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 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.
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.