Michael Fanelli, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage
Michael Fanelli reports on economics and hosts the statewide morning news at Alaska Public Media. Reach him at mfanelli@alaskapublic.org or 907-550-8445. Read more about Michael here.
Alaska’s rising minimum wage means more to salaries than you might think
Many hourly employees already make more than minimum wage. But exempt salaried employees must be paid double that rate in Alaska.
Alaska hemp producers sue state, saying new ban on products is illegal
Alaska recently banned hemp products with intoxicating THC. The hemp industry says its products are protected under federal law.
Alaska crabbers get creative with pop-up sales, but industry’s fate uncertain
With the Bering Sea snow crab fishery closed for a second year, crabbers are trying to find ways to make up for lost income.
A Petersburg family is trying to change Alaska’s workers’ comp laws in honor of their daughter
The family wants to hold employers more accountable for negligence, which could affect thousands of Alaskans working dangerous jobs.
Eklutna Hydro Project owners’ plan would return water to most, but not all of Eklutna River
The plan would bypass the dam and send water back down 11 of 12 miles of the Eklutna River. But some want to see the river fully restored.
Report says Alaska’s labor shortage isn’t going away, and employers need to do more to retain workers
State economist says as retention becomes increasingly difficult, good employers have an advantage. And technical trades are in high demand.
New Anchorage cargo terminal could bring faster packages and industry expansion
The NorthLink Aviation facility will allow cargo carriers to unload and clear customs in Anchorage, which could grow the city’s freight business.
With new Anchorage waste center, city hopes to help residents minimize trash
The transfer station is a central point for the city’s garbage trucks and residents to dump trash, but also offers opportunities to divert landfill waste.
New AEDC president focused on making Anchorage more attractive to workers
Jenna Wright, the Anchorage Economic Development Corp.'s new head, says the city needs to become more desirable and affordable to workers.
Alaska heading toward fiscal ‘brick wall’ that could force end to PFD formula debate
Alaskans are set to receive $1,312 payouts, but the Legislature still can’t agree on how to determine that number in the long term.
Alaska rents are up 7%, the biggest increase in more than a decade
A new report from the state finds median rental costs climbed across the board, as much as 16% in one community.
A new e-waste program is recycling tons of batteries from rural Alaska
The Backhaul Alaska program collected and recycled over 145,000 pounds of lead acid batteries and other e-waste from hard-to-reach communities last year.
Mat-Su Borough welcomes Alaska’s biggest solar farm
The 8.5 megawatt solar array is expected to power about 1,400 homes, and has already begun feeding energy into the Matanuska Energy Association grid.
Anchorage women-owned businesses form ‘Outdoor Alliance’ to help each other succeed
Women have been making inroads in the traditionally male-dominated industry, with female leaders apparently concentrated in Alaska.
A tough choice for Heather’s Choice: Anchorage company considers relocating to grow business
Heather’s Choice makes premium dehydrated meals for hikers or anyone on the go, and is continuing to grow its presence in the Lower 48.
Anchorage population expected to increase in 2023, the first time in 7 years
But the increase is small: "a whopping 0.3%," said Bill Popp, president and CEO of the Anchorage Economic Development Corp.
TOTE Maritime Alaska is now powering its ships with natural gas, cutting carbon and other pollutants
The company says it's the first in the world to convert a full fleet to run on the most environmentally friendly fuel available.
Alaska will start monitoring villages for PFAS in anticipation of new EPA rules
The state Department of Environmental Conservation will test the drinking water in 193 Alaska Native villages starting this fall.
In the wake of canceled cruise stops, Valdez official says businesses should focus on in-state tourism
A local official said cruise lines have a history of abrupt cancellations, so tourism companies should cater to more reliable Alaskan visitors.
Anchorage outdoor apparel company Alpine Fit wins small business award
Alpine Fit was recently named women-owned business of the year - the owner credits the accolade to their contributions to domestic apparel manufacturing.