Lex Treinen, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage

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Lex Treinen is covering the state Legislature for Alaska Public Media. Reach him at ltreinen@gmail.com.
A musher in a big parka and orange jacket rides down a city street

Iditapod bonus: Extended interview with Brent Sass

Reigning Iditarod champ Brent Sass talks about his hectic life in the tiny town of Eureka, his newfound confidence and his mushing philosophy.
a man hugs a dog outside

Boomer, the ‘bull in a china store’

Iditarod musher Jed Stephensen said the 3-year-old dog is "just a constant explosion."
A musher in the snow with a yellow parka drives a team of dogs

This year’s Iditarod field is the smallest in history. Could a bigger prize and more races boost interest?

With just 33 teams in this year’s Iditarod, many are questioning how the organization can keep attracting mushers to the expensive sport.
dogs run on a trail

The race is on: What to know about the 2023 Iditarod

How are Iditarod trail conditions? Why so few mushers this year? We answer those questions and more.
Brent Sass 2023 Yukon Quest start

All eyes on reigning Iditarod champ Brent Sass in small, yet competitive field

Nearly all of last year’s top dog teams are returning to the Iditarod, though some of the mushers have changed.
Joe Gerace talks with people in front of dumpsters in front of the Sullivan Arena shelter

Anchorage mayor says he’s investigating the hiring of former health director Joe Gerace

Mayor Dave Bronson’s statement follows an investigation by American Public Media and Alaska Public Media that found Gerace used a resume that misrepresented his educational credentials and military background to get a job running the city’s health department.
A tan building

Bronson’s pick for top Anchorage librarian declines job, leaving controversial deputy director in charge

Three months after Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson announced a new pick to lead the city’s library system, officials say Robert Hudson will not be taking the job after all. 
a camp in the woods

Outdoor deaths in Anchorage spiked in June, coinciding with sharp increase in unsheltered homelessness

Six people died outside in the city in June, the highest number in at least two years. Advocates fear the trend could continue without immediate action.
Police cars and yellow tape at a crime scene in the forest

Anchorage police name suspect injured in shootout with officers at homeless campground

Police say 32-year-old Iese Gali Jr. shot at officers, who returned fire.
Police cars and yellow tape at a crime scene in the forest

Anchorage police officer and suspect hit after exchanging gunfire at campground city sanctioned for homeless

Two officers were conducting what police described as a “security check” Wednesday night at Centennial Campground prior to the shooting, police said.
people run down a steep gravel mountainside

Records fall at Mount Marathon race in Seward

Allie McLaughlin of Colorado smashed the women's record by 40 seconds.

Emotions high as Anchorage’s largest homeless shelter shuts down after more than 2 years 

Dozens of people have moved from shelter to camping in the past weeks as the city closes its pandemic-era shelter.
A large tan building with a stairwell in the front

Anchorage’s largest homeless shelter will close Thursday after 2 years. Here’s what to know.

Dozens of people will be left without a place to stay when the Sullivan closes on Thursday morning, officials say. They hope some will move into a new sanctioned campground.
A woman in a tie dyed shit and hat wipes her eye standing over a camping tent

Despite community pushback, some say authorized homeless campground in Anchorage is needed

Community leaders say the abrupt opening of the Centennial Campground in East Anchorage was poorly planned, but homeless advocates say it’s a place where campers can feel safe.
Three people sitting at a table

Anchorage HR director’s ‘I’m with Judy’ t-shirt part of wrongful termination suit

Former Office of Equal Opportunity Director Heather MacAlpine was fired while investigating complaints about the city’s top librarian, Judy Eledge, who has gotten public support from the mayor and chief human resources officer.
A fire crew moves brush away from a firebreak

With hot, dry weather expected, Alaska boosts firefighting resources

Alaska is now on “Preparedness Level 4," the second-highest level based on current fires and fire potential.
A white man with a beard and a suit

Anchorage mayor appoints staunch conservative after municipal attorney resigns

Patrick Bergt resigned as city attorney after less than a year on the job.
A sky over tundra

Officials say they’ve finished work on massive tundra fire near Yukon River that threatened St. Mary’s

All of the more than 150 evacuees have returned to their home villages, according to the fire service.
A fire as seen from the air

Rainy weather tamps down fires near St. Mary’s for now as officials warn of flammable conditions in Interior

Residents of St. Mary’s on the Yukon River were told they no longer need to be packed up to leave, though smoke is still lingering.
An older woman and three teenagers hold a baby

Southwest Alaska fire evacuees start returning home, but changing climate presents lingering risks

People who evacuated are returning to a home that’s seeing ever-increasing effects of climate change.