Economy

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

a river

New road for Canadian mine worries Wrangell residents downstream

The site of the Galore Creek Mine, northeast of Wrangell, is very close to headwaters of the Stikine River.
Seward Harbor

Seward gets $45.7M grant to connect cruise ships to electricity

The project, funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, could reduce fossil fuel emissions and lower electricity costs.
candidates

Here’s where Trump and Harris stand on 5 issues affecting workers

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have both appealed to workers. But their stances on many labor issues remain far apart.
a man speaking at a podium

Anchorage needs to ramp up homebuilding to keep up with demand, experts say

Anchorage needs to build 1000 new housing units each year, up from about 200 annually right now, according to mayor Suzanne LaFrance.
a man looking at fishing gear

Pollock trawl closure sends economic ripples across Kodiak as fishermen adapt

Fishermen like Cole Hockema would normally be out on the water until early November, when the Gulf of Alaska’s pollock B season typically closes. But this fall season ended just three weeks into fishing.
a mall

The U.S. economy is growing solidly. Here’s what’s working — and what’s not.

The U.S. economy grew at an annual rate of 2.8% in the third quarter, led by strong consumer spending.
a pile of candy

Why you’re seeing scary-high chocolate candy prices this Halloween

Customers are souring on costly chocolate, resulting from a few disappointing cocoa crop years.
a cruise ship

Last cruise ship leaves Juneau’s tumultuous tourism season

Thursday's departure ended a season dominated by a contentious ballot proposition and a surprise port announcement.
Mary Peltola

Rep. Mary Peltola talks regional fisheries, Arctic security during Unalaska visit

Peltola stopped by Unalaska to hear more about the community’s unique concerns during her reelection bid.
a refuge

Several key steps toward drilling in Alaska’s Arctic refuge are due before year’s end

A legal ruling on a 2021 lease sale is expected as soon as Friday from a federal judge in Alaska.
two airplanes side by side at the airport

Anchorage International Airport adds 5 new air cargo carriers

Airport leaders hope the expansion will increase the airport’s position in the global cargo market. The Anchorage airport is currently the fourth busiest for cargo in the world.
king crab

Red king crab harvest looking ‘very good’ so far for Bristol Bay fleet

So far about 680,000 pounds of king crab have been taken, with harvesters getting about $2 more a pound for the massive crabs.
A sign that reads help wanted

Alaska businesses are divided over a ballot measure that would raise minimum wage and mandate sick leave

Ballot Measure One would raise the minimum wage and allow workers to accrue sick leave. Many business owners say it makes sense, while others believe it’ll drive up high operating costs even further.
a pumpkin drop

Kenai air show’s Pumpkin Drop shows kids a gourd time

The annual event sees small-plane pilots compete to land their pumpkin closest to a target.
a refuge

State-owned Alaska corporation approves up to $20M for potential Arctic refuge oil bid

The federal government is required under a 2017 law to hold an oil and gas lease sale in the Arctic refuge before the end of the year.
a woman

Cruise line apologizes to Juneau leaders for surprise port announcement

A cruise line executive said the proposed project with Goldbelt, Inc. will help address summer congestion in downtown Juneau.

For more than a century, a fish plant fueled King Cove’s economy. Without it, can the community survive?

The seafood industry around the world has faced market turmoil. Few Alaska communities have been hit harder than King Cove.
Nome

Army Corps cancels Nome port expansion contracting over costs

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says the $662.5 million proposed cost exceeded limits set by federal law and available funding.
A group of people smile with a sign in the middle of the group that says "Fulbright."

Alaskans in the Fulbright Arctic Initiative | Talk of Alaska

Three Alaska women have been selected as Fulbright Arctic Initiative scholars. We learn about their international research plans on this Talk of Alaska.
Mike Dunleavy

Data centers face growing opposition Outside. Gov. Mike Dunleavy wants them in Alaska.

The Republican governor says Alaska has in excess what the data industry is finding increasingly scarce Outside: land and water.