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.
As state grapples with food stamp backlog, an Anchorage middle school steps up to feed families
When principal Marcus Wilson found out about one student’s family struggling to get food, he sent out a message to all families to see if it was a bigger issue. And it was.
New Anchorage daycare teaches children in Hmong and English
Chue Hang opened the Hmoob Cultural Center of Alaska in November to help support and educate Hmong people like herself.
Anchorage HR director resigns, citing ‘toxic, hostile, and demoralizing work environment’
Niki Tshibaka’s departure is the latest in a series of resignations and firings among top city officials.
Talk of Alaska: Recognizing Unsung Black Alaskans
Since before statehood, Black Alaskans have made contributions both big and small to shape Alaska into what it is today. February is Black History Month, and we want to hear about prominent Black community leaders in your part of the state. Who are prominent Black Alaskans in your part of the state? We’ll discuss unsung Black figures in the 49th state, throughout Alaska’s history and those making an impact today on this Talk of Alaska.
Anchorage police now carrying overdose-reversing naloxone
Anchorage police were among the last major law enforcement agencies in the state to carry naloxone.
Alaska Public Safety officials release a draft policy to put body cameras on troopers
The seven-page draft policy covers everything from when troopers should turn on the cameras to how and when the footage will be released.
Here’s who’s running for Anchorage Assembly
A majority of Assembly seats are up for election and only two incumbents are running.
Anchorage schools now prepared for remote learning during snow days
The move comes a month after a trio of winter storms closed schools for six days.
For students at 8 Anchorage schools, chicken jerky and crackers are replacing hot lunches
An Anchorage Daily News report found staffing shortages mean the district can't provide hot lunches to hundreds of students.
Disgraced former Anchorage health director accused of defrauding state militia
The state of Alaska wants more than $60,000 back from Joe Gerace, claiming he misrepresented his military background to the Alaska State Defense Force.
Anchorage Mayor Bronson remains mum on accusations of unethical, unlawful actions
Bronson briefly addressed the Anchorage Assembly Tuesday night, the first regular Assembly meeting since former Municipal Manager Amy Demboski’s scathing letter.
From next week to March 9, Anchorage school days will be 30 minutes longer
The Anchorage School Board approved the plan to make up for class time lost due to an unprecedented string of snow days in December.
Anchorage Assembly approves emergency changes to contracting, ombudsman authority in wake of allegations against mayor
The Anchorage Assembly approved three emergency ordinances during a special meeting Friday in response to allegations made against Mayor Dave Bronson’s administration.
Robin Dern chosen to fill Jamie Allard’s Anchorage Assembly seat
After two rounds of voting, Dern was chosen from 10 candidates who put their name forward to replace Allard.
Anchorage city employees accuse Mayor Bronson’s office of monitoring security footage to see who’s talking to ombudsman
The ombudsman said he's referring the matter to the city prosecutor.
10 people file to fill Jamie Allard’s Anchorage Assembly seat
Assembly member Jamie Allard had represented the Chugiak/Eagle River area since 2020. Now she’s serving in the Alaska Legislature.
Anchorage internal auditors to review contracts made under disgraced former health director
In addition to the audit of health grants and contracts, another big audit will look into sole-source contracts from the city’s purchasing department.
Anchorage Assembly leaders demand response from mayor following scathing allegations
Anchorage Assembly leaders say they want Mayor Dave Bronson to publicly respond to scathing allegations made against him by recently-fired Municipal Manager Amy Demboski.
An attorney for Demboski issued an 11-page demand letter on Wednesday,...
Ousted Anchorage city manager accuses Mayor Bronson of breaking law, creating hostile work environment
The scathing 11-page letter to city leaders says Amy Demboski's firing was retaliatory and unlawful.
Anchorage School District is again considering changes to class start times
The school board voted down a proposal to change start times in 2018, but officials say the issue has remained important post-pandemic.