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 HR director ‘walled off’ from investigating library staff complaints
HR director Niki Tshibaka has faced criticism over his support for Deputy Library Director Judy Eledge as complaints regarding her conduct were being investigated by the city’s Office of Equal Opportunity Director.
Heavy rain creates muddy conditions for homeless residents at Anchorage’s Centennial Campground
As campers contend with what feels like constant rain, some are planning ahead for winter.
Last of 4 defendants sentenced in 2016 murder of Palmer teen
Bradley Renfro, now age 21, was sentenced to 75 years in prison.
Suspect connected to AMBER alert arrested in Soldotna after fleeing troopers in Fairbanks
Troopers found Steven Narron's vehicle abandoned in an Anchorage park Wednesday night.
Anchorage Assembly moves to create task force to address winter sheltering needs
The motion comes as some Assembly members say Mayor Dave Bronson’s administration is failing to adequately prepare to address homelessness ahead of winter.
Alaska State Troopers cancel AMBER alert for 15-year-old girl in Anchorage
Troopers say Alexis Bane was found safe Thursday morning and the suspect is in custody.
Alaskans head to the polls in state’s first ranked choice election
Some voters said they were confused and frustrated by the new voting system, which had them sorting through long lists of candidates and weighing whether to rank or not to rank.
Anchorage’s Mobile Crisis Team hopes funding to operate 24/7 will expand ability to address mental health crises
For the last year, the MCT has been on the streets, responding to mental health crises. A few months ago, it got funding from the city to operate 24/7.
Anchorage Assembly looks into vetting future mayoral appointments following health director’s fabricated resume
"I think it’s really important that all of the appointments that came forth under this administration be reviewed again, and that we know the facts,” said Assembly member Kameron Perez-Verdia.
Federal broadband officials tout ‘once-in-a-generation’ opportunity to expand internet access in Alaska
"These kinds of resources, they don’t come along very often," said Assistant Commerce Secretary Alan Davidson. "We’re going to spend tens of billions of dollars in this country. We’re going to spend billions here in Alaska, most likely.”
Alaska Federation of Natives convention will be held in person for the first time since 2019
This year’s convention will be held Oct. 20 through Oct. 22 at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage.
Her son died of an overdose in Anchorage. Now she’s pushing for city police to carry Narcan.
While many police departments across the state use Narcan, the Anchorage Police Department — the state’s largest law enforcement agency — does not.
There are thousands of jobs open in Anchorage but not enough workers to fill them, says economic report
It’s not because people don’t want to work, said Anchorage Economic Development Corp. CEO Bill Popp.
Anchorage Assembly overrides Bronson’s veto of process for removing a mayor
The Assembly voted to override the mayor’s veto 9-3 at a brief meeting Monday afternoon.
Alaska’s first monkeypox case recorded in Anchorage
Anchorage Health Department officials say the person who tested positive is an Anchorage resident and is isolating at home. Officials say the person did not require hospitalization, and was a close contact of a person who recently traveled out of state.
Anchorage Assembly puts more than $7 million toward sheltering and housing initiatives
The Assembly also rejected a proposal from Mayor Dave Bronson that would've allowed for the waiving of camping limits for people who are homeless and staying at the controversial Centennial Campground.
Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson reflects on first year in office, homelessness and testy relationship with Assembly
Alaska Public Media’s Wesley Early spoke with Bronson last week about his first year in public office, and his future goals for addressing homelessness and navigating a stark divide with the local Assembly.
As fifth bear is shot at Anchorage’s Centennial Campground this month, Fish and Game raises alarm
“The location of Centennial Campground, and having a lot of people experiencing homelessness in that campground, it’s right next to a never ending supply of bears,” Fish and Game biologist Dave Battle said.
As Centennial Park continues as Anchorage homeless camp, advocates worry about resources and safety
As officials work to organize resources for homeless people, safety has been a concern for both volunteers and the campers using the area.
Anchorage mayor Bronson vetoes ordinance that gives Assembly a process to remove him
The Assembly needs eight votes to override the mayor’s veto, as they’ve done numerous times in the past. The ordinance initially passed with nine votes.