New company created to unify Alaska Railbelt power transmission faces resistance
Four utilities and an Outside firm joined to create the company, but two large utilities aren’t signing on.
Business/Economy
Stay or leave? How some Alaskans are approaching retirement
For most retirees, the question of where to go focused on family and friends - and affordability on a fixed income was a must.
Stakeholders seek ways to grow Alaska’s outdoor recreation economy
A group of business owners and advocates thinks the state could advertise the outdoor economy better and enable more businesses to cater to it.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sees no reason now to extend Pebble comment period
An official says the agency has not received any compelling reason to extend the 90-day comment period on a draft environmental review of the major mine project.
Fuel tariff hikes to fund Anchorage port repairs could hurt cargo business at airport, users say
Few state leaders deny the necessity of the port work, but the prospect of meaningful levels of state assistance is bleak as lawmakers continue to wrestle with how to close large state budget deficits.
New lender hopes to draw young Alaska fishermen into the commercial ranks
The Local Fish Fund offers alternative loan structures as a way to help turn the tide on the trend called the “graying of the fleet.”
Anchorage airport expects continued increase in summer passenger numbers
Several airlines are expanding their service to Anchorage.
Bullies have vulnerabilities you can exploit if you don’t want to leave your job
Workplace advice: You need to know how you can take down a bully before he or she takes you out.
Forest Service plans largest sale of Alaska old-growth timber in years
The forest service said the harvest will be gradual because it will not allow more than 100 acres of clear cutting at one time from the region.
US-China tariff dispute takes a toll on some Alaska seafood processors, according to survey
In the long term, tariffs could slow U.S. consumption of seafood because prices could increase.
Anchorage retailers take new measures to discourage shoplifters
Stores are rethinking security plans and increasing their use of cameras and theft sensors. Police say arrests have increased.
Fairbanks officials disagree on marijuana use at retail outlets
Local governments can prohibit on-site consumption through ordinances.
Juneau, cruise industry reach tentative agreement on passenger fees
The tentative agreement brings an end to almost three years of litigation between a cruise industry group and Juneau over how the city spends passenger fees.
Economic analysis on Alaska pipeline project expected soon
An analysis on whether a major liquefied natural gas project is economically viable is expected to be complete within the next two months, a top adviser to Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy said Thursday.
Laine Welch fisheries column: On tariffs, seaweed and women in the industry
All the tariff tit for tat has taken a big bite out of Alaska’s seafood market share and sales continue to sink.
Premera uses artificial intelligence to identify customers at risk of high-cost care
It’s generally understood in the health insurance industry that a small portion of any population accounts for the vast majority of health care costs associated with that population.
Agriculture industry frets over budget plan that could end Alaska Grown and loan fund programs
Some of the cuts in Gov. Dunleavy’s budget would fall hard on Alaska’s farmers, even as they try to grow their sector into a larger part of the state economy.
Juneau utility expects higher-than-usual power rates to continue
Dry weather and low water levels in Southeast Alaska over the last year have caused the Alaska Electric Light & Power to temporarily increase rates.
FDA decision on labeling allows genetically engineered salmon to be sold in US
It’s too soon to know exactly how that could affect Alaska’s salmon market.
Alaska Airlines isn’t yet flying the Boeing jets under scrutiny after fatal crashes
But the airline does have some of the 737 MAX jets on order.