Wesley Early, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage

Wesley Early, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage
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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.

Man fatally shot after running at an officer with a knife made several 911 calls, Anchorage police say

James Afuvai, 24, allegedly told officers he was in trouble and that shots had been fired nearby. Police “weren't able to find any sort of crime scene or area where there was somebody else in danger.”
Downtown Anchorage, with water in the foreground and mountains behind.

Anchorage Assembly considers ballot proposition that would introduce a 3% sales tax

If approved, supporters estimate it would generate about $180 million in annual revenue for the city.

LaFrance proposes selling $2M tent-like building that prior administration wanted to use as a homeless shelter

Mayor Suzanne LaFrance says the Port of Alaska will pay the roughly $2.4 million the city initially bought the structure for.
a woman speaks into a microphone behind a podium

In reversal, Anchorage Assembly approves $250K settlement with Demboski

“As much as it pains me to pass out money like this, I do think this is in the best interest of the city at this time,” said Assembly member Karen Bronga.

City of Anchorage approves $300K settlement for former police officer who sued over racial discrimination

Jared Tuia, who is Samoan and spent more than 20 years in policing, alleged that he was passed over for three different promotions.

For the second time, Anchorage Assembly rejects paying legal settlement to Bronson’s ousted municipal manager

Amy Demboski sued the city, alleging she was fired in retaliation for bringing up concerns of illegal and unethical activities to former Mayor Bronson.

Mayor LaFrance highlights winter shelter plan and snow plowing in proposed budget

The proposed budget is roughly $645 million, about $20 million more than last year’s. LaFrance said it’s about $200,000 under the tax cap.
Street lights with cars going by.

Local leaders grapple with how to improve Anchorage roadways after 13 pedestrian deaths

Cities that have reduced pedestrian deaths have overhauled their roadways — narrowing lanes and adding more crosswalks, an expert says.

Anchorage officer’s fatal shooting of teenager was ‘legally justified,’ state says

Body camera footage and a 22-page report lay out in detail, for the first time, what police and family say happened the night an officer fatally shot 16-year-old Easter Leafa.

Anchorage police delay release of body camera footage of Easter Leafa’s killing

The request came from the state Office of Special Prosecutions, who say the delay “safeguards the integrity of its active criminal investigation and protects the constitutional rights of the accused.”
close up of a police car, it reads "Emergency 911."

Woman in critical condition after struck by pickup in Anchorage

The crash happened hours after several Assembly members called on leaders to make the city safer for pedestrians.
a highway

Anchorage Assembly pushes state and city leaders to address high rate of pedestrians killed by drivers

The Anchorage Assembly is asking for more street lights and reduced speed limits following six pedestrian deaths this month.
A police car marked as Anchorage Police.

This September is the deadliest month for pedestrians in Anchorage in over a decade

Two pedestrians were struck and killed over the weekend, bringing the city’s total number of fatal vehicle-pedestrian collisions this month to six.

Anchorage police hope focus on officers’ mental health and change in state law will encourage more to seek resources

Senate Bill 103 establishes clear confidentiality rules for police peer support sessions. It’s part of an emerging focus on mental health and wellness at Alaska public safety departments.
a permanent fund seal in window

Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend for 2024 is $1,702

Residents who applied electronically for direct deposit of the dividend should start seeing it in their accounts on Oct. 3.
A woman with a pink sweater and red glasses

Anchorage Assembly vice chair Meg Zaletel won’t run for reelection

Zaletel was elected to represent Midtown Anchorage in 2019 and currently serves as vice chair of the Assembly.

Anchorage partners police officers with social workers to assist city’s homeless

City leaders say the Homeless Outreach Prevention and Engagement team will help reach homeless residents while ensuring they and program navigators are safe.
A woman waves political signs on the sidewalk.

Anchorage Assembly member Karen Bronga not running for reelection

Bronga endorsed fellow East Anchorage resident Yarrow Silvers to take over when her term ends next year.
Blue and red police lights.

Man dies in multi-vehicle crash on Tudor Road involving school bus

On Monday afternoon, a school bus rear ended a green Chevy pickup on East Tudor Road, near Lake Otis Boulevard. The green pickup then hit a red Chevy pickup, which hit a Nissan SUV.
People waiting in line waiting to cast their vote.

Why candidates are withdrawing from Alaska’s general election

Eleven candidates dropped out after the primary. Many said they wanted to help build support around stronger candidates.