Abbey Collins, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage
LISTEN: What I learned after an unusual brown bear encounter near Anchorage
Near the end of a 20-mile hike, former Alaska Public Media reporter and outdoor enthusiast Abbey Collins encountered two brown bears fighting one another.
Alaska’s brewing industry continues to grow, despite pandemic challenges
New breweries have been popping up in Alaska for years, and, despite earlier predictions that growth would plateau, it hasn’t let up yet. vv
Hiker missing after reported bear encounter on Palmer-area trail found alive
Alaska State Troopers say 55-year-old Palmer resident Fina Kiefer walked out of the woods about a mile from the Pioneer Ridge trailhead.
Hiker missing after being charged by bears near Palmer
A search is ongoing for a hiker near Palmer who was reportedly charged by bears on a local trail.
Independent travelers pour into Anchorage as summer tourism season begins
Big cruise ships recently got the green light to sail to the state again. At the same time, independent travelers are showing up in force in Southcentral.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Alaska’s pandemic housing boom driven by interest rates, tight inventory and shifting attitudes
The housing market’s upswing doesn’t account for thousands of Alaskans who are struggling to make ends meet.
LISTEN: What another summer without cruise ships could mean for Alaska’s economy
Alaska lost 27,000 jobs in 2020. And, while the whole state suffered, regions that depend on tourism were hit especially hard.
To face 2020 head-on, one Anchorage tour company branched out
In the last year, employees at Salmon Berry Tours delivered groceries, plants and Christmas Trees. They also took on a new role in Hatcher Pass.
Three killed in avalanche on Bear Mountain near Chugiak while ascending a technical route
Alaska State Troopers are warning of avalanche danger around Bear Mountain in Chugiak, after three people were reportedly killed in a slide there this week.