Sports Hall of Fame: Anchorage Museum packed for the 18th annual Alaska Sports Hall of Fame, honoring nine inductees and standout moments including cross-country skier Gus Schumacher’s record fourth induction. Local Arts & Community: Fort Yukon potter Sarah Beaty’s “useable art” ceramics show how creativity thrives off the road system, while Fairbanks volunteers painted colorful “Starter Block” sidewalks and storm drains to spark downtown energy. Southeast & Youth Sports: Chugiak won the D1 softball crown with an 8-5 win over Sitka, and Juneau’s baseball team took the state title in a 5-4 thriller. Travel & Pop Culture: Virgin Australia unveiled a “Toy Story 5” themed aircraft livery, bringing Disney fun to the skies. Alaska Politics (watch): A new op-ed argues Alaska LNG policy shouldn’t be limited to one project, urging broader thinking about affordable energy for homes and mines. Sports Betting Buzz: Alaska fans are seeing fresh promo codes tied to Kalshi and Polymarket for major league events.

Local Arts & Community: Dolores River Fest returned for its 21st year in Joe Rowell Park with eight bands, food and vendors, and music all day. Sports Spotlight: Delta Junction’s girls team won the Division II Sportsmanship Award at the Alaska Track & Field State Championships, led by multi-sport standout Iris Haas. Health & Women’s Events: The 34th Alaska Run for Women drew 5,000+ participants at UAA, raising over $6 million over the years and centering survivor stories like Kristen Ryder’s. Indigenous Arts & Education: IAIA named Carin Silkaitis as Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, effective Aug. 1, 2026. Dance: Andiamo Dance Co. will debut “Synergy” June 19, blending local choreography with guest work from Italy. Film/TV & Travel Buzz: A new “Race Around the World” batch of filmmakers launched short-film challenges after finding destinations just a day before departure. Alaska Entertainment Calendar: Juneau’s community calendar and Anchorage’s weekend picks highlight what to see and do June 6–7. Sports Scoreboard: Alaska Sports Scoreboard coverage ran June 6, plus high school baseball/softball results and Alaska Baseball League updates.

Cruise Disruption: Holland America’s Zaandam hit propulsion trouble and will skip Skagway, Ketchikan, and Glacier Bay, with guests offered compensation as the ship heads to Vancouver for repairs. Poetry & Books: Three new Alaskan poetry collections tackle loss and renewal, including Eric Gordon Johnson, Vivian Faith Prescott, and David McElroy’s “Forced Landing.” Dance Spotlight: Andiamo Dance Co. debuts “Synergy” June 19, blending local choreography with guest work from Italy and more. Local Sports Buzz: Colony High freshman Taylor Passard earns Gatorade Alaska Softball Player of the Year after a record-setting season; Chugiak’s Brooklyn McCormick powers the Mustangs back to the state title game. Community Health: The 34th Alaska Run for Women draws thousands, raising millions for breast cancer awareness and support. Native Arts & Heritage: SEARHC’s Celebration canoe “Ancestral Echoes” uses Tlingit formline art wrapped onto the hull to map identity through time. Travel & Entertainment: OKM Music moves “Yacht Rock Orchestrated” earlier and onto asphalt due to storm risk.

Alaska LNG Watch: Lawmakers in the special session on LNG tax relief sound cautiously optimistic, even as the project’s cost estimate climbs to as much as $55B—up from a prior $45B figure—raising fresh questions about what Alaska should ask developers to pay. Energy Politics: In Washington, the federal push for “clean, beautiful coal” is back in the spotlight, with $700M aimed at extending or building coal power infrastructure, including Alaska. Local Arts & Community: Fairbanks is kicking off a big public mural project on City Hall, inviting residents to help paint a design rooted in Interior Alaska land, waters, languages, and living traditions. Entertainment Picks: Netflix’s week includes new thrillers and a true-crime documentary, while a Pride-focused roundup notes how corporate support for Pride events is still uneven. Culture & Travel: A Mount Everest story spotlights Jamaican mountaineer Rohan Freeman’s second summit, and a travel piece looks at how to find “Rome rebound” experiences beyond the usual sights.

Arctic Energy & Wildlife: Trump’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge oil lease auction drew limited interest—no major bidders and just two participants—prompting backlash from Alaska Native groups and wilderness advocates. Community & Learning: Kenai Peninsula College honored longtime director Gary Turner at a May 31 memorial, while Kodiak YMCA afterschool childcare celebrated its first-year success and launched a summer enrichment program. Culture Spotlight: Yakutat artist Reine Pavlik is bringing Tlingit resiliency into everyday wear ahead of Juneau’s Celebration, where thousands gathered for the Grand Entrance of Southeast Alaska Indigenous cultures. Outdoor & Leisure: Birders are flocking to Jackson’s avian festival, and Alaska libraries are rolling out summer reading fun with “Plant a Seed, Read.” Local Sports: Colony High freshman Taylor Passard was named Gatorade Alaska Softball Player of the Year. Public Safety & Wildlife Trade: An Anchorage-based wildlife inspector described how “stinky” shipments helped intercept trafficked wildlife, including thousands of shark fins. Entertainment: Sean Murray looked back on NCIS cast changes, including Mark Harmon’s exit and Gary Cole’s start.