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.
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.
Murkowski says she hopes Peltola is reelected to Congress
Sen. Lisa Murkowski endorsed Mary Peltola two years ago, when Peltola was running for her first full-term as Alaska’s sole member of Congress.
Sen. Sullivan spotlights efforts to preserve subsistence in remarks to 2024 AFN convention
Sullivan highlighted bills that would clarify that Alaska Native artists can use walrus ivory and bird feathers and a task force looking into salmon stock collapses.
‘We are giants’: Outgoing Alaska Federation of Natives President Julie Kitka delivers convention keynote address
This year’s convention theme is “Our Children, Our Future Ancestors,” and Kitka presented her comments as an open letter to her two young grandchildren.
Engaging voters in underserved communities | Talk of Alaska
What does it take to boost voter turnout across the state, especially in communities where people aren’t as likely to vote?
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.