AGP Executive Report

Whale Watch: NOAA says an endangered, pregnant fin whale found dead on the bow of a Seward cruise ship died from injuries consistent with a ship strike; a necropsy is underway and an official cause will take months. Wildlife Policy: Alaska Wildlife Alliance photos from Southwest Alaska challenge the state’s Mulchatna predator-control claims, raising questions about how the aerial gunning program is carried out. Tourism & Community: Juneau residents urged its tourism task force to tackle helicopter noise, downtown bus traffic, and whale-watching congestion—balancing visitor growth with livability. Cruise Safety: Another dead whale was found on the bow of Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas in Alaska, with an investigation beginning. Local Travel Perks: Alaska’s new law lets qualified charities host “snow classics” betting games statewide, expanding beyond the Mount Alyeska event. Health Access: Alaska lawmakers overrode a veto to expand pharmacists’ patient-care roles statewide, with provisions starting Jan. 1, 2027. Travel Disruption: Highway 97 north of Fort Nelson remains closed overnight after a vehicle accident; no detour is available. Southeast Culture: Alaska Native communities condemn a social media trend mocking totem poles and cultural symbols.

Arctic Adventure: A solo sailor is set to attempt the first-ever solo, nonstop, unassisted circumnavigation of the Arctic Ocean, departing from Aasiaat, Greenland June 25, as record-low sea ice underscores how fast the region is changing. Race to Alaska: Team Northbound Nutters won the 2026 Race to Alaska, finishing in Ketchikan after a dramatic run that outpaced the next boat by 145 nautical miles. Alaska Travel Reality Check: AAA says Independence Day travel is expected to be record-high, with Alaska cruise destinations helping keep Seattle, Anchorage and Fairbanks near the top of domestic demand. Airfare Watch: Even with falling jet fuel costs after a U.S.-Iran interim peace deal, airlines are likely to keep fares high due to limited seat supply and pricing power. Juneau Tourism & Culture: The Juneau-Douglas City Museum faces budget cuts that will cut staff and reduce hours, raising concerns for visitors who rely on local history. Community Prep: UAF Cooperative Extension is offering certified food protection manager training July 7 in Fairbanks (online or in person). Wildfire Update: Firefighters battled a 688-acre blaze near Anderson with evacuations in place, as another fire was being assessed nearby.

Coastal Plain Legal Fight: Alaska AG Nick Brown joined 13 states in an amicus brief backing lawsuits that challenge the Trump administration’s plan to maximize oil and gas development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge’s Coastal Plain, arguing rushed reviews and illegal disregard for more protective alternatives. Anchorage Politics: Two Chugiak-Eagle River Assembly members are calling for George Martinez to resign, citing alleged misuse of campaign funds tied to a Florida flight. Airfare Reality Check: Even as jet fuel prices fall after a U.S.-Iran interim peace deal, airlines are expected to keep fares high due to limited seat supply and pricing power. Interior Wildfires & Evacuations: Anderson, near Clear Space Force Station, remains under evacuation orders as lightning-sparked fires burn around the community; firefighters report progress and a second blaze is being assessed. Juneau Tourism Culture: The Juneau-Douglas City Museum faces staff cuts and reduced hours after a budget reduction tied to a revenue shortfall, raising concerns for access to local history. Alaska Airlines Route Changes: Alaska Airlines has canceled four planned seasonal U.S.-Mexico routes for late 2026–spring 2027, reshaping winter travel options. Travel Safety/Planning: TSA carry-on sizing rules are tightening at many airports, meaning bags that don’t fit new scanner limits may be turned back to check-in.

Alaska Housing & Tourism: The Juneau Community Foundation is donating 16 two-bedroom apartments to the Alaska Legislature, aiming to ease the capital’s chronic summer housing crunch for lawmakers and staff. Mat-Su Outdoor Fun: The Matanuska-Susitna Borough launched a free Mat-Su Trails Passport with nine trail stops, sticker logs, and a raffle for prizes—part of a push to boost local recreation and visitor interest. Cruise News in Southeast: Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas arrived in Seward with a dead 61-foot fin whale on its bow, and NOAA and the Alaska Sea Life Center are investigating. Local Travel Safety: Alaska DOT&PF is reminding candidates that campaign signs can’t be placed in state highway right-of-ways, with removals prioritized near intersections and driveways. Gates of the Arctic Access: Interior restored ATV access for subsistence hunting around Anaktuvuk Pass, a long-sought change for residents. Airfare Reality Check: Even after jet fuel prices fell sharply, airlines say tight capacity and limited seat growth mean ticket prices likely won’t drop fast. Wildlife Tech: Bezos Earth Fund is backing FireSat to speed wildfire detection, with early images already capturing Alaska fires.

Cruise Safety & Wildlife: Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas docked in Seward with a dead 61-foot fin whale on its bow; NOAA and the Alaska Sea Life Center are investigating whether the ship struck it. New Luxury to Alaska: Explora Journeys will debut its first Alaska season in summer 2027 with EXPLORA III, aiming for smaller, destination-focused cruising. Local Access for Subsistence Hunting: Interior restored ATV access for residents in Anaktuvuk Pass to support subsistence hunting in Gates of the Arctic, a long-fought change. Community Health Update: Anchorage nonprofit True North Recovery revised plans for a Fairview behavioral health center after neighborhood pushback. Air Travel & Recovery: NTSB recovery of a southeast Alaska sightseeing plane crash remains paused due to low clouds and fog near Ketchikan. Outdoor Safety Reminder: Grand Canyon officials say recent heat deaths show how dangerous midday hiking can be. Wildfire Tech: Bezos Earth Fund backs FireSat with $26M to speed wildfire detection, including early images of Alaska fires. Expats & Flying: Alaska Airlines dropped four Mexico routes for late 2026–spring 2027, while coverage highlights the Atmos Rewards Summit Visa for international travelers.

Aviation & Safety: A sightseeing plane crash recovery near Ketchikan is still paused as investigators wait out low clouds and fog; wreckage sits steep and forested about 12 miles northeast of the city, with interviews continuing while bodies have been recovered. Airline Updates: Alaska Airlines named CFO Shane Tackett as its new president, adding oversight of the airline’s commercial division to his finance and operations leadership. Tourism & Culture: A new Alaska season highlight is on the radar as EXPLORA JOURNEYS teases major Alaska destination experiences for its inaugural 2027 season. Outdoor & Travel Planning: With the summer solstice bringing long daylight across Alaska, travelers are reminded that conditions can shift fast—especially in rugged areas—while the broader U.S. heads into record July 4 travel. Heritage Spotlight: The Kenai Mountains–Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area is highlighted as a road, rail and trail corridor for wildlife watching, history tours, and hiking/biking adventures.

Alaska Airlines Leadership: Alaska Airlines named CFO Shane Tackett as its new president, adding oversight of the airline’s commercial division starting June 29—an internal shake-up aimed at aligning finance and sales as summer travel ramps up. New Air Service: Alaska Airlines launched its first nonstop Anchorage–Boston route on June 13, running weekly through Aug. 15 with Boeing 737 MAX 8, cutting out connections for New England travelers heading to Alaska. Cruise & Tourism Demand: AAA projects 72.2 million Americans will travel for Fourth of July week, with ocean cruises posting a big year-over-year jump—good news for Alaska cruise season. Wildlife & Safety: A black bear charged hikers on Washington’s Mount Si trail, a reminder for Alaska visitors to keep distance and follow bear-safety guidance on popular trails. Outdoor Timing Tip: With extreme heat warnings for the Grand Canyon, officials urged avoiding midday hiking—useful for Alaskans planning long daylight excursions in hot spells. Race to Alaska Update: In the 2026 Race to Alaska, Northbound Nutters held the lead with 359 nautical miles remaining as weather kept many racers near Nanaimo.

Alaska Airlines Leadership: Alaska Airlines CFO Shane Tackett has been named president, adding oversight of the airline’s commercial division while keeping his finance and fleet responsibilities. New Direct Service: Alaska Airlines launched its first nonstop Anchorage–Boston route (weekly through Aug. 15) using the 737 MAX 8, cutting out prior connections for summer travelers. Cruise Accessibility in Alaska: A blind writer shares how a Princess Cruises Alaska sailing (including stops like Skagway and Ketchikan) delivered inclusive experiences from staff support to dining accommodations. Tourism on the Chilkoot Trail: New carved totems at the Canadian end of the Chilkoot Trail aim to broaden the story beyond the gold rush, highlighting deeper Indigenous history. Safety Update: Alaska State Troopers say an overdue small plane crashed southeast of Cordova; the pilot was found dead and the NTSB is investigating. Summer Travel Demand: AAA expects record Fourth of July travel, with ocean cruises driving big year-over-year growth. Wildlife & Outdoors: A spotlight on the blackpoll warbler’s long migration (including western Alaska) underscores how migratory songbirds are declining. Travel Planning Tip: For one-port cruise days, an icy strait bald eagle tour may be worth it if it prioritizes short walks and good viewing spots.

Aviation & Tourism: Alaska Airlines kicked off its first nonstop Anchorage–Boston route on June 13, running weekly through Aug. 15 on the Boeing 737 MAX 8—an easier summer option for travelers who previously needed connections. Regional Travel Access: A new week of summer flying is also boosting Alaska’s “first stop” cities, with Anchorage serving as a hub for nonstop routes and frequent regional hops like Anchorage–Kenai. Outdoor Safety (Denali): A Spokane mountaineer’s near-disaster on Denali highlights the risks of crevasses and high-altitude illness during summit attempts. Wildlife & Nature: Biologists reported a new calf in endangered southern resident orca pods, paired with the troubling disappearance of another calf—good news with a warning. Local Travel Notes: Fairbanks’ Midnight Sun Game returns with a solstice ballgame that runs past midnight—lights off since 2003. Southeast Alaska Culture: A Tongass-area “Sea Pony Farm” creative retreat spotlights how artists and conservation-minded tourism are shaping small communities. Tourism Planning (Juneau): The Juneau Visitors Bureau is asking residents for feedback on how tourism affects daily life.

Alaska Cruise Update: Fog cut short a Holland America shore day in Nome when the MS Noordam’s tenders stopped after one struck a submerged pipe, leaving passengers waiting about an hour before a second tender towed the stuck boat away. Tourism Feedback in Southeast: Ketchikan Visitors Bureau is refreshing its Tourism Best Management Practices program and inviting residents to share how cruise and tour activity affects daily life. New Alaska Charter Vessel: Bay Weld Boats delivered the 56-foot overnight charter vessel Samantha Jules to Tundra Adventure Charters for Prince William Sound operations, adding capacity for multi-day fishing, sightseeing, wildlife viewing, and expedition travel. Airline Leadership: Alaska Airlines named CFO Shane Tackett as president, expanding his role to oversee the airline’s commercial division. Local Events & Outdoors: Kodiak’s Kodiak Mountain Series stage race kicks off with 150 runners, and Palmer’s Summer Solstice Dog Flyball Tourneys run June 17–21. Safety on Trails: A brown bear attacked a mountain biker on Anchorage’s Dome Trail, prompting a weeklong area closure and a reminder to bike with bear awareness.

Homelessness & Community Support (Anchorage): The Good Neighbor Fund marked six months helping people experiencing homelessness in Anchorage, raising $186,000+ from 300+ donors and already spending nearly $100,000 on essentials like IDs, food, transportation, and travel to reconnect with support networks. Cruise Impacts (Ketchikan): The Ketchikan Visitors Bureau is refreshing its Tourism Best Management Practices program, modeled after Juneau, to gather resident feedback and work with cruise lines and tour operators on voluntary guidelines that reduce local disruption. Northern Lights Watch: NOAA says aurora could be visible Thursday night into Friday from parts of the northern U.S. border states, with Alaska having the best odds if skies are clear. Wildlife Safety (Anchorage trails): A brown bear attacked a mountain biker on Dome Trail near Stuckagain Heights; the area was closed for a week as Fish and Game collected samples. Travel Planning (Alaska Airlines): Alaska Airlines named CFO Shane Tackett as president, adding oversight of the airline’s commercial division starting June 29. Tourism Infrastructure (Seward Highway): DOT&PF is planning a major overhaul at Seward Highway MP14, replacing a railroad crossing with a new bridge as glacial flood threats rise. Outdoor Access (Chilkoot campground): Chilkoot Lake campground may reopen this summer after a new state parks technician position is advertised to address understaffing. Cruise Line Expansion (Alaska): Oceania Cruises opened bookings for 2028–29, including Oceania Riviera returning to Alaska in summer 2028. Local Events (Palmer): Palmer hosted the 20th annual Summer Solstice Dog Flyball Tourneys, with four one-day events running June 17–21.

Alaska Airlines & cruising: Alaska Airlines is adding Stumptown cold brew to its in-flight lineup, a nod to the carrier’s Pacific Northwest roots, while Holland America is bringing back its “Until We Sail Again” farewell dinner fleet-wide and debuting Rotterdam’s Mediterranean run for fall 2027. Juneau tourism planning: Juneau residents get their first chance to weigh in on tourism management at the Visitor Industry Task Force, as the city tackles issues like cruise impacts and long-term policy changes. Wildlife & trails: A bear attack on Anchorage’s Hillside led to closures of the Dome Trail and Lost Cabin Valley Trail, a reminder for hikers and bikers to stay alert. Interior fire watch: State and federal crews are monitoring interior wildfires near Healy and along the Yukon River corridor, with protection efforts for nearby Native allotments. Travel demand: AAA forecasts a record 72.2 million Americans traveling for July 4, with road trips still leading—useful context for Alaska visitors planning summer routes. Health access: Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawaiʻi, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky filed suit challenging Alaska’s telehealth abortion ban, arguing it forces unnecessary in-person travel. Local adventure: Ketchikan search-and-rescue recovered a hiker’s body after a lost-person call above Upper Silvis Lake.

Alaska Tourism Policy: Juneau residents get a chance to weigh in on how the city manages cruise and visitor impacts at the Visitor Industry Task Force meeting Thursday, with recommendations expected later this fall. Wildlife & Trails: A brown bear attack injured a mountain biker on Anchorage’s Hillside, closing the Dome Trail and the nearby Lost Cabin Valley Trail; officials also note the area has had bear activity this year. Interior Fire Watch: Firefighters are protecting a Native allotment near the Yukon River as the Canyon Fire burns west of Rampart, while a separate Healy-area fire is now under control. Race to Alaska: The 2026 Race to Alaska kicked off from Port Townsend to Victoria, with teams preparing for the 750-mile, non-engine journey into the Inside Passage. Independence Day Travel (National, Alaska-relevant): AAA projects a record 72.2M Americans will travel for July 4 (61.4M by car); Anchorage and Fairbanks rank among top destinations, reflecting Alaska’s cruise-season pull. Onboard Alaska Interest: Oceania Cruises opened bookings for 2028/29, including a return to Alaska’s Icy Strait Point. Health Access Lawsuit: Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawaiʻi, Alaska and others sued to challenge Alaska’s telehealth abortion ban, arguing it forces unnecessary in-person travel.

Alaska Airlines & Hawaiian Airlines: Both carriers are rolling out refreshed summer onboard beverage menus, including Alaska’s Stumptown Copilot Cold Brew and a new international business-class wine program, plus Hawaiian’s Tide & Vine wines with proceeds supporting Oʻahu’s Maunalua Bay conservation. Alaska Travel & Tourism: Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) launched a U.K. campaign, “First Flight, First Catch,” timed with Alaska Airlines’ new Seattle–London Heathrow route to help get wild Alaska salmon into UK kitchens. Cruise Industry: Regent Seven Seas announced a 2027 wellness-and-longevity cruise with Elemis, betting on the “longevity travel” trend. On the Ground in Alaska: DOT&PF bridge inspections will bring lane closures and flagging delays on the Knik River Bridge (June 17), Little Coal Creek Bridge (June 20), and Susitna River Bridge (June 21–22). Aviation & Travel Tech: A new sustainable jet fuel plant in Moses Lake began commercial production, aiming to scale greener aviation fuel—though it’s still a small share of total jet fuel use.

Labor & Aviation: Anchorage-area Horizon Air flight attendants (Alaska Air Group) voted to authorize a strike, citing delayed bargaining and low pay/benefits proposals, though they’re not walking out immediately. Historic Housing Fight: Juneau residents are suing to stop demolition of Telephone Hill’s historic homes as the city moves toward a 155-unit condo plan. Wildlife & Safety: A brown bear charged and injured a biker on Anchorage’s Dome Trail; the victim had bear spray but couldn’t deploy it. Outdoor Tradition: Anchorage’s Flattop solstice trampoline hike is back, with hikers hauling pieces to the summit for a big community photo moment. Cruise Planning Tip: Travelers can ask to adjust or remove cruise gratuities at Guest Services, even though tips aren’t technically required. Tourism Marketing: Kitimat says tourism promotion is paying off, with stronger website traffic and visitor activity tied to MRDT-funded campaigns. Denali Park Remembrance: Parents of NPS ranger Robin Pendery remember her as a scholar and “world class climber” after her fall during a climbing patrol. Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Microsoft and Alaska Air Group-backed e-fuel plant opened in Moses Lake, Washington, producing SAF from captured CO2 and renewable energy.

Wildlife & Outdoor Safety: A search in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest near Ketchikan ended with the discovery of a missing Oregon man dead after he called for help while lost, cold, and without survival gear on the Deer Mountain Trail. Cruise & Ports: Goldbelt is pitching a new $500M cruise ship port and upland development on Douglas Island, with tourism leaders and residents asking how impacts will be spread out and managed. Travel Industry Watch: ASTA reopened its Hotel Watch List for two weeks, flagging hotels reported for delayed or unpaid commissions—aimed at helping advisors resolve disputes. Alaska Travel Planning: A new report highlights Alaska’s role in record ocean cruising demand, and notes whale-watching seasons can be planned around the full migration story. Policy & Access: Planned Parenthood sued Alaska over a requirement for in-person visits for medication abortion, arguing telehealth restrictions violate privacy rights. Local Governance: Juneau’s ballot could add a 1% seasonal sales tax to fund recreation facilities, after budget pressures and facility closures.