Wesley Early, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage
Wesley Early covers Anchorage life and city politics for Alaska Public Media. Reach him at wearly@alaskapublic.org and follow him on X at @wesley_early. Read more about Wesley here.
Alaska advocates celebrate halted Kroger-Albertsons merger
As part of the merger, the companies were prepared to sell off 18 of the state’s grocery stores.
Southcentral mayors say time is running out for utilities to address looming natural gas shortfall
Alaska’s Railbelt largely relies on liquified natural gas from Cook Inlet, though experts predict that the demand for LNG will outweigh the supply from local fields by around 2027.
Anchorage police not moving forward with using AI to write reports, for now
“We were hoping that it would be providing significant time savings for our officers, but we did not find that to be the case,” said APD Deputy Chief of Administration Gina Burington.
Anchorage restaurants and bars must soon check IDs for all alcohol sales
The Assembly unanimously approved the new rules Tuesday night. They take effect on March 1.
Man fatally struck by pickup truck in Midtown Anchorage
He is the 15th pedestrian killed by a vehicle in Anchorage this year — the most in a single year in over a decade.
State says fatal Anchorage police shooting of man wielding knife was justified
James Afuvai, 24, is the eighth person shot by Anchorage police this year, and the fifth to have died as a result.
With Anchorage shelters full, Assembly approves $2.3M for more beds
The city’s initial plan was to add 200 new beds, but officials with MASH Property Management were only able to add 132.
Off-duty Anchorage police officer arrested for operating under the influence
Police say patrol officer Aaron Richwine left a vehicle in a ditch near Lake Otis Parkway last week.
As hundreds flock to see dead Anchorage whale, scientists try to learn more about how it lived
Scientists are studying samples of the whale, from its blubber to its baleen.
Anchorage Assembly passes operating budget, without funding to study civilian oversight of police
Two amendments that dominated budget conversations involved contracting with an outside group to look into civilian oversight of the Anchorage Police Department.
Anchorage Assembly considers budget amendment to study civilian oversight of police department
The proposed amendment would be for a $75,000 contract with NACOLE, the National Association of Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement.
‘One person at a time’: Anchorage’s new HOPE team aims to boost outreach to the city’s homeless population
The team pairs an Anchorage Police Department officer and a social worker, and works to connect homeless people with resources and assistance.
Pedestrian fatally struck by SUV in South Anchorage, police say
This marks the 14th pedestrian killed by a vehicle in Anchorage this year.
Anchorage Assembly proposal would make downtown parking free for people with disabilities
The ordinance would also increase the fines for people who illegally park at a disabled parking meter.
Alaska Republican leaders celebrate Trump’s victory
They say they’re hopeful the Trump administration and a Republican-controlled U.S. Senate will create more opportunity for oil drilling and other development on Alaska’s federal lands.
Anchorage officials begin sheltering unhoused residents amid first major snowfall
The city’s winter sheltering plan includes a low-barrier shelter as well as 400 non-congregate shelter beds, many of which are converted hotel rooms.
Anchorage city officials launch a new website for all things snowplow-related
Officials say they hope the new website helps boost transparency around how — and when — the city is clearing snow.
Anchorage International Airport adds 5 new air cargo carriers
Airport leaders hope the expansion will increase the airport’s position in the global cargo market. The Anchorage airport is currently the fourth busiest for cargo in the world.
Anchorage Assembly approves $3.7M contract with controversial vendor for 200 emergency winter beds
Henning Inc. fell under scrutiny earlier this year when a series of unprofessional texts between the operator’s management and the city’s then-homelessness coordinator, who now works for Henning, were leaked.
After two years, Anchorage is set to have a permanent health director
Kim Rash had been serving in a temporary capacity since her predecessor resigned in the midst of a scandal. Now she’s been hired as the permanent director.