Ava White, Alaska Public Media

Ava White, Alaska Public Media
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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.
a trail

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.
Two people in hardhats and safety vests dig a trench.

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.
A crane lifts a conex

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.
Various Giftshops in downtown Anchorage

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. 
a man and a woman in a warehouse sorting brown packages

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.
an animal resembling a dog

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.
A picture of a building with it's sign out front

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.
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?