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Thailand signals it could import up to 5 million tons of Alaska LNG per year

Thailand is making a potential entry into the US liquefied natural gas market with a move that could significantly advance the long-planned Alaska LNG Project.

The Ministry of Energy of Thailand has instructed national energy giants PTT and Electricity Generating Public Company to begin formal discussions with the US government regarding Thai participation in LNG development in the state of Alaska, according to reporting by EnerData.com.

Representatives from Southeast Asia are expected in Alaska early next month to continue talks with state and federal representatives about the potential for Alaska LNG to be shipped to South Korea, Japan, and Thailand. Also expected at the conference and associated side meetings are Energy Sec. Chris Wright, Interior Sec. Doug Burgum, and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.

The talks could lead to Thailand importing between 3 to 5 million tons of LNG per year from Alaska, and would position the Southeast Asian nation as a long-term buyer in one of the most ambitious energy infrastructure ventures in North America since the Trans Alaska Pipeline System was built in the 1970s.

Alaska Gove. Mike Dunleavy, speaking at a Hudson Institute event in Washington, D.C., reaffirmed that construction on the 807-mile natural gas pipeline — a centerpiece of the $44 billion Alaska LNG project — could begin as soon as next year. A final investment decision is expected as early as this fall by the main developer, Glenfarne. Before that, the company will proceed into the Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) phase, which is the next big step. A FEED decision is expected soon.

If timelines hold, natural gas could begin flowing through the pipeline by 2028 or 2029, with LNG exports commencing from a new terminal in Nikiski two years later.

Thailand’s participation, if formalized, would likely involve direct investment in gas production, pipeline development, and LNG export infrastructure.

This includes three major components: the 1,299-kilometer pipeline from the North Slope to Nikiski; a 20 Mt/year LNG terminal; and a carbon capture and storage facility designed to sequester 7 million tons of CO₂ annually.

Involvement from PTT and EGCO could bring financial credibility to the project, while supporting Thailand’s energy diversification goals and reducing reliance on Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian gas supplies.

The move follows similar recent international interest. In March, Taiwan’s CPC Corporation signed a purchase and investment agreement with the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation, which is spearheading the project. South Korean firms have also been in talks to join.

By attracting a growing list of Asian stakeholders, the Alaska LNG project is addressing one of its primary challenges: securing long-term offtake agreements and the anchor investors needed to justify the multibillion-dollar buildout.

Dunleavy noted that a phased approach to project development is helping mitigate concerns over the scale and complexity of the venture. “You build it in pieces, finance it in stages, and align it with confirmed demand,” he said at the conference.

The project is not only a priority for Dunleavy, but is a strong priority of President Donald Trump.

Did former FBI chief just threaten Trump’s life?

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem today accused former FBI Director James Comey for calling for President Donald Trump’s assassination. Noem said federal law enforcement authorities are investigating the threat.

“Disgraced former FBI Director James Comey just called for the assassination of @POTUS Trump,” Noem wrote on X on Thursday evening. “DHS and Secret Service is investigating this threat and will respond appropriately.”

Noem made the statement after Comey posted a photo earlier in the day on Instagram that showed several seashells arranged to form the numbers “86 47.”

“86” is well-known slang that mean killing someone. And the number 47 could mean the 47th president. It’s a number that is showing up among those who want President Trump gone, or even dead.

Comey, who was appointed to the head of the FBI by President Barack Obama and who is a virulent Trump hater, took the photo down from Instagram after Noem made her accusation, and he then wrote that he didn’t intend to call for violence.

“I posted earlier a picture of some shells I saw today on a beach walk, which I assumed were a political message,” Comey wrote in a second post on Instagram.

The photo of “86 47” that Comey posted on Instagram.

Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said the Secret Service is investigating as it “vigorously investigates anything that can be taken as a potential threat against our protectees.”

FBI Director Kash Patel said that the primary jurisdiction is with the Secret Service, but his agency would provide support as needed.

Taylor Budowich, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich wrote that Comey’s post is “deeply concerning to all of us” and that it is no laughing matter.

“While President Trump is currently on an international trip to the Middle East, the former FBI Director puts out what can clearly be interpreted as ‘a hit’ on the sitting President of the United States — a message etched in the sand,” Budowich wrote.

Repeal Now moves forward to ditch ranked-choice voting, as Bernadette Wilson steps into new role

Repeal Now Chairwoman Judy Eledge announced that Bernadette Wilson, who recently launched her campaign for governor of Alaska for the 2026 election, will no longer be involved with the organization’s efforts to repeal ranked-choice voting.

While Wilson continues to support the repeal, her departure from the repeal ballot initiative campaign marks a shift, as she focuses on her gubernatorial run.

“We wish Ms. Wilson luck in her new endeavor,” said Eledge. “Our non-partisan mission to repeal ranked-choice voting remains steadfast, and we’re committed to continuing this work for Alaska voters.”

Repeal Now advocates for eliminating ranked-choice voting in favor of “simple and fair elections.” The organization will continue under the leadership of Eledge and Treasurer Bethany Marcum.

For more information, visit www.repealnowak.com or contact [email protected].

Murkowski’s monkey wrench: Opposing House bill that bars funding for country’s No. 1 abortion provider

Two prominent moderate Republicans in the Senate, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, have voiced concerns over a key provision in the House’s reconciliation bill — the “Big Beautiful Bill — that would bar Planned Parenthood from receiving any federal funds.

The provision, which has been championed by more conservative members of the GOP, could become a flashpoint in upcoming Senate negotiations.

The senators are long-standing advocates for abortion. They signaled their opposition to the Planned Parenthood ban in comments to the website NOTUS.org, suggesting it could jeopardize support for the reconciliation package in its current form.

Murkowski emphasized the real-world impacts such cuts would have on her constituents, particularly in rural areas. She is a supporter of abortions for Native women.

“I’m going to continue to be an advocate for the services that Planned Parenthood provides. In Alaska, we’ve got limited services for women in the first place,” she told NOTUS. “They play an important role. So I’m going to continue being an advocate.”

Maine and Alaska have already experienced significant reductions in federal support for reproductive health through the Title X family planning program. Both states have seen Planned Parenthood closures or reduced services in recent months.

Collins has also indicated resistance to the defunding effort, aligning with Murkowski in previous votes where they broke with their party on reproductive rights issues. The two senators are expected to be key swing votes as the Senate prepares to take up its own version of the reconciliation bill, and their skepticism may force revisions to the House-passed language.

As negotiations continue, the Planned Parenthood funding ban is shaping up to be a significant hurdle and one that will give Murkowski the leverage she may want to kill other priorities in the bill.

Taxpayers put over $700 million into Planned Parenthood each year, whether or not they agree with the organization’s primary services — which are abortion and transgender medicine.

Dunleavy appoints new commissioner of DEC

Gov. Mike Dunleavy appointed Randy Bates as the commissioner of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. Bates assumes his new role on Monday, May 19, succeeding Christina Carpenter, who has served as acting commissioner since January.

Emma Pokon was the commissioner until January, when she was tapped by the Trump Administration to be the regional director for the EPA.

“Randy is uniquely suited to assume the role of commissioner-designee for DEC and continue to push my Administration’s agenda to develop our plentiful resources responsibly and to minimize the impacts from all of our actions on the environment,” Gov. Dunleavy said in a statement.

Bates brings decades of experience in state government to the position, including a previous tenure as director of DEC’s Division of Water. He also held the role of director of the Division of Habitat at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, where he worked to balance development with environmental protections.

Bates expressed appreciation for the appointment and emphasized his commitment to the department’s mission.

“It is an honor to be named commissioner, and I look forward to working for Governor Dunleavy and with the other members of his cabinet,” Bates said. “My primary goal as commissioner will be to continue the department’s mission of balancing the need for responsible development and preserving Alaska’s pristine lands and waters and wildlife.”

Christina Carpenter, who stepped in as acting Ccommissioner earlier this year, has accepted a position outside of state government. She will continue serving as deputy commissioner through May 30 to help ensure a smooth leadership transition. Governor Dunleavy thanked Carpenter for her service and leadership, acknowledging her contributions to DEC and to Alaskans statewide.

Bates will need to be confirmed by the Alaska Legislature in a joint session but will serve in the capacity of commissioner until that time, which could be next week or next year.

Justice Department looking at UnitedHealth Group for possible Medicare fraud

The US Department of Justice is conducting a criminal investigation into UnitedHealth Group, the largest health insurer in the US, for possible Medicare fraud, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The investigation focuses on UnitedHealth’s Medicare Advantage business practices. The probe has been active since at least last summer, and is being led by the DOJ’s healthcare fraud unit, according to the Wall Street Journal report, which cited unnamed sources.

UnitedHealth has a large footprint in Alaska, providing Medicare Advantage plans and other health insurance products. Alaska residents enrolled in these plans could be indirectly affected if the investigation leads to a settlement or changes in UnitedHealthcare’s billing practices or plan offerings.

The exact nature of the potential criminal allegations remains unclear, but the investigation follows a separate civil fraud probe launched earlier this year into whether UnitedHealth inflated diagnoses to trigger extra payments for its Medicare Advantage plans.

UnitedHealth has not been formally notified by the DOJ of the criminal investigation and called the WSJ’s reporting “deeply irresponsible.”

UnitedHealth’s stock plunging up to 18% on Thursday, hitting a five-year low and contributing to a 49% year-to-date decline.

This alleged investigation adds to other federal inquiries, including an antitrust case and shareholder lawsuits alleging the company downplayed risks.

The developments coincide with recent turmoil at UnitedHealth, including the abrupt resignation of CEO Andrew Witty and the high-profile assassination of its insurance division head, Brian Thompson, in December.

UnitedHealthcare has significantly gained market share after Obamacare (Affordable Care Act) passed in 2010. The ACA created health insurance marketplaces (exchanges) where individuals and families could purchase coverage, often with taxpayer-funded subsidies.

UnitedHealthcare expanded its presence in these marketplaces, growing from 11 states in 2021 to 30 states by 2025, covering over 1,250 counties. In 2024, 90% of UnitedHealthcare’s ACA marketplace plan members are on subsidies, with over half paying $0 monthly premiums, making these plans attractive and driving enrollment. The ACA business side is separate from the Medicare side of the business.

While UnitedHealthcare does not offer individual ACA marketplace plans in Alaska, it provides group-based plans for employers and unions.

Despite volatility in markets, Permanent Fund exceeds benchmarks

The Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation reported a 4.55% return on the Alaska Permanent Fund through the first three quarters of the current fiscal year, which ended March 31. The year-to-date performance matches the Fund’s passive benchmark and exceeds the 4.26% performance benchmark set for the same period.

The Fund’s performance is evaluated against three key benchmarks: a passive benchmark composed of a blend of passive indices; a performance benchmark, which aggregates the benchmarks of individual asset classes at their target weights; and a long-term real return objective of 5.50%, representing inflation (as measured by Consumer Price Index) plus 5%.

Over a five-year horizon, the Fund’s returns have consistently outperformed these targets. The total Fund earned an annualized 10.49% return over the past five years, surpassing the passive benchmark (9.71%), the performance benchmark (9.93%), and the 5.50% real return objective (9.38%).

“I am pleased that APFC’s active investment management approach has added value against the performance benchmark we have been assigned both in the short term (FYTD) and the longer time horizon that we manage portfolios against (5-year). In this period of increasingly turbulent markets, our active approach to investment management and our diversified asset allocation should provide stability to our stakeholders,” said Marcus Frampton, APFC Chief Investment Officer.

The Fund’s strategy relies on active investment management and diversified asset allocation, with the goal of achieving a real return of 5% annually over the long term.

Border Patrol applications highest in history under Trump

By BETHANY BLANKLEY | THE CENTER SQUARE

Since President Donald Trump took office, U.S. Border Patrol has seen an unprecedented surge in applications from men and women who want to serve at the U.S. borders.

From January to April 2025, USBP received 34,650 applications, representing a 44% increase over the same four-month period in 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection says.

“This historic spike in applicants is a direct reflection of the renewed national commitment to border security under the leadership of President Trump, the Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection,” it said.

Under Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks, Texas’ first Border Czar, the first quarter of 2025 marks “the most successful four-month recruitment stretch in the agency’s history.”

In January, the month Trump was sworn into office, Border Patrol received the highest number of applications in recorded history since the agency’s founding in 1924.

“The continued surge in applications speaks volumes about the pride and purpose Americans see in joining the U.S. Border Patrol,” Banks said. “We thank President Trump and Secretary Noem for their leadership and commitment to strengthening our workforce and mission readiness.”

The increase in applicants also underscores the public’s confidence in the Trump administration’s enforcement priorities “and the sense of purpose Americans feel in answering the call to protect the homeland,” CBP said.

Recruitment gains also increased after the agency enhanced its outreach, including targeted hiring incentives, and reached out to veterans and law enforcement professionals who bring mission-ready experience to consider serving in Border Patrol.

The news is a reversal of morale under the Biden administration when agents retired, resigned or committed suicide in record numbers.

At the height of the border crisis under the Biden administration, 17 Border Patrol agents committed suicide in 2022. At a congressional hearing in 2023, Chris Cabrera, vice president of the National Border Patrol Council, testified before Congress about the hardships Border Patrol agents were experiencing, The Center Square reported.

“To put that in perspective,” the New York Police Department’s roughly 35,000-man force lost four to suicide, he said.

“We see a lot of stuff out there that the average person doesn’t see. What hits folks the hardest is what happens with the children,” he said, referring to human trafficking and unaccompanied minors being smuggled across the border.

“It’s a difficult job. It’s increasingly getting harder by the fact that we’re not put in a position to do the job that we were trained to do,” he said, referring to agents being pulled from patrolling the border and fulfilling their mission of national security. Under the Biden administration, they were ordered to release foreign nationals into the country instead of processing them for removal. Those orders violated federal law, he argued, by  implementing a policy of “catch and release,” a policy President Donald Trump ended.

At the time, he and others argued Border Patrol needed several thousand more agents to respond to the crisis, adding to roughly 19,300 working in USBP at the time.

Under the Biden administration, USBP’s attrition rate was 6.9% – 72% higher than that of the Office of Field Operations – and was “expected to climb to over 9% by 2028.”

Under Trump, who was endorsed by the Border Patrol union, that trajectory has reversed in just a few short months.

David Boyle: Anchorage School District is shortsighted fiscally, ignoring huge budget deficit

By DAVID BOYLE

The Anchorage School Board has developed a next year’s budget based on the Legislature increasing the Base Student Allocation by $560, which would provide the district with an additional $39.8 million for the next school year.  

But the district further states that it will have a $74 million budget deficit in 2027.

This is shortsighted at best and counts on the Legislature to provide even more funding when the state is facing a fiscal cliff.

The district allocates about $30 million of the new funding to “direct instruction”, the classroom.  This includes increasing the pupil-teacher ratio by only one student versus the original increase of that ratio by four students in the previous FY26 budget.  

This “direct instruction” would include funding the IGNITE program, elementary summer school, preschool, Battle of the Books, elementary immersion teachers, and elementary special ed teachers.  

It also funds 21 “holdback teachers” and adds another 5 of these teachers who are used to fill in for teachers who are absent from their classrooms.  It doesn’t seem like this would be a direct instruction factor.  This may provide flexibility, but it could also bea “slush” fund.

The $30 million in new funding pays for more than 213 full-time employees (FTE). Remember, these are positions not real live teachers. Here is the chart showing the $30 million expenditures:

By reversing cuts to the gifted program, elementary school immersion teachers, and adding funding to charter schools, the district has garnered the support of those parent groups to fight for even more funding next year. 

The district has decided to use another $9.8 million to pay for “instructional support” employees. These additions are much more controversial and are not directly related to classroom learning.

This includes the following FTEs: 12.5 librarians, 13 elementary nurses, 5 principals, 8 library assistants, 3.5 counselors, and 2.5 elementary counselors. The total FTEs is increased by 59 for a $9.8 million cost.  

This chart shows those positions (FTEs) added to the FY26 budget:

Why is the district adding more non-teachers, known as overhead, when it faces a horribly large deficit of $74.5 million in 2027? 

Here’s why. The AEA, the ASD teachers’ union, knows very well that it is losing teachers due to the decreasing number of students in the future. Thus, it will be losing union members.

But the AEA also knows that it can increase its membership by adding librarians, nurses, library assistants, and counselors.  And that is what’s happening in the ASD FY26 budget. 

ASD is gambling that it can extort more funding from the legislature and the AEA can also maintain its membership and power by adding employees this next year.

So, while the school board is adding more personnel back to the budget and adding more costs, it should be saving this funding for the next fiscal year which looks even more bleak.  

Adding more personnel when the student population is decreasing and the state is facing a huge fiscal crisis in the coming years is unfathomable.

The administration projects a huge $74.5 million budget hole for the next fiscal year.  It could save the $9.8 million shown above for the “instructional support” cost and help fill next year’s budget hole and further avoid giving “pink slips” to newly hired employees.

But it is apparent that the district is counting on getting even more funding from the Legislature next session. That may be very difficult if the price of oil plummets and even more people leave Alaska.  

We can look forward to the Education Establishment demanding more money to improve student outcomes even when those outcomes are not linked to more funding.

And that may mean an even smaller PFD — or maybe none at all.

David Boyle is a writer for Must Read Alaska.