By Joaqlin Estus
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kbc/local-kbc-1019700.mp3
Anchorage, AK – Flood waters have begun to recede in Seward, Talkeetna, and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, but a flood warning remains in effect for the Kenai River and Kenai Lake until 5 p.m. Thursday. Talkeetna residents are mopping up after floods there. Mat-Su officials are assessing the damages from flooding there. Railroad track and bridge washouts and the closure of the Alaska Railroad runs between Anchorage and Fairbanks will cost the state-owned railroad more than a million dollars.
Alaskan unemployment for August rose to 7.8%, compared to 8.1% in the Lower 48 states. For 30 years, Alaskan unemployment rates were higher than those in the Lower 48, until the recession.
The deadline is approaching for Alaskans to register to vote in the Nov. 6 election, which includes races for president, U.S. House and state legislative seats.