​ Shell, BG Group Merger Signals Huge Changes in Energy The $70 billion acquisition of BG Group by Royal Dutch Shell will set off some huge, and profitable, changes in energy... Full Story. FROM ALASKANOMICS: SEATTLE BENEFITTED BY ALASKA.  Earlier this year, the Seattle Metro Chamber released a study that shows continued growth to the Puget Sound region due to Alaska’s economic impact. The report shows that Alaska’s impact can be seen in a number of sectors including freight/cargo, seafood, passenger transportation and tourism, maritime support, refining, health care, and education. [...]