Michael Fanelli, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage

Michael Fanelli, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage
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Michael Fanelli reported on economics and hosted the statewide morning news at Alaska Public Media. 
A woman in a colorful patterned shirt sits at a desk.

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 smiling woman holding a small package

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.
A man dressed in a grey suit with a purple tie discuses the three-year economic outlook at the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation luncheon held at the Dena'ina Center.

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.
A town on a cove as seen from above

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.
a town can be seen from an aerial view out of a plane

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.
A woman in a grey shirt describing clothes on a rack.

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.
A man standing and speaking in a big open room

New Anchorage airline aims to bring year-round tourism to Alaska

Northern Pacific Airways plans to offer flights from Japan and Korea to the Lower 48 with a layover in Anchorage, starting next spring.
three windmills on top of a hill at sunset

Alaska renewable energy advocate expects green bank bill to pass next session

The bill stalled in the legislature this year, but Chris Rose of REAP says it and a bill mandating increased clean energy use both have strong support from lawmakers.
multiple people standing, smiling, and clapping

Ukrainian entrepreneurs start anew as refugees in Anchorage

A training program graduated 11 Ukrainian refugees this week, helping the new arrivals learn the ropes of business in Alaska.
woman holding bag between her and dog

In an effort to protect mail carriers, the USPS is promoting pet safety

Alaska only accounted for 8 of 5,300 national dog attacks last year, but the Postal Service says even one bite is too many.
The Cook Inlet Natural Gas Storage Alaska facility

Alaska’s natural gas shortage: How did we get here and what comes next?

Southcentral Alaska is facing a looming energy crisis as natural gas contracts are set to run out. Utilities aren’t sure how to replace it, but foreign imports seem likely.
three people getting off an airplane

Anchorage now has the third busiest cargo airport in the world, with plans for growth

Geographic advantage helped Anchorage's airport claim its new title. To keep growing, it needs to market the shape of the Earth.
Construction workers walk down a city street.

Statewide income in Alaska grew twice as fast as the U.S. last year, mostly because of PFDs

The state still has fewer jobs than pre-pandemic, but the job market is historically strong and inflation is beginning to ease.
A line coming up to a boat attached to some buoys with kelp hanging down

Two Native-led green banks are starting up in Alaska

The Valdez Native Tribe and Spruce Root are both establishing lending institutions to fund renewable energy and environmental infrastructure.
cruise ship passengers in Juneau

Juneau is bracing for its busiest cruise season ever

Alaska's capital city is expecting 1.5 million tourists this summer, 30% more than pre-pandemic levels.
A woman in an orange sweater leaning against her car.

A small but growing group of EV owners in Alaska show electric cars can work in the frigid north

Amid a federal push to limit vehicle emissions, there is a small but fast growing community of electric car owners in Alaska. Drivers say modern EVs can handle the winter conditions just fine.
people talk to staffers in windows at the PFD office

Reminder, Alaska: PFD applications are due Friday

The state’s online PFD application will be available until 11:59 p.m. on Friday.
The sign for Alaska Pacific University stands in front of pine trees surrounded by snow.

APU professor finds when it comes to salary, majors matter more than colleges

Professor Dale Lehman built a model to analyze how much colleges contribute to their graduates’ earning potential. His conclusion? Not much.
two people and a check

Alaskans owe less tax than expected for their PFDs because of energy relief payment

The $662 energy relief portion of the payout is not subject to federal taxes, according to a recent IRS announcement.