A computer screen reflects a window, and shows the default prompt when opening ChatGPT, a popular generative AI application often credited with igniting the AI boom since its release in 2022. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)
Alaska has a workforce problem that artificial intelligence could either ease or worsen. The state needs more people who can become skilled, dependable workers. AI can remove routine work and make experienced employees more productive. But if employers simply eliminate the junior tasks that once taught people how the work actually functions, they may save time today while weakening the supply of capable workers tomorrow.
That risk matters in a state already investing heavily in apprenticeship. Alaska’s Registered Apprenticeship program reports thousands of active apprentices and more than 1,000 apprenticeable occupations, while the state’s State Training and Employment Program supports employer-linked training, including on-the-job training and registered apprenticeship.
The lesson from those programs should shape workplace AI adoption far beyond the traditional trades: People develop judgment through real work under experienced supervision.
The latest labor evidence makes the case for designing AI adoption around coached judgment rather than simply removing junior work more urgent. The Stanford Digital Economy Lab’s August 2026 Canaries update found that the employment shortfall for workers ages 22–25 in highly AI-exposed occupations widened from 15% in the July 2025 data vintage to 19% by June 2026.
Employers should respond by automating preparation, not apprenticeship.
Consider the kinds of tasks AI can now handle quickly: drafting a first report, summarizing records, preparing a customer response, assembling research, classifying routine cases or producing a preliminary analysis. Those tasks may look like drudgery, but they also used to give newer workers repeated exposure to the ordinary cases that teach them what normal looks like.
Once that preparation is automated, junior roles should move toward verification and exceptions. A newer employee can check whether an AI-generated summary matches the source record, investigate discrepancies, compare an unusual case with prior examples, test an assumption, explain why a recommendation is uncertain and prepare the question that requires a senior decision.
That is more valuable work than copying information from one system to another. It can also build competence faster, if experienced workers still coach it.
Alaska employers should therefore adopt a simple mentor-time rule: When an AI workflow saves experienced employees time, reserve a defined share of those saved hours for coaching newer workers. Use that time for case reviews, feedback on failed outputs, explanation of difficult judgments and supervised decisions.
The approach fits Alaska particularly well. In a large, geographically dispersed state, employers cannot always solve a talent gap by hiring an experienced replacement from across town. Health care, public administration, natural-resource industries, transportation, professional services and technology all depend on transferring practical knowledge from people who have seen unusual situations to people who have not yet seen them.
Employers should also add one metric to their AI scorecards: time to independent competence. Measure how long it takes a new worker to spot a bad AI output, handle common exceptions, explain a recommendation and complete routine decisions with limited supervision.
That metric changes the economics of automation. A workflow that saves 20 percent of junior hours but makes the remaining employees slower to develop may create a hidden liability. A workflow that removes clerical preparation while giving beginners more exposure to review, exceptions and coached judgment may build stronger employees in less time.
Alaska already understands the logic of apprenticeship. The state should carry that logic into AI-exposed office and professional work.
Use AI to shorten the distance between beginner and expert. Let machines handle more preparation. Give people more responsibility for verification, exceptions, communication and judgment. Then spend part of the time automation saves on the human coaching that keeps Alaska’s workforce growing.
Dolly Parton’s final messages to fans reflected her endless work ethic and spirit. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Don Henley didn’t know Dolly Parton very well, but he recalled working with her very fondly. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
There are countless things we could remember Dolly Parton by. Her love for this timeless yet humble snack is a reminder that she was always true to her roots.
Mashed – Fast Food, Celebrity Chefs, Grocery, Reviews
The business end of the annual Leagues Cup tournament between the best teams in MLS and their counterparts in Mexico’s Liga MX is here. The original field of 36 teams — 18 from each side of the Rio Grande — has been whittled down to eight, with the single-elimination quarterfinals kicking off on Tuesday before concluding with a pair of nationally televised games on Wednesday night. Here’s an in-depth look at the four matchups, plus my picks to reach next week’s final four. Tuesday, Aug. 25 Monterrey vs. Chicago Fire (8:30 p.m. ET, Apple TV) The Fire went a perfect 3-0 in the first round — or Phase 1 — of the tournament, and have steadily improved under second-year coach Gregg Berhalter, who led the U.S. national team to the knockout stage at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Once one of MLS’s marquee franchises, Chicago returned to the playoffs last fall after an eight-season drought, and Berhalter’s team — which recently signed legendary Polish striker Robert Lewandowski from Barcelona — is currently third in the Eastern Conference, three points behind Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami with a game in hand. Los Rayados will be Lewandowski & Co.’s toughest opponent yet. Monterrey is third in Liga MX’s Apertura standings, and while they’re back in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2023, when they advanced to the final four, they have both the pedigree of a club that boasts five Mexican and five Concacaf titles all-time and prolific former Fire forward Hugo Cuypers, who headed south of the border shortly after Lewandowski’s arrival and will surely be extra motivated to eliminate his ex-employers. Still, Chicago is the lone quarter-finalist hosting a home match as opposed to playing at a neutral site. That’s a significant advantage even if the contest will be held at the club’s former home stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois instead of Soldier Field — and a major reason why MLS sides have won all three editions of the Leagues Cup since the expanded format was introduced in 2023. Pick: Fire Léon vs. Real Salt Lake (10:30 p.m. ET, Apple TV) Not only will RSL not be at their usual home in Sandy, Utah, Tuesday’s nightcap will be staged at the stadium of their chief MLS rival, the Colorado Rapids: in even thinner air than the Claret and Cobalt usually play in at the foot of the Wasatch Range, with a sea of green in the stands as Léon supporters are expected to make up the bulk of those in attendance. That’s part of the reason Pablo Mastroeni rested 10 starters over the weekend in Orlando to have them fresh for Léon — especially with RSL just one point above the playoff line in MLS’s Western Conference. With no guarantee of even getting the chance to make a title run in league play, prioritizing the Leagues Cup is a no-brainer, given that just reaching the final would be enough to secure a spot in next season’s Concacaf Champions Cup. Winning would snare RSL a round of 16 berth in addition to $2 million in prize money. The same goes for Léon. Los Esmeraldas are in a similar situation to RSL, just one point above the playoff line in Mexico and in danger of missing out on the Liguilla entirely. But Léon is the team in better form, having won six consecutive matches across both Liga MX and Leagues Cup. Add in the fact that RSL just sold prize teenager and U.S. men’s national team prospect Zavier Gozo to Premier League mainstay Crystal Palace, and this mountain is probably too tall for Diego Luna and his teammates to scale. Pick: Léon Wednesday, Aug. 26 Toluca vs. Austin FC (8:30 p.m. ET, FS1/FOX One/Apple TV) Wednesday’s neutral site action gets underway far from both central Mexico and central Texas, in (of all places) Harrison, New Jersey. That’s not likely to keep Toluca fans based all over the East Coast from coming out to support their team at the New York Red Bulls’ Sports Illustrated Stadium. Toluca, the Apertura and Clausura champions in 2025, are having another fine season in domestic play, trailing only Atlas and Liga MX leaders Club América five matches into the new campaign. Although Austin stunned América on penalties to reach the last eight, upsetting the Red Devils to reach the Leagues Cup semis would be the highlight of an otherwise miserable season. Los Verdes fired coach Nico Estévez in May; they still sit 28th out of 30 MLS teams in the Supporters Shield standings. With Austin almost certain to miss the playoffs for the third time in four years, Toluca ought to get their best game. Even that might not be enough. Pick: Toluca Club América vs. Columbus Crew (10:30 p.m. ET, FS1/FOX One/Apple TV) The marquee match of the knockout stage pits Liga MX’s most successful, most popular and richest club — the Mexico City-based Aguilas — against the 2024 Leagues Cup champion Crew. This will be an away game for Columbus. With the LA Galaxy’s 27,000-seat Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. assigned hosting duties, the venue will be packed to the gills by fans proudly clad in yellow — and not for the three-time MLS Cup winners. They’d have their hands full even in Ohio’s capital. It’s been a nightmare 2026 for Columbus, which has won just five of its 21 MLS games this season and is 15th — dead last — in the East. The Crew, which just sold USA World Cup defender Max Arfsten to English second-tier team Middlesbrough, has lost three straight games going into Wednesday’s encounter. Meantime, América is all alone atop Liga MX’s Apertura table and the prohibitive favorite to claim its 17th Mexican title later this year. No wonder Los Aguilas are the bookies’ overwhelming pick to advance even without their No. 10 — Arfsten’s U.S. teammate Alex Zendejas, who is still recovering from post-World Cup knee surgery. Pick: Club AméricaLatest Sports News from FOX Sports
The country music community is coming together to mourn the loss of Dolly Parton, with countless artists taking to social media to reflect on the profound impact she had on the genre and the generations of artists she inspired.
The devastating news broke on Tuesday, August 25 through a video message shared across Parton’s social media pages by her nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver. A following statement reveals that the country music icon died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.
Dolly Parton
Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).
From longtime friends like Reba McEntire, Terri Clark and George Strait to artists who grew up listening to her music like Carly Pearce, Chase Matthew, Kelsea Ballerini, Gabby Barrett and so many more, tributes have continued to pour in following the announcement of her death on Tuesday, August 25.
Between her unmistakable voice, timeless songwriting and generosity, Dolly Parton leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond country music. These heartfelt tributes offer just a glimpse into the profound mark Parton left on country music and the generations of artists who were inspired by her life and career.
Dolly Parton; Photo by Andrew Wendowski
Reba McEntire was among one of the first to share her condolences to the Parton family and to express her sadness over this tremendous loss in the world.
She wrote, “Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side. Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth. Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge huge heart. There will never ever be another you. We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang. Thank you, Lord, for Dolly.
“She’s gonna have a blast in heaven singing all her favorite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her. I’ll never forget the first time I met you and I’ll never forget our last conversation. I hold it with love in my heart. I will always love you, Reba.”
Gabby Barrett took to social media to share a story that she often tells during her shows of the first time they met, recalling how she feels like she “hugged her a little too hard” because of how excited she felt in that moment. She got to learn about the business from Parton and even receive encouragement from her along the way.
“She sent me a handwritten card with butterflies on it, and I know exactly where that card is in my house. I made a point to keep it forever, and I always will. And crazy enough, Baylah (my 5 year old) just recently asked me, “Mom, when am I gonna get to meet Dolly Parton?” I told her, “Hmmm I’m not sure.” There was just nobody like her. She was so witty and could make you laugh, and then turn around and break your heart with a song. She was a songwriter and a country music woman through and through. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen someone so dedicated to this music and to what it means. She gave so much to country music, but I’ll always be especially grateful for the little bit of kindness and encouragement she gave to me. A true treasure who will be missed.”
Terri Clark shared a sweet throwback photo of her and the “9 To 5” singer alongside a kind tribute in the caption.
“We just lost our matriarch. She was so much more than an entertainer. She swung the pendulum toward the light in times of darkness. She gave back so much more than she ever took and used her name and influence for the greater good. THAT’S WHY the song “What Would Dolly Do” was written and loved. The world almost feels off its axis right now, and how we exist in it without her remains to be seen. She taught us so much through her heart and her actions and left behind a legacy of love and light. Now she is in that light with her loved ones and her God. Thank you, Dolly, for inspiration beyond music. Humanity is better because of you.”
Drew Baldridge joined the rest of the world in expressing his pure shock over learning the news of Dolly’s passing. He called her a “true icon” that “made the world a better place with her music and her gift giving.”
“Country Music wouldn’t be what it is today without her. So many hearts breaking around the world. There will never be another Dolly Parton!”
Carly Pearce, who has frequently credited Dolly for being a monumental inspiration in her career, shared a deeply personal tribute, reflecting on how the superstar shaped her dreams from a young age and now promises to carry on the light she brought to country music.
“I’ve said often in my life, ‘What will the world be without Dolly?’ From the time I was a little girl, I wanted to be just like her. At 15 years old, my family uprooted their lives so I could start chasing my dreams, working in the country show at Dollywood. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of not only working with Dolly, but getting to know her. She was exactly who we all hoped she would be — kind, funny, gracious, and one of a kind. Heaven got a whole lot sassier, funnier, and brighter today. I will do my part as a woman in country music to continue carrying the light she shined so brightly for all of us. I love you, Dolly. 🦋”
The last thing Dolly Parton said to me was, “Bill Anderson – I will Always Love You,” she was looking me in the eye from the giant video screen in the the Grand Ole Opry House on the occasion of my 65th Opry Anniversary a few weeks ago. She was smiling as only Dolly could, making my night even more special than it already was. The news of her passing has rocked my world, but as we sang together back in 2023, “Someday It’ll All Make Sense”
“Years ago, when I was too scared to make my second album, Rick Rubin gave Dolly Parton my phone number. He wanted her to talk some courage into me. And she did – she called me herself, this gorgeous soul, my fellow East Tennessean, and told me to be bold with my voice. It’s one of the most iconic, turning-point moments of my life. Years later, I got to sing her favorite song of mine – “I Will Always Love You” – at the White House. Full circle doesn’t even cover it. Heartbroken doesn’t even come close. She is my hero. My queen. There will never be another her. Fly high, Mrs. Dolly. Fly high. 🕊️”
“It is indeed rare for the world, collectively, to express sorrow for someone’s passing. I knew her to be the angel that they think she was, and I’ll miss her. Dolly, I’ll always love you. -Trace”
“I first met Dolly Parton when she and Brad recorded “When I Get Where I’m Going.” She was immediately approachable, funny, kind, and generous. And her voice! Well, it pierced my soul in the best way, and added so much to an already beautiful song. Years later, I got to work with her on her Heartstrings series for @netflix. We had a scene together in “Jolene” outside in a bandstand. On the day we filmed, there were crazy winds and sideways rain. We were trying to keep a strict schedule and so we soldiered on in the storm. My hair, my wardrobe, my script pages were flying every which way as we got ready to shoot. When Dolly arrived, it was like the storm stopped, but only around her. She glided across the stage, looking gorgeous and prepared as always, with not ONE HAIR out of place. It must have been the Dolly effect.
Dolly did so much good in her beautiful life on earth, from helping kids learn to love to read, to inspiring so many people to love each other well. In addition to her astounding talent, she was an incredible business woman and philanthropist. Dolly will always live on in her music and in our hearts. And we will always love her.🕊️🕊️🕊️❤️👑👑👑”
“Rest in Heaven, my wonderful friend, duet partner, and mentor. Dolly was a wonderful person, and it stopped me in my tracks hearing of her passing. TRUE ICON, TRUE STAR, and REAL GREAT HUMAN. We’ll always love you, Dolly. My family is grateful the time we got to spend alongside of you. Love, CJ”
“heartbroken today. Dolly Parton honestly…. I have no words right now.”
Chase Matthew
“As somebody from Tennessee and born in East Tennessee, I spent a lot of time growing up, going to the Dollywood Amusement Park with my family, and we just have so many memories that revolve around Ms. Dolly Parton. With the passing of her just finding out today, I just want to give my flowers to her and her family. She was just an incredible, even outside of music, she was just an incredible businesswoman and she inspired so many people, so many artists to just chase our dreams and pave the way for so many women in country. I mean, just an incredible woman, undeniably, and we should all try to live our lives more like Dolly Parton. So just want to give my flowers to her and the family today. And we’ve got a show here tonight in New York. I will definitely be paying my respects tonight. So thank you, Ms. Dolly, for everything you’ve done.”
Sheryl Crow
“There is a hole in the universe. There was and will never be anyone like @dollyparton. I did not know her well but I loved her like family… we all did. She was an incredible story teller musically and in real life. But she was also a loving and compassionate human being, led by goodness in all she did. I will miss knowing she is on the planet but she will never be far away. RIP Dolly. We love you.”
Jon Pardi
“I never got to meet Dolly, but she always sent me kind things. Pictures and books for my daughters. Legendary artist and songwriter. A true American icon and so funny and sweet. Thank you Dolly.”
Kelsea Ballerini
“My east Tennessee angel, thank you for every ounce of magic and butterflies, acceptance and joy, heart and music you brought to this world. we will always love you dolly.”
Shaboozey
“Rest in paradise Dolly Parton, I wish I had the honor of meeting you. You were everyone’s favorite artist. Thank you for giving us some of the greatest music we’ll ever know.”
Laci Kaye Booth
“What A woman. What a storyteller. What a life she led. We are so lucky to have had her.”
George Strait
“You’ve had such a huge impact on so many people all over the world. We will all miss you. May God bless the Parton family.”
Blake Shelton
“I can say with absolute certainty that we are all feeling the same heart brokenness today. I only got to spend any real time with Dolly when Gwen and I got to work with her on The Voice. I want everyone to know that she was the EXACT person that you think she is. It was like being with the funnest, most loving, most caring and closest member of your family. Truly a loss for the entire world. We love you Dolly.”
Losing our sweet Dolly. 💔An amazing treasure & a void that no one can fill. 💔 So blessed to have had some time together. Our loss is Heaven’s gain. Till we meet again…🦋
“Dolly Parton had a way of making everyone feel special, and seen, and welcomed, and as if you were old friends. I will miss her heart and her voice as I am sure millions will. What an incredible gift and talent she was and still is with an amazing catalogue of art she has left behind for all of us.”
Our whole family is devastated to hear of Dolly’s passing. Dolly was an icon, a legend, a world unto herself. But even more, she was mom’s friend. She was her “mountain sister”. They understood each other. Our hearts go out to all of Dolly’s family and team. We take comfort in knowing the Honky Tonk Angels are together again and that one day, we will hear them live again. Sending our love, The Lynn Family
“It’s a different world now. It seems like our foundation is crumbling and there’s nothing to replace it with. I will always love you, Dolly.” – Mark Chesnutt
