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 Mayor Bronson issues vetoes to city budget
Among his vetoes: $1.2 million to permanently increase capacity at Brother Francis shelter.
Fire destroys the only grocery store and fuel source in Stebbins
“Looking at the store, I mean I grew up with it all my life, and so did practically everyone here. It was our only store standing," said Lydia Raymond-Snowball. "Now it’s gone."
Anchorage’s beloved holiday star will be switched on remotely for first time ever
In years past, teams from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson had to take snowmachines up the mountain to turn the star on and off.
In a historic first, Alaskans set to elect 3 LGBTQ lawmakers to state Legislature
In its more than 60-year history, Alaska has never had an openly LGBTQ state lawmaker. Now, Alaska voters are set to send three down to Juneau.
Anchorage police to start carrying overdose-reversing Narcan as early as next year
The move follows growing demands from residents, including parents of overdose victims, who want police to carry and use naloxone to curb a rising number of overdoses in Alaska.
After leading Alaska Health Department, Adam Crum named state’s Revenue commissioner
Heidi Hedberg was named acting Health commissioner.
Anchorage Police Department and union to settle body camera debate in arbitration next year
Municipal attorney Blair Christensen says the arbitration process will likely wrap up six to nine months from now.
‘My phone is constantly blowing up’: Alaska voters contend with increase in campaign text messages
Are you getting a lot of text messages from candidates running for office? You're not alone.
Anchorage Assembly nixes funding to build new shelter, killing project for now
Some Assembly members said they were dismayed that the mayor’s administration had given Roger Hickel Contracting the go-ahead to spend millions to begin building the shelter without the Assembly's approval.
‘Lift your spirit’: Alaska Native dancers dazzle at first Quyana performance at AFN in 3 years
Anticipation was high for the return to Quyana, after two AFN conventions in a row were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As AFN convention kicks off in Anchorage, Native climate and subsistence advocates rally in the rain
The group held signs that said "Defend the sacred, protect the Arctic" and gave speeches, noting recent record storms and declines in subsistence foods.
Anchorage Assembly leaders condemn racist testimony about Alaska Natives
Assembly leadership said they wanted to ”speak out against the racist and offensive statements made by the member of the public.”
Bronson officials greenlit $4.9M to build East Anchorage nav center without Assembly approval
Public Works Director Lance Wilber said the city gave the go-ahead for building the homeless facility — but city code requires Assembly approval for projects over $50,000.
As Northwest Alaska heavy winds die down, flooding likely to impact communities
The National Weather Service has a flood advisory for the Kotzebue area through tonight, with Nome and Utqiagvik’s going into tomorrow. Officials say damage to fish and hunting camps along the coast is expected, with erosion also a possibility.
Anchorage officials issue eviction notices to homeless campers at Centennial Campground
There’s still dozens of homeless residents staying at the campground. They have 15 days to leave.
More than 100 people move to Sullivan Arena homeless shelter after city closes Centennial Campground
Anchorage homelessness coordinator Alexis Johnson says roughly 100 people are still staying at Centennial Campground.
‘It’s a lot’: Homeless residents at Anchorage campground get ready to move out following days of uncertainty
Some say they'll go back to the Sullivan Arena shelter, which the city confirmed on Thursday would reopen.
Anchorage protesters rally downtown, frustrated that local police still do not have body cameras
It has been about a year and a half since Anchorage voters approved buying body worn cameras for police.
‘There’s no help’: Anchorage homeless campers face uncertain future as Centennial Campground closure looms
Anchorage’s Centennial Park Campground, where hundreds of homeless residents have camped this summer, is closing on Saturday with no official plan for what's next.
Anchorage Assembly delays vote on using portable buildings as emergency winter shelters
The delay comes after Assembly members were told that several portable classrooms from the Anchorage School District wouldn’t be usable as shelters this winter.