Alaska Economic Report

As winter sets in, the Iran war has some Alaskans dreading their heating bills 05.11.2026 5:23 ↓

“Folks that have been here for decades plus are bailing,” one Fairbanksan said.

Rising costs challenge artists at this year's Alaska Federation of Natives convention 29.10.2026 5:23 ↓

For small vendors, rising expenses are forcing difficult choices.

Skateland and other longtime Anchorage businesses look for new owners 22.10.2026 5:23 ↓

It can be hard to find new buyers willing to take on the risk and reward that comes with owning a local business.

Alaska Morning News: October 16, 2026 7am 16.10.2026 2:54 ↓

Alaska Morning News: October 16, 2026 7am

How the state uses prison labor in Juneau to subsidize its ferry system 15.10.2026 5:23 ↓

A hidden workforce inside Juneau's Lemon Creek Correctional Center helps to keep the state's ferry system afloat.

Almost 40% of Alaska households don’t earn enough to make ends meet, according to new report 08.10.2026 5:23 ↓

That’s dramatically more than sit below the federal poverty line.

How to make the most of this year’s $1,200 permanent fund check 01.10.2026 5:23 ↓

We talked to a financial advisor and an economist for some expert advice.

Kenai king guides diversify to stay afloat 24.09.2026 5:23 ↓

Four consecutive season closures have hit the hundreds of fishing guides who have historically relied on the world-famous king run for their livelihood.

From pet grooming to photography, Alaskans are swapping services instead of cash 17.09.2026 5:23 ↓

Bartering is the exchange of goods and services without money. Economists say it’s more common when the economy is struggling.

What to know about the Southcentral Alaska gas crunch 10.09.2026 5:23 ↓

Demand from the state’s most populated region could outpace supply as soon as this winter.

Southeast Alaska dive fishermen are hit hard by sea otters 03.09.2026 5:23 ↓

Dive fisherman are seeing the impact of sea otters up close.

Could Fireweed be the next Spenard? Anchorage economists and planners think so 27.08.2026 5:23 ↓

There are a lot of vacant storefronts on Fireweed Lane. But experts say the area is ripe for redevelopment.

Giant pumpkins, crab legs and a water-skiing squirrel named Twiggy: Alaska State Fair celebrates 90 years 20.08.2026 5:23 ↓

The Alaska State Fair predates statehood by more than two decades. It hasn’t always been in Palmer, either.

Interior Alaska braces for an uncertain winter as a key firewood supplier shuts down 13.08.2026 5:23 ↓

The region's largest firewood supplier is closing, leaving thousands of customers scrambling before winter.

For many Alaskans, salmon dipnetting is about more than what’s caught 06.08.2026 5:23 ↓

ipnetting on the Kenai River is worth a lot to Southcentral residents – several hundred dollars more to a household than what they actually spend on it each season.

Librarians worry broadband costs will skyrocket after federal review. 30.07.2026 5:23 ↓

Alaska school leaders and public librarians are concerned about a potential cut at a time when districts are already struggling with budget deficits.

As demand for wildlife tourism grows, Kodiak businesses expand 23.07.2026 5:23 ↓

The number of cruise ship guests coming to Kodiak is expected to increase by more than 25% this summer.

Twelve schools closed across Alaska this year. Officials say more closures are expected without major changes 16.07.2026 5:23 ↓

Districts are expected to continue facing massive budget deficits in coming years.

Faced with surging power bills, the Haines landfill is going off-grid 09.07.2026 5:23 ↓

If all goes to plan, the landfill will be running off a combination of solar, batteries and diesel by fall.

How many federal jobs has Alaska lost? A lot, according to new data 02.07.2026 5:23 ↓

Alaska has one of the highest concentrations of federal workers in the country, and economists have been working to understand the magnitude of the federal job reductions in the state.

Where did Anchorage’s 24-hour restaurants go? 25.06.2026 5:20 ↓

Along with worker shortages and rising costs, another factor is likely at play locally – Anchorage's aging population.

Western Alaskans brace for lingering high fuel prices 18.06.2026 5:23 ↓

Many villages only get one or two fuel deliveries by barge each year, so high spring prices due to the war with Iran are mostly locked in, even after a tentative peace deal brought some relief to global oil markets.

At Celebration market, earrings are big business with a deeper meaning 11.06.2026 5:23 ↓

At Celebration in Juneau, some attendees saved up for years to buy earrings for themselves and loved ones.

Those working on the water are feeling the pinch as fuel prices surge 04.06.2026 5:23 ↓

From fishermen to water taxi operators, high fuel prices are making waves ahead of a short summer season.

Alaska Small Business Development Center names new director 28.05.2026 5:23 ↓

Jared Reynolds has an extensive background in the field, most recently as the executive director for the UA Center for Economic Development.