Ava White, Alaska Public Media
Outdoor recreation sector contributed 4.6% to Alaska’s economy in 2023, new report says
The outdoor recreation industry also added jobs at an impressive pace in Alaska last year. The employment growth rate in Alaska rose more than double the rate for the United States as a whole.
Alaska wages outpaced inflation for the first time in 3 years
A new report from the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development found that Alaskans’ average pay rose 5.2% in 2023, surpassing the 1.5% inflation.
Increase in Port of Alaska surcharge could raise price on goods
But Anchorage officials said it probably won’t be very noticeable to the average Alaskan.
Alaskans encouraged to shop local this holiday season
When you shop locally, 63 cents stays in the local economy, compared to 22 cents when you buy at a national chain.
3 million packages and counting: Amazon’s Anchorage delivery station hits the 1-year mark
The retail giant says the new facility has reduced the average delivery time for customers in the Anchorage area from two weeks to two days, but residents report mixed experiences.
Anchorage’s mysterious Gary was, in fact, a wolf hybrid, Fish and Game says
But the results do not show the degree of hybridization or percentage of wolf DNA.
Alaskans, tell us about your experience with Amazon.
Company officials say a new facility in Anchorage has sped up delivery times. But we want to hear from you.
‘Stunning’ 47-foot fin whale washes ashore near Anchorage’s Westchester Lagoon
Biologists say the whale, believed to be a young female, was first reported Saturday lying on mudflats near a popular trail.
Meet the new head of the UA Center for Economic Development
Jared Reynolds says the state’s biggest economic challenges are infrastructure and a lack of affordable housing.
Anchorage residents can reuse hazardous waste materials through this program
The Central Transfer Station’s hazardous waste staff sorts the hazardous materials, and puts what’s still usable on shelves for other residents to take.
An Anchorage housing expert says it’s time for builders to get creative to solve the housing crunch
Alaska’s largest city is facing a significant housing crunch. At least one expert wants to get creative to solve the problem.
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.
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.
Young Alaskans collaborate with Indigenous artists to produce music about culture, family and home
Organizers of the workshop said they hoped it encouraged participants to think about pursuing music, to increase the number of Alaska Native artists.
Meet Natasha, the Alaska Zoo’s new tiger
She’s 11 years old, about 300 pounds and arrived in Anchorage this week on a FedEx flight.
That mysterious animal spotted in Anchorage? Likely not a wolf, Fish and Game says
Photos of the animal recently circulated widely online, prompting a flurry of debate about whether the animal was a wolf or just a dog.
Here’s how 3 Alaskans are spending their PFD
The dividend landed in bank accounts across the state Oct. 3. The total amount includes a normal dividend of $1,403.83 plus a $298.17 energy relief payment.
The Alaska-Hawaiian acquisition is complete. What does it mean for Alaskans?
The deal could have some benefits for travelers, but some worry that could come at the cost of jobs and service, especially in Hawaii.
Solid Waste Services accepts fish carcasses in effort to increase lifespan of landfill
It’s one of several new initiatives at Solid Waste Services that aim to keep organic material and plastics out of the landfill.
How are you spending your 2024 PFD? We want to hear from you.
The 2024 PFD will drop into Alaskans' bank accounts next month. And we want to know: What do you plan to do with your check this year?