Ava White, Alaska Public Media

Ava White, Alaska Public Media
44 POSTS 0 COMMENTS
Ava White reports on economics and hosts the statewide morning news at Alaska Public Media. Reach her at awhite@alaskapublic.org or 907-550-8445. Read more about Ava here.

‘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.
A man in a plaid blue and orange shirt stands outside.

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.
a six-unit apartment complex

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.
a man speaking at a podium

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.
A sign that reads help wanted

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.
A man with a backwards hat listens to a newly recorded song.

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.
a tiger

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.
an animal resembling a dog

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.
People stand in line, inside, where a sign reads: Permanent Fund Dividend.

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.
several Alaska Airlines planes parked at airport gates

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.
a smoking pile of organic material

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.
The glass door to the entrance of the PFD office. In black lettering is "PFD State of Alaska, Lobby hours Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m."

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?
a woman looking at a phone

OOTD from Alaska? Anchorage influencers describe challenges and opportunities

Alaska’s isolation makes it harder for content creators to make a living off their social media. But the state’s unique fashion and landscapes can help too.
an empty Ravn alaska counter

Ravn pulled out of the Aleutians in August. Here’s how residents are coping.

Regional airline Ravn Alaska announced recently it was stopping service to the Aleutian Islands. That means there are limited options for travel in the region.
a cafe

A popular Anchorage cafe will close in November

Cafecito Bonito has hosted over 300 events since opening in 2021, many of which are centered around BIPOC, queer, and sober culture.
a man speaking at a podium

Anchorage business owners offer support for ballot measure to raise minimum wage

Ballot Measure 1 would raise the minimum wage from $11.73 to $15 by 2027. Supporters say it’ll positively impact businesses.
The sign for Alaska Pacific University stands in front of pine trees surrounded by snow.

Alaska Pacific University is offering a new scholarship with money from a student-managed investment fund

The fund grew from $200,000 to nearly $2 million since it started in 2001.
A gas station on a cloudy afternoon.

Holiday gas stations are converting to Circle K in Anchorage

A company spokesperson said Circle K has been converting stores throughout the country during the last two years.
A couple holding an "Alaskan jalapeno popper"

For this local food stand, the Alaska State Fair is a whole lot of work and a massive opportunity

For many, the Alaska State Fair is a time to relax and have fun. But for this couple, it’s also a massive opportunity.