Banks like JPMorgan, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America are teaming up to create their own digital money system. This network will start next year through their payment company called Clearing House. It's their way of competing with cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, which have grown a lot i
Anchorage has a busy weekend ahead, but many activities are free or low cost. Start the week with Live After Five on F Street; Denali Cooks will play at sunset, and the space feels like a block party. The venue has shifted from Town Square Park to a street corner, giving it a new vibe. On Thursday
Banks and big financial firms keep trying to recreate blockchain from scratch, but that's like reinventing the wheel while ignoring the road already built. They can copy the code, hire consultants, and roll out permissioned systems behind closed doors. Yet no matter how polished their corporate bloc
Banks and crypto firms just teamed up to launch a fresh kind of dollar coin called fUSD. Unlike most stablecoins that sit idle without growing, this one gives big institutions a small cut—around 3% per year—if they play by specific rules. The coin is built on existing tech used by trading desks and
Digital tools are changing how people safeguard themselves and their belongings. New technologies let insurers track risks in real time, using data from sensors and apps. Big data helps companies see patterns that were hidden before, making policies more accurate. Climate concerns add anoth
Banks today look nothing like they did even five years ago. What used to be slow, paperwork-heavy processes are now running on smart software. AI isn’t just helping banks—it’s doing much of the work itself. These "agentic" AI systems don’t just follow instructions; they make decisions on the spot, w
Anchorage says it wants small businesses, yet the city’s permitting system often feels like a hurdle for anyone with a modest idea. A recent story illustrates how a simple bathroom upgrade—just adding a shower—turned into a multi‑year, multi‑thousand‑dollar ordeal. The process demanded architects, e
Anchorage families are raising big questions about their local schools. They’re not asking for miracles—just basic things like clear communication, fair policies, and programs that actually work for their kids. But lately, many parents feel left in the dark when the school district makes sudden chan
Anchorage stands at a crossroads where tough choices can’t be avoided. Money is tight, families are feeling the pinch, and young adults are deciding if this city is where they’ll build their future. Behind the scenes, over 3, 000 municipal workers – bus drivers, road crews, park rangers – keep the c
Anchorage is hitting its half-century mark, and like any 50-year-old, it's at a crossroads. It's not old yet, but it's no longer young either. The city still has plenty of energy and potential, but it's also dealing with growing pains. Like a teenager, Anchorage is awkward, figuring out who it wants
