Wesley Early, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage
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.”
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.