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.

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.
close up of a police car, it reads "Emergency 911."

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.
Crime scene tape with red and blue police lights.

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.
Blue and red police lights.

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.
A police car marked as Anchorage Police.

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.
two people walk outside near a camp

‘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.
A police car marked as Anchorage Police.

Pedestrian fatally struck by SUV in South Anchorage, police say

This marks the 14th pedestrian killed by a vehicle in Anchorage this year.
A reserved sign for disabled Anchorage residents.

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.
a man with a microphone

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.
A big truck filled with snow on the street.

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.
two airplanes side by side at the airport

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.
An alley and exterior of two buildings

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.
A woman with a white shirt and glasses stands outside.

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.