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Senators Sullivan, Scott, Tuberville Introduce Bill to Create Secretary of the U.S. Coast Guard

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Senators Sullivan, Scott, Tuberville Introduce Bill to Create Secretary of the U.S. Coast Guard

U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) have introduced the Coast Guard Leadership Modernization Act, legislation that would create a Secretary of the U.S. Coast Guard, mirroring a position across all other branches of the U.S Armed Forces. Currently, the Coast Guard lacks a dedicated civilian leadership position, and it defaults to the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.

“I’m glad to join my colleagues in introducing legislation to provide even greater support and advocacy to our Coast Guard with a dedicated civilian Secretary who can represent the needs and perspective of the Coast Guard at the highest levels of our federal government,” said Sen. Sullivan. “We rely on our brave Coast Guardsmen to monitor and defend vast maritime borders, execute life-saving search-and-rescue operations, respond to international crises, and support Department of War missions. No state is more aware of the important service of the Coast Guard than Alaska—home to more coastline than the Lower 48 states combined—which is why I spearheaded the largest investment in the Coast Guard in history in last year’s Working Families Tax Cuts Act.”

“The Coast Guard has a unique and highly specialized mission to protect our country from threats posed by smugglers, drug traffickers, terrorists, and other lawbreakers, and it deserves a service secretary to oversee and coordinate its operations, just like every other branch of the military,” said Sen. Scott. “This bill creates a Secretary of the Coast Guard in federal law to ensure the Service has the leadership it needs to take on the challenges of the 21st century and beyond. This is a matter of readiness and national security; Congress should pass this immediately so President Trump can make his nomination, and the Senate can get to work on confirmation.”

“The men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard are critical to our national defense and security, which is why they deserve the same strategic organization as other branches of our military,” said Sen. Tuberville. “Having a permanent Coast Guard Secretary will make the organization even more effective and enhance our national security. I’m proud to join this legislation with Sen. Rick Scott to give President Trump full authority to nominate a Secretary of the Coast Guard and further his mission of Peace Through Strength.” 

Currently, all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces have a dedicated Secretary overseeing operations and representing the branch. However, the Coast Guard lacks a civilian executive leader, in an organization responsible for protecting 95,000 miles of coastline and 3.4 million square nautical miles of the U.S. exclusive economic zone.

This legislation creates, in statute, a Secretary of the Coast Guard to run as the leader of the branch. Upon this bill becoming law, the President would have the authority to nominate a Secretary of the Coast Guard subject to Senate confirmation.

Sen. Sullivan has consistently championed support for and robust investments in the Coast Guard to include the homeporting of four icebreakers in Alaska – specifically, three Arctic Security Cutters and the Cutter Storis.

Sen. Sullivan worked to pass the budget reconciliation bill that was signed into law in 2025. Because of Sen. Sullivan’s strong advocacy in the negotiations, the Working Families Tax Cuts Act made the largest investment in the U.S. Coast Guard in history—$25 billion for Fiscal Year 2026, including:

  • 16 new icebreakers—three Polar Security Cutters (heavy icebreakers), three Arctic Security Cutters (medium polar icebreakers), and 10 light and medium icebreaking cutters;
  • 22 new cutters—nine Offshore Patrol Cutters, 10 Fast Response Cutters, and three Waterways Commerce Cutters;
  • More than 40 new helicopters, six new C-130J aircraft, three new river cutters, and new maritime surveillance equipment (Many of these new Coast Guard aviation and ship assets will be coming to Alaska);
  • $300 million for the homeporting of the Juneau icebreaker, the Storis; and
  • $4.379 billion to repair docks, hangars, and shore facilities and replace aging infrastructure, funds that will help address the Coast Guard’s nationwide infrastructure backlog, as found in communities like Sitka, Seward, Kodiak and St. Paul.

Press release provided by the Office of U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan.

Public Invited to Alaska Gasline Caucus Presentation, August 6

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Public Invited to Alaska Gasline Caucus Presentation, August 6

The Alaska Gasline Caucus will host a listening session with a panel of presenters on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Anchorage Legislative Information Office (LIO) to hear about the opportunities and impacts of natural gas in Alaska.

The session will feature presentations from Alaska mayors, industry leaders, and utility representatives who will discuss how a natural gas pipeline would affect their communities, businesses, and constituents. Speakers will share their perspectives on the economic, energy, and infrastructure benefits of bringing North Slope natural gas to Alaskans.

The panelists are:

Mayor Edna DeVries, Mat-su Borough
Mayor Peter Micciche, Kenai Peninsula Borough
Commissioner Cathy Munoz, Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Patrick Rose, Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Joe Balash, Alaska Chamber and Resource Development Council
Tony Izzo, Matanuska Electric Association
Matt Kissinger, Alaska Gasline Development Corporation
Rebecca Logan, The Alliance
Alicia Maltby, Associated Builders and Contractors
Adam Prestidge, Glenfarne
Luke Saugier, Hilcorp
John Sims, EnStar
Demian Voiles, Matanuska Telecom Association

“The purpose of this meeting is to hear directly from the people who would experience the benefits and challenges of an Alaska gasline,” said Senator George Rauscher (R – Sutton), Co-Chair of the Alaska Gasline Caucus. “Mayors, utilities, and industry leaders understand the energy needs of their communities better than anyone. Their insight will help inform legislators and the public as we continue the conversation about securing affordable, reliable energy and creating long-term economic opportunities for Alaska.”

“The Alaska Gasline Caucus was formed to bring together legislators and stakeholders who recognize the importance of advancing an Alaska gasline,” said Representative Costello (R – Anchorage). The Gasline Caucus Co-Chair continued, “This listening session is an opportunity for the public to hear directly from the communities, industries, and utilities that stand to benefit from the project and to better understand how natural gas can help meet Alaska’s long-term energy and economic needs.”

Legislators, staff, members of the media, and the public are encouraged to attend. The meeting will also be available to watch through Gavel Alaska.

Press release provided by Alaska Senate Republican Caucus.

Can I Eat This, Or Will It Kill Me?!?

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Can I Eat This, Or Will It Kill Me?!?

The Alaskans Afield: Foraging for Wild Foods class, hosted by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, offers Alaskans an opportunity to walk trails with forager Michele Harmeling and answer the age-old forager’s question: Can I eat this, or will it kill me?!?

When: Wednesday, August 19th, 6-7 PM
Where: Matanuska River Park
Cost: $6 per person

Register at: alaskansafield.adfg.alaska.gov

All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the class.

Further questions may be directed to Burl Dickman at [email protected] // 861-2113

Hickel Brothers Formally Request Bernadette Wilson Immediately Stop “Deception” and “Misuse” of Governor Hickel’s Legacy

Natalie Spaulding
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Hickel Brothers Formally Request Bernadette Wilson Immediately Stop “Deception” and “Misuse” of Governor Hickel’s Legacy

On July 24, four of Governor Hickel’s sons signed and sent a letter to Bernadette Wilson asking her to immediately stop “using images of Governor Hickel, material from his various political campaigns, and historical records of his leadership and achievements to promote your campaign.” The brothers state in the letter that their reason for the request is because “we know that Governor Hickel would never approve of what you are doing and the deception you are causing.”

Bernadette Wilson is one of twelve Republican candidates in the 2026 gubernatorial race and a frontrunner according to several polls. In promoting her campaign, Wilson frequently refers to her “Uncle Wally” or former Governor Walter J. Hickel. Governor Hickel served as Alaska’s second governor in 1966 and then was reelected in 1990 after serving as U.S. Secretary of the Interior under President Nixon. Wilson has prominently featured Walter J. Hickel’s image, quotes, and connection to advance her own campaign for governor. Her relation to the former governor is through her maternal grandfather, Vernon Hickel, the brother of Walter J. Hickel.

According to the Hickel brothers, Wilson’s use of his image and “insistence that [she] is the bearer of his legacy” is “misleading and disrespectful.” They accuse Wilson of proliferating a “false narrative that there is some sort of close connection between Governor Hickel and [her] candidacy.” They emphasize: “‘There is no connection between Governor Hickel, who died sixteen years ago, and this campaign. There is no connection between the ideologies promoted by this campaign and the legacy of Governor Hickel.”

The Hickel brothers carry the legacy of their father, and own the Hickel Investment Company, a premier real estate holding company with key holdings in Anchorage, AK, including the Hotel Captain Cook.

Read the full letter here:

Hickel Brothers’ Letter to Bernadette WilsonDownload

Anchorage Shootings: 5 Cases in the Last Month

Natalie Spaulding
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Anchorage Shootings: 5 Cases in the Last Month

The Anchorage Police Department has reported 5 shooting investigations in the last month. Two youth and three adults sustained gunshot wounds, and two adults were killed. 21-year-old Ioanesoopele Lolo and 34-year-old Devante Alexander were arrested and charged with Assault 1. Two of the cases remain open with police requesting information from the public.

Limited public information is available in the July 21 case where two men were found dead in a private residence from gunshot wounds. Police have identified it as an isolated event with no active public safety threat.

The Cases

July 14: At 4:14 AM, APD officers found an adult male at the 800 block of Edward St with a gunshot wound to the upper body. The victim was transported to the hospital. A police investigation led to the arrest of 21-year-old Ioanesoopele Lolo, who was remanded to the Anchorage Correctional Complex for Assault 1 and Theft 2.

July 20: At 2:14 AM, APD officers responded to a call from the 3000 block of West 33rd Avenue reporting multiple shots heard. Officers found several shell casings. Shortly after, a local hospital reported receiving a patient with a gunshot wound, which was determined to be connected to the shots fired on West 33rd Avenue. APD requests anyone with information regarding the shooting, including surveillance footage, contact the police at 3-1-1 (option #1) or (907)786-8900 (option #0). The motive for the incident, and any relationship between the parties involved, is under investigation.

July 21: At 1:12 AM, APD officers found two adult males with upper body gunshot wounds inside a residence at the 8000 block of East 5th Avenue. Both men were declared dead at the scene. The men were identified as Spencer King, age 47 and Tajuan Jamestown, age 19. Police have not publicly reported a suspect but indicate that there is no at-large suspect and no active public threat. Currently available reports do not confirm whether the incident was a double murder or a murder and suicide.

August 1: At 10:20 PM, APD officers responded to a call from the 200 block of Muldoon Road and found an adult male with a gunshot wound to the upper body. The victim was transported to a local hospital. Police arrested 34-year-old Devante Alexander at the scene and remanded him to the Anchorage Correctional Complex (ACC) on charges of Assault 1.

August 3: At 11:48 PM, APD officers found two juveniles at the 8000 block of Boundary Avenue with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds, one to the upper body, and the other to the lower body. APD requests anyone with information regarding the shooting, including surveillance footage, contact the police at 3-1-1 (option #1) or (907)786-8900 (option #0). The motive for the incident, and any relationship between the parties involved, is under investigation.

Hughes-Gettys Hosts Rally After Swastikas Cut into Campaign Sign, Others Damaged by Sledgehammer, Spray Paint

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Hughes-Gettys Hosts Rally After Swastikas Cut into Campaign Sign, Others Damaged by Sledgehammer, Spray Paint

The Alaskans for Hughes/Gettys Campaign is inviting the public to rally against the violent destruction of political signs that have occurred in recent weeks, most notably in South Anchorage against Republican candidates.

The event will be held this Wednesday, August 5, at 6 PM outside at Belle’s Nursery, 13700 Speckling Avenue, where an egregious sign destruction incident occurred.

Security cameras captured footage of three individuals cutting a large swastika across a Hughes/Gettys sign on private property in the middle of the night, destroying the sign while also spreading a message of hate, racism, and terror. Other candidates’ signs in Anchorage this election season have been pulverized with a sledgehammer; some have been knocked down and broken apart, others spray painted.

Gubernatorial candidate Senator Shelley Hughes noted, “No matter where you are on the political spectrum, we all know this is wrong. We should win elections with ideas and votes, not intimidation and destruction. Political disagreement is part of our representative democracy; vandalism is not.”

Lt. Governor Candidate, retired General Blake Gettys, added, “Respect is key and foundational to a healthy election process. To the perpetrators: destroying signs doesn’t strengthen your cause; it weakens it.”

Soldotna, Kenai Chambers Host Nonpartisan Gubernatorial Debate, Aired Live on KSRM 92.5 FM

Natalie Spaulding
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Soldotna, Kenai Chambers Host Nonpartisan Gubernatorial Debate, Aired Live on KSRM 92.5 FM

On Thursday, August 6, the Soldotna and Kenai Chambers of Commerce will host “Narrowing the Field,” a nonpartisan gubernatorial forum and debate. The event is free to attend, and will also be aired live by KSRM Radio Group on 920 AM and 92.5 FM. An online stream will be available on RadioKenai.

All candidates were invited to participate. 10 confirmed: Dave Bronson, Adam Crum, Edna DeVries, Meda DeWitt, Matt Heilala, Shelley Hughes, Lesil McGuire, Treg Taylor, Bill Walker, and Michael Gilbert.

Tom Begich, Click Bishop, Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, and Bernadette Wilson declined to participate.

According to the event’s organizers, the forum and debate is “designed to help Kenai Peninsula voters make a more informed choice before the August 18 primary election.”

Date: Thursday, August 6, 2026
Time: Doors open at 5:30 PM | Event begins at 6:00 PM
Location: Soldotna Sports Complex Meeting Rooms
538 Arena Ave., Soldotna, AK 99669

Attendance is limited to 200 tickets, and seats are expected to fill quickly. To RSVP: https://form.jotform.com/soldotnachamber/narrowing-the-field

Opinion: Voters Should Be Wary About Campaign Finance Initiative Backed by Out-of-State PACs and Unions

Guest Writer
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Opinion: Voters Should Be Wary About Campaign Finance Initiative Backed by Out-of-State PACs and Unions

By Wyatt Young Nelson

Understanding who is funding a campaign finance ballot initiative can provide important context about its potential motivations, intended effects, and the interests supporting it. Examining the sources of financial backing, the organizations involved, and the measure’s legal provisions can help voters better understand how the proposal could affect Alaska’s campaign finance system.

Supporters of Ballot Measure 1 argue that contribution limits are intended to reduce the potential influence of large donations made directly to candidates and to promote greater public confidence in Alaska’s elections.

On the other hand, critics of the measure argue that while it establishes contribution limits for candidates, it does not impose the same limits on independent expenditures by Super PACs and traditional political action committees (PACs). They contend that this creates an uneven system in which outside organizations may continue to spend unlimited amounts on campaigns, while local candidates and grassroots campaigns face stricter fundraising limits.

Opponents also argue that the measure could disproportionately affect community-based campaigns that rely on direct contributions from Alaska supporters, while well-funded independent groups retain significant influence through expenditures that are not subject to the same contribution limits. They believe this structure may place local candidates at a disadvantage compared with organizations capable of raising and spending substantially larger sums.

Ultimately, voters should carefully examine both the language of the initiative and the financial interests behind the campaign supporting it. Understanding who is funding the measure, how its provisions would operate under existing campaign finance laws, and which activities would remain unrestricted can help Alaskans make an informed decision when casting their ballots.

Research into the groups supporting Citizens Against Money in Politics, the organization pushing the initiative, shows that it is backed by the New Venture Fund, based in Washington, D.C., and managed by Arabella Advisors. Several union groups are also involved, including the Alaska AFL-CIO, NEA Alaska, and ASEA/AFSCME Local 52, which are among the sponsors of the measure.

Recently, Governor Mike Dunleavy vetoed House Bill 16, an election campaign finance measure attempting similar limits. Had the bill been signed into law, it could have rendered the August ballot measure redundant and potentially led to its withdrawal. Because the bill was vetoed, the ballot measure remains active.

Voters need to be aware that this proposed bill and ballot measure to have campaign contribution limits is actually supported by unions and out-of-state interests, which should raise eyebrows. I recommend voters oppose this August ballot measure on August 18th.

Wyatt Young Nelson has lived in both Nome and Anchorage, graduated from Bartlett High School, and attended the ACE/ACT program. He was named after the famous Wyatt Earp and his middle name Young is from his grandfather the late Congressman Don Young. He has been involved in both the 2024 and 2026 efforts to repeal ranked-choice voting.

Palmer-Based Company “Mountain Dog” Receives Alaska’s Manufacturer of the Year Award

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Palmer-Based Company “Mountain Dog” Receives Alaska’s Manufacturer of the Year Award

Mountain Dog, a Palmer company that manufactures premium pet treats using 100% wild-caught Alaska salmon, received the State of Alaska’s 2025 Manufacturer of the Year award.

Governor Mike Dunleavy and Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Commissioner Julie Sande presented the award during a ceremony on July 29 at the company’s manufacturing facility in Palmer. The event brought together Mountain Dog’s employees, family members and business partners, along with representatives from DCCED, Alaska Manufacturing Association, Alaska Chamber, Alaska’s federal delegation and local elected officials.

Founded by Army veteran Kevin Thompson and Hannah Thompson, Mountain Dog manufactures premium freeze-dried dog and cat treats in Palmer using 100% wild-caught Alaska salmon. Its product line includes single-ingredient salmon treats, mini training treats and salmon toppers made without fillers or artificial additives.

The family launched Mountain Dog after a serious illness ended Kevin Thompson’s aviation career. Rather than leave Alaska manufacturing to others, the Thompsons built a purpose-driven company around Alaska’s seafood resources, freeze-drying technology, and opportunities to create value-added products within the state.

“Economic development is not only about attracting major projects or outside investment. It is also about helping Alaskans turn good ideas into viable businesses, create jobs and build products that can compete in markets both inside and outside our state,” said Commissioner Sande. “Mountain Dog stood out in every category through its resilience, growth, innovation, community leadership and commitment to working with other Alaska businesses.”

Since launching in 2022, Mountain Dog has expanded its production capacity and product line, with products now sold in more than 140 retail locations in Alaska and elsewhere in the United States. The company has also developed specialty products, including the MK-9 Deployable Pack, a rugged system that provides dog owners, trainers and working-dog handlers with quick access to salmon treats during training, travel and outdoor activities.

“Small businesses are the backbone of America,” said Governor Dunleavy. “Mountain Dog is an example of what is happening in Alaska—businesses are growing and being created, capitalizing on what Alaska has to offer. There is a big market looking for a product like this, and to have it come from Alaska makes us all very proud.”

Mountain Dog supports veteran organizations, young entrepreneurs, pet adoption efforts and families fostering animals. The company also works with Alaska seafood processors, retailers, tourism businesses, pet stores and other manufacturers to strengthen the visibility of Alaska-made products and support the state’s broader business community.

The annual Manufacturer of the Year award recognizes a Made in Alaska permit holder that demonstrates excellence in overcoming obstacles, business growth, innovation, community leadership and collaboration with other Alaska businesses. Previous recipients include Alaska Gear Company, Kaladi Brothers and The Great Alaska Bowl Company, reflecting the range of products and industries represented by Alaska manufacturers from across the state.

The Made in Alaska program continues to grow as businesses use its official logo to distinguish authentic Alaska-made products in a competitive marketplace. As of July 2026, the program included 866 participating businesses and 1,142 permitted products. Between January 2025 and July 2026, active business participation increased by more than 10%, while the number of permitted products grew by nearly 16%.

Press release provided the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.

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