Liz Ruskin, Alaska Public Media
Liz Ruskin is the Washington, D.C., correspondent at Alaska Public Media. Reach her at lruskin@alaskapublic.org. Read more about Liz here.
Anchorage removes capacity limits on businesses but keeps 6-foot rule
Mayor Berkowitz says safety rules will improve confidence in the market. "We're not going to worry about whether establishments are 25 or 50, or 75% open."
Environmental watchdogs are raising alarms over Pebble and other projects. But is anyone listening?
A Pebble Mine foe found a video she thought would make headlines. It didn't.
Small business on the brink: Alaska faces a ‘generational loss’ as owners throw in the towel
Alaska businesses have received $1.3 billion from one federal program "That is a ton of money. And it still feels like it's not nearly enough."
What ANCs are doing to help Alaska Native communities cope with the pandemic
If the courts allow it, Alaska Native Corporations like Koniag will receive a share of the $8 billion Congress set aside to help tribes deal with the pandemic. Some tribal leaders say the corporations don’t deserve the money because their mission is profit.
Waiting to hear from the SBA about a coronavirus disaster loan? Murkowski has a tip for you.
If you’re waiting to hear about an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, take a look at your 10-digit loan application number.
Alaska’s fate in massive Paycheck Protection Program rests on the shoulders of local bankers
PPP is a massive loan-a-thon for Northrim. The bank has employees in roles they never expected to take on.
Yes, Alaska snowbird, you can drive home again. Please don’t touch the Canadians.
Canada is letting returning Alaskans through its border but “you need to be prepared to just keep driving," says Sen. Dan Sullivan.
A bold Anchorage otter probably doesn’t have rabies, but it may have dangerous sense of entitlement
The otter doesn't seem to like starchy food "but it loves those sardines out of the can.”
Alaska’s PPE shortage has eased, state’s top doc says
Most Alaska hospitals now have enough face masks and other personal protection equipment to last a month.
Why is Alaska a loser on SBA Disaster Loans? Here’s a clue.
"The earliest states to request a disaster declaration got this outsized share of all the money," Bloomberg News reporter says.
Tweak to SBA loan program could boost money flow to Alaska, congressional delegation says
Congress is about to spend bilions to replenish loan and grant programs for small businesses. This time, Abby Laing of Anchorage hopes there’s something in it for her.
In Alaska, the SBA gave away $7.4 million but so far just one Alaska firm has won a COVID-19 Disaster Loan
Only one Alaska business has been approved for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, and it's a big one.
Foes of Pebble Mine lose a round in court
The case is about the EPA's so-called “pre-emptive veto” of the Pebble Mine. A judge ruled the EPA has the authority to withdraw it.
Alyse Galvin has out-raised Don Young in U.S. House race
U.S. House candidate Alyse Galvin raised more than twice as much money as incumbent congressman Don Young during the first three months of the year.
Alaska businesses got $922 million from PPP before the federal well ran dry
“I know there's probably great despair or fear or panic for those folks who haven't heard from their financial institution ... but I think there is more to come on this."
Tribes want to exclude Alaska Native Corporations from $8 billion coronavirus fund
Alaska’s Congressional delegation says the CARES Act allows ANCs to obtain some of the money, too.
Murkowski thanks Berkowitz for COVID response: “You led early”
Sen. Murkowski made a point of praising the Anchorage mayor for acting quickly to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
During this health crisis, the business of medicine in Alaska hurts, too
Like business owners everywhere, the owners of private medical practices are wondering how they’ll make it without the revenue that used to pay the bills.
Governor, with help from Christian leaders, appeals to God to fortify Alaska in virus battle
Samaritan's Purse CEO Franklin Graham helped set the tone for Gov. Dunleavy's day of prayer and hope.
Alaska banks can’t keep up with demand for coronavirus relief money
The bottleneck is becoming evident just as the PPP opens to a wider swath of the population: Self-employed Americans and independent contractors are allowed to turn in their applications starting April 10, assuming they can find a lender willing to accept them.