Alaska
Sen. Sullivan talks with Alaska’s News Source about combatting fentanyl crisis and president-elect Trump
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) -U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, recently spoke with Alaska’s News Source about President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet picks, tariffs and combating the fentanyl crisis in Alaska.
A part of his “One Pill Can Kill-Alaska” campaign launched in May to compile resources for Alaskans to, in part, know where fentanyl is coming from, the dangers of the drug and the resources that are available for treatment and prevention; the Senator is now launching a new campaign.
The fentanyl awareness competition for Alaska high school students is asking high schoolers across the state to put together media campaigns to educate Alaska’s youth on the dangers of the drug.
Sen. Sullivan stated that while all campaigns will be highlighted on his website, the winning campaign will collaborate with his communications team to create a statewide “One Pill Can Kill – Alaska” public service announcement.
“But the youth, they’re smart, they’re very smart, and they’re like, we think we can help. And we think the messaging, if it’s more peer to peer in a lot of ways, can be more impactful, more effective, and our youth will listen more,” Sullivan said.
Sandy Snodgrass, the director of the AK Fentanyl Response Project, tragically lost her son to a fentanyl overdose in 2021. She believes that young people are likelier to listen to their peers than their parents. Snodgrass hopes that through the competition and campaign, youth will start to understand just how lethal fentanyl can be.
“I don’t think they do know how lethal it is. I think that they may think that they might get sick or they might pass out or something like that, but I don’t think that young people, or people in general, still understand what a small amount of fentanyl will actually kill you. Ten grains of salt, table salt, is enough fentanyl to kill a person,” Snodgrass said.
During his interview with Alaska’s News Source, Sullivan also talked about President-elect Trump, who he is a supporter of.
Regarding President-Elect Trump’s cabinet picks, which have attracted media attention, Sullivan stated that Trump is entitled to the cabinet he desires.
One of those controversial picks is Pete Hegseth, whom President-elect Trump has chosen as his Secretary of Defense.
Since the announcement, Hegseth has been marred by sexual assault allegations dating back to 2017.
As Alaska’s Attorney General and a U.S. Senator, Sullivan has championed legislation and campaigns aimed at combating sexual assault and domestic violence.
When he was attorney general in 2010, a statewide campaign called “Alaska Men Choose Respect” encouraged men to become actively involved in preventing violence.
Additionally, in 2019, as a senator, he introduced the “Choose Respect Act.” This bipartisan legislation focused on raising awareness and changing the culture surrounding sexual assault and domestic violence through a national advertising campaign.
On Tuesday, Sullivan said he already talked to Hegseth and took the allegation against him seriously, saying he would do his due diligence.
“He’s going to have to address them. I recently read this report. I’m not going to get into it. I really don’t want to try this in the media. But you know, it’s a serious issue,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan was also asked about the announcement that President-elect Trump wants to impose a massive hike in tariffs on goods coming from China, Mexico, and Canada to combat illegal drugs and immigration.
On his social media site Truth Social, Trump said, ”On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders. This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!”
Speaking to the 10% tariff he wants to impose on goods coming into China, Trump said on Truth Social, “I have had many talks with China about the massive amounts of drugs, in particular Fentanyl, being sent into the United States-But to no avail.”
On Tuesday, Sullivan said in support of President-elect Trump that he was very transparent during his campaign about using tariffs to gain leverage over other countries on big issues.
“I will tell you, there’s not a bigger issue, in my view, than the fact that China and Mexico are flooding our country with fentanyl,” Sullivan said. “So hitting the Chinese hard with tariffs and saying, ‘Hey, joke’s over, we’re going to come at you really hard until you stop poisoning our citizens’ – I’m actually totally okay with that, and President Trump made that clear.”
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At Icy Strait Point, visitors can spot whales and eagles while supporting a small Alaska community.
How cruise tourism could help and hurt Alaska’s environment
Although Alaskans rely on revenue tourism cruise ships bring in, some locals are raising concerns on the impact of tourism on Alaska’s environment.
Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska, offers a rare kind of cruise stop — one where nature, culture, and community take center stage. It was also specifically developed with tourists in mind.
Built on Huna Tlingit land near Hoonah, this privately owned destination was designed to spread visitors across 23,000 acres of wilderness rather than overwhelm the town. The result is a place where travelers can see bald eagles, sea lions, and crashing waves instead of traffic and tour buses.
Beyond its dramatic scenery, Icy Strait Point generates about $20 million in annual economic impact for a community of roughly 900 people, supporting hundreds of jobs, making it a model for how tourism can benefit residents while preserving Alaska’s character.
Why it matters
Located on Huna Tlingit land, Icy Strait Point shows how tourism can support small communities while preserving their identity. Places like this reflect a broader American story of stewardship, self-determination, and economic opportunity.
According to Icy Strait Point’s Senior Vice President, Tyler Hackman, the destination generates “$20 million a year of positive economic impact on a community of 900 people,” creating jobs while allowing Hoonah to remain distinctly itself.
What to see today
Unlike many cruise ports, Icy Strait Point feels remarkably undeveloped.
“This place is mostly untouched,” Hackman said. “When a ship comes into a dock here, somebody can be standing on the top deck of the ship, and you don’t see a parking lot, you don’t see a bus, you don’t see a vehicle.”
Visitors can take a gondola to the mountaintop for sweeping views, then follow Hackman’s advice and head to the beach in front of the historic cannery. There, they can search for shells, dip their hands in Alaska’s icy waters, and take in snowcapped peaks on the horizon — and maybe spot a humpback whale or an orca.
Ask a local
For a sweet stop with a bigger purpose, visit Lil’ Gen’s Mini-Doughnuts.
Operated by The Salvation Army, the shop serves warm mini-doughnuts to cruise visitors all summer. The impact extends far beyond dessert: Hackman said that in 2025, profits from the shop helped fund “$130,000 worth of food to the local community.”
It’s a delicious way to support Hoonah residents directly. Try the lemon sugaring.
Plan your visit
- Best time: May through September during the Alaska cruise season.
- Hours/admission: Open seasonally. Access is included with most cruise itineraries.
- Getting there: Primarily reached by cruise ship from Southeast Alaska itineraries.
- Learn more: https://icystraitpoint.com/
Governor Mike Dunleavy today announced the appointment of Stephen Cox as his new Counsel to the Governor. The appointment comes after the legislature’s decision to not confirm him as attorney general, despite his extensive legal and public policy experience and proven record of defending Alaska’s interests both at home and on the national level. Cox’s responsibilities will be to advise Governor Dunleavy on a wide range of legal, regulatory, and constitutional matters affecting the State of Alaska.
Governor Dunleavy also appointed Cori Mills acting attorney general for the Alaska Department of Law. Mills has been with the department for 14 years and most recently served as deputy attorney general.
“Stephen Cox has a strong understanding of Alaska law and the challenges facing our state,” said Governor Dunleavy. “His experience, professionalism, and commitment to public service make him a valuable asset as Counsel to the Governor. I look forward to working with Stephen as we continue advancing policies that strengthen Alaska’s economy, uphold the rule of law, and serve the people of our state.”
As Counsel to the Governor, Cox will continue to work closely with the Department of Law and other executive branch departments to provide counsel on policy initiatives, legislation, and executive actions.
“I am honored to serve Governor Dunleavy and the people of Alaska in this new role,” said Stephen Cox. “I look forward to continue supporting the administration’s efforts to promote responsible resource development, governance and opportunities for Alaskans across the state.”
Cox assumes his new role effective today.
Juneau blends towering glaciers, the Tongass National Forest and rich Indigenous culture.
How cruise tourism could help and hurt Alaska’s environment
Although Alaskans rely on revenue tourism cruise ships bring in, some locals are raising concerns on the impact of tourism on Alaska’s environment.
Juneau, Alaska, is the only U.S. state capital not accessible by road — a remoteness that adds to its magic and appeal.
Nestled between mountains, rainforest, and the waters of the Inside Passage, Juneau combines Alaska Native heritage, Gold Rush history, and some of the state’s most spectacular scenery.
Visitors can watch humpback whales surface offshore, ride a tram above downtown, stand face-to-face with or even on Mendenhall Glacier, a river of ice flowing from the vast Juneau Icefield. Surrounded by the Tongass National Forest — the world’s largest temperate rainforest — Juneau offers a quintessential Alaska experience where nature feels immense, and adventure begins just minutes from the cruise dock.
Why Juneau matters
Long before prospectors arrived in search of gold, the area now known as Juneau was home to the Áak’w Kwáan, whose name for this place — Áakʼw, often translated as “little lake” — reflects a deep connection to the surrounding land and water.
Russia later expanded into Alaska through the fur trade, bringing Orthodox missionaries, new trade networks, and profound cultural change to Indigenous communities across the region. Though Juneau rose to prominence during the Gold Rush and became the territorial capital after the United States purchased Alaska in 1867, the city still bears traces of both worlds.
As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Juneau offers visitors a richer understanding of America’s layered history — one that’s shaped by Native stewardship, Russian influence, and the enduring resilience of southeast Alaska’s Indigenous peoples.
What to see today
The star attraction is Mendenhall Glacier, a 13.6-mile-long glacier that descends from the Juneau Icefield into a turquoise lake.
Easy trails lead to roaring Nugget Falls, while boardwalks along Steep Creek offer chances to spot spawning salmon and black bears. Back downtown, colorful floatplanes skim the harbor and the Mount Roberts Tramway lifts visitors above the city for sweeping views of Gastineau Channel and the surrounding mountains.
Ask a local
One of Juneau’s most whimsical attractions is Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure, tucked into the Tongass rainforest just outside downtown.
Locals and visitors alike love the upside-down trees known as “Flower Towers” — massive spruce trunks planted root-side up, bursting with colorful blooms. The display is a unique (and accidental) creation of master gardener Steve Bowhay.
It’s an eccentric sight that feels uniquely Alaskan, blending lush rainforest scenery with a touch of horticultural imagination.
Plan your visit
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