Economy

All Alaska economy and business news, including the Alaska Economic Report.

a woman

How to file your tax returns: 6 things you should know this year

For something that's legally required, taxes can be confusing. This guide covers the latest credits and deductions — and how to plan ahead for next year.
activists

Juneau advocates seek Saturday ban on large cruise ships next season

Karla Hart says Juneau residents deserve one day a week when they can visit local businesses and attractions free of summer tourists.
earthquake damage

In seismically active Alaska, plans for statewide residential building codes are on shaky ground

Pending state bills are supported by earthquake experts and homebuilding organizations, but they have also generated skepticism.
ravens

Cruise ship season begins in Juneau

The first ship of the year — the Norwegian Bliss — arrived early Tuesday morning.
Solar panels stretching off into the distance connected by electrical wire.

Railbelt electric utilities are facing a major energy crunch. Renewables may be the answer.

The region’s electric grid needs to find a replacement for Cook Inlet natural gas. One study suggests over the long term, the cheapest option is to ramp up renewable energy. 
caribou

Lawmaker proposes Alaska Constitution amendment to resolve subsistence disputes with feds

Alaska Native leaders have blasted the proposal from Rep. Thomas Baker, R-Kotzebue, with one calling it “another attempt at a power grab by the state.”
a building

Fairbanks hosts final gathering to remember Polaris Building

The 72-year-old structure will be fully demolished this spring, after it suffered flood damage from frozen pipes in 2001.
fishing boats

Shuttered Dillingham and Port Moller salmon facilities to reopen this season

Seattle-based Silver Bay Seafoods will operate the facilities closed by Peter Pan Seafoods. It is also buying Peter Pan's Valdez plant.
a fogbow

Russian objection to U.S. territorial claims off Alaska complicates maritime relationship

The response shows how failure to ratify the Convention on the Law of the Sea puts the U.S. at a disadvantage, says Sen. Lisa Murkowski.
a cruise ship

Juneau had a record-breaking cruise season last year. This year should be about the same.

With the capital's first cruise ship arriving Tuesday, Juneau’s tourism manager says things should “run a lot more smoothly” this year.
a council

Western Alaska tribes, outraged by bycatch, turn up the heat on fishery managers and trawlers

The debate is increasingly urgent, as subsistence harvesting bans continue and proposed fixes threaten to impose steep costs on industry.
an airliner

Boeing pays Alaska Airlines $160M after 737 Max door-plug blowout over Oregon

Alaska Airlines says Boeing has paid $160 million in initial compensation for losses that the airline suffered after the January blowout over Portland, Ore.
pig fat sitting in jars

This farm is the only Grade “A” goat dairy in Alaska

“I kind of joked that I started a Grade “A” dairy with a “C” team,” said Kelli Foreman who runs Kodiak's Heritage Farm and Ranch.
A man in a green jacket waves to fans on a street in downtown Anchorage Alaska.

In fundraising pitch, Iditarod planners say financial woes could jeopardize epic sled dog race

The message comes at a time when major Iditarod sponsors have dropped out, and inflation has increased the cost of participation.
a meat vending machine

Soldotna butcher’s meat vending machine earns its chops

Although Echo Lake Meats' vending machine has only been in operation for about a month, staff have seen more people use it than expected.
skiffs

Alaska fishermen and processing plants are in limbo as a state-backed seafood company teeters

"We are all sort of on pins and needles," said a local official in King Cove waiting to learn the fate of Peter Pan Seafoods’ shuttered plant.
the Cannery Loop natural gas storage station

Lots of ideas, but not much time, to address Cook Inlet gas crunch

Lawmakers are trying to figure out the best way forward — and utilities say they have months, not years, to settle on a plan.
Easter bunnies

Pricier Easter bunnies and eggs. Half-dipped Kit Kats. What’s up with chocolate?

As cocoa prices surge faster than bitcoin and exceed those of precious metals, some candy makers have raised prices while others use less chocolate.
Woman in committee room

Lawmakers clash over Permanent Fund dividend amount as House debates budget

The PFD is one of the most hotly-debated issues in the Legislature every year — and it’s not necessarily a party-line issue. 
Five Alaska Airlines planes parked at gates

Anchorage airport officials hope incentive program encourages airlines to test new routes

The Alaska Department of Transportation introduced a program this year called the International Passenger and Cargo Service Incentive Program which aims to encourage airlines to try new routes.