Kavitha George, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage
Kavitha George is Alaska Public Media’s climate change reporter. Reach her at kgeorge@alaskapublic.org. Read more about Kavitha here.
Early results show Dunbar with slight lead in Anchorage mayor race
At 9 p.m. with only 10,606 votes counted, Forrest Dunbar had 3,701 votes, followed by former Air Force pilot Dave Bronson with 3,116 votes
Here’s what to expect on Anchorage’s Election Day
If you haven’t voted yet, you can drop your signed ballot in one of the dropboxes around the city or go to one of the Vote Centers, located at City Hall, the Loussac Library and the Eagle River Town Center. As long as you are in line at a dropbox or Vote Center by 8 p.m. you will be allowed to vote. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by today, April 6.
In a crowded race, Anchorage campaign volunteers tell us how they chose their candidate for mayor
For months, campaign volunteers have called and texted voters, dropped off pamphlets, put up signs and knocked on doors in the hopes of encouraging their neighbors to vote for their pick for Anchorage mayor. Some have been politically active for years, but for others, organizing is a new pursuit.
Turnout holding steady so far in Anchorage’s 2021 election
Tuesday is Election Day in Anchorage — residents will be voting for the next mayor, a number of school board members and several ballot propositions. According to the municipal clerk, 27,445 ballots have been returned as of March 31 out of nearly 230,000 that went out earlier in the month.
Anchorage Assembly shapes early plans for next round of COVID-19 stimulus
Another round of federal COVID-19 stimulus money is on its way to Anchorage, though it’s not quite clear how much it will be or when it will arrive.
Anchorage’s parking boss quits in rift with city, after pandemic hits revenues
Andrew Halcro, who heads the organization that oversees parking downtown, abruptly resigned Friday, in what appears to be a split with city officials after the pandemic caused a large drop in parking revenue.
Asian Alaskans grapple with anti-Asian hate and feeling unsafe after the Atlanta shootings
Asian Americans in Alaska say that despite perceptions to the contrary, they do experience both blatant and subtle racism, and they say it's increased over the last year.
Anchorage Election Q&A: Here’s what’s on the ballot and options for voting
Anchorage is less than a month away from its next municipal election. Residents will decide who the next mayor and school board members will be, plus vote on several smaller seats and propositions. Here are some answers to common questions about this year’s spring ballot.
Anchorage mayoral candidates weigh strategies to support children and families
Many of the leading candidates for Anchorage mayor say education is a top priority. During a recent child and family issues forum hosted by Alaska Children’s Trust, most candidates agreed that improving access to early education and childcare and eliminating food and housing insecurity, are important, both for COVID-19 recovery and the future of the city.
Providers work to vaccinate Anchorage homeless population as quickly as possible
Since congregate shelters became eligible for COVID-19 vaccines last month, health care workers and homeless shelter coordinators have been working non-stop to get Anchorage’s 3,000-person homeless population vaccinated.
Mixed reactions from Anchorage restaurants over latest emergency order
With a new emergency order in place this week, Anchorage restaurants are allowed to open at full capacity, as long as they maintain social distancing and masking requirements. While this seems like good news, some restaurants are still frustrated by the remaining restrictions and others are concerned that more customer interaction could lead to increased COVID-19 transmission.
Anchorage Assembly rejects motion to end emergency proclamation
The Anchorage Assembly rejected another motion to throw out the city’s emergency proclamation at a meeting on Tuesday evening. The city has been under an emergency proclamation since the pandemic began last March. It is currently set to expire next month unless the Assembly votes to extend it for the eighth time.
More than half of Brother Francis guests will be fully vaccinated by next week
More than half of the guests at Anchorage’s Brother Francis Shelter will be fully vaccinated by next week. Lisa Aquino, head of Catholic Social Services, which runs the shelter, said residents have been very willing to take the vaccine.
Anchorage lifts capacity restrictions for all businesses, still requires masks and social distancing
Emergency Order 19 also lifts restrictions on organized sports and group gatherings,
Anchorage mayoral hopefuls offer different visions on how to help the city recover
In the upcoming mayor's race, candidates are divided about whether to improve the current administration's course, or to rollback coronavirus restrictions immediately.
Dunbar, Robbins lead in fundraising for Anchorage mayoral race
Fourteen candidates are currently in the race for Anchorage mayor, but two have sizeable leads in fundraising.
After years of discussion, Anchorage will consider a tax levy to fund body cameras for police
Anchorage officials have discussed introducing body-worn cameras for police for a few years, but a lack of funding has stopped the idea from moving forward.
At an Anchorage testing site, “COVID Radio” broadcasts local music and public health
If you turn up the radio while you’re in line for a COVID-19 test in Anchorage, you might hear music from familiar local artists like Medium Build and the West High School Jazz Band. COVID Radio is a project sponsored by the Anchorage Concert Association and the Health Department to provide a platform for local artists and keep the community entertained and informed while they’re getting tested.
Anchorage Assembly decides against formal action after member defends Nazi license plates online
The Anchorage Assembly unanimously dismissed a resolution on Tuesday to recognize actions from Assembly member Jamie Allard around two controversial, Nazi-themed license plates as a “breach of the public trust.”
Anchorage Assembly considers ethics review for member who defended Nazi license plates
The Anchorage Assembly will consider a resolution this week to formally recognize Assembly member Jamie Allard’s statements defending a pair of Nazi-themed license plates as a “breach of the public trust.”