Adelyn Baxter, KTOO - Juneau
Steep job losses in Alaska plus historic federal aid led to a ‘very different recession’ in 2020
As federal aid poured in, personal income in Alaska actually rose in 2020.
How an Alaska fiber mill survived the pandemic, despite plummeting sales and low supply
Kate Wattum began operating her fiber mill business in Fairbanks in 2016. But it wasn't until 2020 that she felt like she'd hit her stride, turning raw animal fibers into yarn. Then came the pandemic.
A rental car shortage is forcing some travelers to reconsider their trips to Alaska
A nationwide shortage of rentals cars is forcing dealers to raise prices. Renting a car for a week can cost over $2,000 in some cases — if travelers are able to find them at all.
Hometown Alaska: A conversation with Anchorage Police Acting Chief Ken McCoy
APD's Acting Chief Ken McCoy joins host Kathleen McCoy for a conversation on the department's work in Anchorage, and more broadly, on modern policing — a public safety field that has come under increasing scrutiny as social media and video cameras have captured police at work.
RUNNING 2021: Runoff for Mayor of Anchorage
Hometown Alaska is hosting a mayoral candidates' discussion between Dave Bronson and Forrest Dunbar.
Is Alaska’s pandemic housing market burning out or getting hotter?
It's a seller's market: homes are going fast and at high prices. But experts say they're not seeing the warning signs of a housing bubble.
As summer approaches, Alaska’s tourism industry prepares to welcome independent travelers
State and federal leaders have been trying to find ways to bring large ships back to the state this year. But summer is right around the corner.
Doing right by kids: How to pay for quality early childhood education at a scale we need?
Today's question came from a listener, a father who has weathered and completed his own family's journey through expensive childcare, for which he's grateful. But his own success don't solve the huge challenge in...
Alaskan farmers get creative with growing food sustainably
https://youtu.be/7fOPc3vhtb0
The definition of farming has expanded over time from soil-only planting and harvesting to include farmers that harvest from the sea. Along the coast, kelp farming is seeing growth as a sustainable industry with...
In Anchorage’s COVID-19 economy, social media skills are essential for small business — but not everyone has them
Familia opened in May 2020. Their food has gained a strong following despite the pandemic.
McCoy makes history, with appointment to Acting Chief of the Anchorage Police Department
McCoy says his top priority is building and earning trust within the community.
Why aren’t there more Alaska Native defenders, prosecutors and judges?
A listener posed a question for Justice Alaska on Hometown Alaska and we tackled it on this week's show. Where are the Alaska Native defenders, prosecutors and judges in our state's judicial system? What...
LISTEN: As summer approaches, Alaska leaders are making continued efforts to salvage cruise tourism
Hope for big ships at some point this summer is not lost yet, but the outlook is bleak. Leaders in Alaska and Washington D.C. are attempting to find solutions.
New recovery center in Mat-Su addresses addiction amid pandemic
https://youtu.be/LwNWQGOmTH4
The number of Alaskans struggling with substance abuse and addiction has grown over the last year, and all too often treatment options were either shut down or not available nearby. A new recovery center...
Is Alaska ready to go nuclear? Is nuclear ready for Alaska?
It's probably time for everyday Alaskans to learn more about new developments in nuclear technology that may have potential benefits for Alaska—an energy-producing state that still faces rural high energy costs and challenging geography....
Financial needs linger among Alaskans, a year after the start of the pandemic shocked the state’s economy
Needs have settled down after the early spike, but many Alaskans are still dealing with the financial impacts of the pandemic, which are expected to linger in the months ahead.
Land Acknowledgements: Why, How, and Beyond
Over the past few years, acknowledging the Indigenous roots of the places we call home has become more common. This is especially true in Alaska, a state rich with Indigenous history and the state...
Healing and justice for victims of violent crimes
One week in the month of April 2021, the 18th-24th, is set aside to remember victims of violent crimes in communities across the United States. In Anchorage, Victims for Justice, an organization that advocates...
Alaska marked a year of deflation in 2020 — for the first time ever
The change is small -- a 1.1% decline in prices.
LISTEN: Economic Impact Payments are beginning to hit bank accounts. Here’s what you need to know.
The American Rescue Plan, which includes another round of federal relief money for Americans impacted by the pandemic.