Abbey Collins, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage
Skagway’s economy depends on cruise tourism. With little money coming in, the city is paying millions of dollars to residents
In Skagway, the city is distributing a large portion of its federal CARES Act funding directly to residents. City officials hope this unique action will save the town.
LISTEN: Interest rates are low, but competition is high for home buyers in Alaska
Home prices have remained surprisingly high during the pandemic, which may be a result of fewer people moving out.
LISTEN: More women, young Alaskans, among unprecedented number of unemployment filings in April
Like many other things in the past few months, Alaska Department of Labor Economist Jenna Luhrs says unemployment numbers were unprecedented.
UA president Jim Johnsen withdraws from Wisconsin job
In a press release Friday morning, Johnsen wrote “After deep reflection as to where I am called to lead a university system through these challenging times, it is clear to me and my family that it is in Alaska.”
LISTEN: April’s job losses were huge — how long will they last?
But, unlike other periods of significant job loss in Alaska’s history, this one may be short lived.
Pandemic stirs greater demand for local meat and produce as Alaskans head into summer
"Farmers are selling everything they can get slaughtered right now," said Schade."
Low sockeye returns prompt commercial fishing closure on the Copper River
Fish and Game is planning to make an announcement Friday about whether the fishery will reopen as scheduled on Monday.
In downtown Anchorage, the streets are quiet and parking is ample. Can locals keep the businesses afloat?
While the absence of tourism is noticeable in the heart of the city, some business owners see a silver lining.
As Alaska’s economy begins to reopen, Anchorage officials say the city is facing a childcare shortage
Of the 247 childcare facilities in the municipality, only 141 are open right now.
Restaurant closures create uncertainty in the market for premium Copper River salmon
Restaurants may not be reliable buyers this year, as owners grapple with reduced business amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Anchorage playgrounds reopen as pandemic restrictions ease
The city closed playgrounds last month as part of broader efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Alaska Airlines to require masks for passengers and employees
The company announced the change in a statement Friday. The requirement goes into effect May 11.
On Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, businesses hit hard during last summer’s wildfires are facing another season of uncertainty
As business owners look to this season for some sort of normalcy and a chance to recoup financial losses, they’re facing a new challenge: a global pandemic.
Alaska marijuana shops can now apply to provide curbside pickup
Alaska's Marijuana Control Board passed the regulations Friday. Lt. Gov. Keven Meyer’s office signed off on them later that evening.
Curbside pickup could be coming to Alaska’s marijuana stores, as control board advances emergency regulations
Right now, sales are only allowed to take place as they normally would -- inside the store. But, if Governor Mike Dunleavy approves the board's emergency regulations, that will change.
Alaska’s personal use and sport fisheries will stay open amid COVID-19 pandemic
Residents are being asked to take precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Park Service closes access road into Denali National Park
In a statement Tuesday, the National Park Service said the decision from Denali National Park and Preserve is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Digital grocery orders are up as Alaskans hunker down, but some shoppers say the job isn’t worth it anymore
Last week, Instacart shoppers across the country went on strike, demanding more safety protections and better pay.
LISTEN: How Alaska’s non-profits are feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
Alaska’s economy and it's businesses are facing great uncertainty amid the COVID-19 pandemic. And the non-profit industry is no exception.
Alaska economists say containing the virus is critical for the state’s long-term outlook
Estimates show the state could lose up to 50,000 jobs if closures drag on. And, the value of goods and services produced in the state could be reduced by billions of dollars.