As unemployment drops nationwide and in Alaska, job openings outnumber potential employees — and now business organizations are encouraging employers to consider an expanded labor pool in a push to fill positions.
Economy
Capital budget vetoes to hit homelessness, addiction treatment
In Anchorage, there are worries that vetoes to addiction treatment facilities and a homeless assistance program could exacerbate a problem that’s already worsening.
Conservation groups ask DEC to reconsider Palmer Project permits
The Palmer Project near Haines received some key permits from the state last month. The project is not a mine yet, but the Constantine Metal Resources company hopes it will be one in the future. Conservation groups say the state hasn’t collected enough information to issue the permits.
Only 2% of Alaska cruise passengers will visit Wrangell in 2019. And the town is fine with that.
The small southeast town of Wrangell gets just a sliver of the 1.3 million cruise ship tourists who visit Alaska this summer. Local tour operators say that’s not a bad thing.
Alaska Native corporation CIRI endorses Dunleavy recall effort
The board of directors of Cook Inlet Region Inc., or CIRI, announced Thursday that they support the effort to recall Gov. Mike Dunleavy.
Summer heat accelerates Alaska peony harvest
Typically, Alaska peony growers have a window of time when the flowers aren’t being harvested anywhere else in the world. But this summer’s record-breaking heat led to an early and fast harvest, leaving farmers here wondering what the future will bring.
Russian nuclear power plant afloat in Arctic causes anxiety across Bering Strait
A Russian barge mounted with nuclear reactors is expected to traverse the Arctic this month. Across the Bering Strait, Alaskans are worried — though one Arctic security expert also sees room for optimism.
Dunleavy decision on PFD could affect timing of dividend payment
If Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoes the $1,600 PFD the Legislature passed, Alaskans could receive dividends later than normal this year.
Alaska ferry workers union explains why strike happened — and what workers gained from it
This summer, the Alaska Marine Highway System weathered its first strike in more than 40 years. So what did the ferry workers union win?
Environmental groups file new lawsuit to block new Izembek land swap deal
Nine environmental groups have filed a new lawsuit to block a road in the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge. For nearby King Cove, it’s the latest in a long series of legal and political hurdles.