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.
For the second time, Anchorage Assembly rejects paying legal settlement to Bronson’s ousted municipal manager
Amy Demboski sued the city, alleging she was fired in retaliation for bringing up concerns of illegal and unethical activities to former Mayor Bronson.
Mayor LaFrance highlights winter shelter plan and snow plowing in proposed budget
The proposed budget is roughly $645 million, about $20 million more than last year’s. LaFrance said it’s about $200,000 under the tax cap.
Local leaders grapple with how to improve Anchorage roadways after 13 pedestrian deaths
Cities that have reduced pedestrian deaths have overhauled their roadways — narrowing lanes and adding more crosswalks, an expert says.
Anchorage officer’s fatal shooting of teenager was ‘legally justified,’ state says
Body camera footage and a 22-page report lay out in detail, for the first time, what police and family say happened the night an officer fatally shot 16-year-old Easter Leafa.
Anchorage police delay release of body camera footage of Easter Leafa’s killing
The request came from the state Office of Special Prosecutions, who say the delay “safeguards the integrity of its active criminal investigation and protects the constitutional rights of the accused.”
Woman in critical condition after struck by pickup in Anchorage
The crash happened hours after several Assembly members called on leaders to make the city safer for pedestrians.
Anchorage Assembly pushes state and city leaders to address high rate of pedestrians killed by drivers
The Anchorage Assembly is asking for more street lights and reduced speed limits following six pedestrian deaths this month.
This September is the deadliest month for pedestrians in Anchorage in over a decade
Two pedestrians were struck and killed over the weekend, bringing the city’s total number of fatal vehicle-pedestrian collisions this month to six.
Anchorage police hope focus on officers’ mental health and change in state law will encourage more to seek resources
Senate Bill 103 establishes clear confidentiality rules for police peer support sessions. It’s part of an emerging focus on mental health and wellness at Alaska public safety departments.
Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend for 2024 is $1,702
Residents who applied electronically for direct deposit of the dividend should start seeing it in their accounts on Oct. 3.
Anchorage Assembly vice chair Meg Zaletel won’t run for reelection
Zaletel was elected to represent Midtown Anchorage in 2019 and currently serves as vice chair of the Assembly.
Anchorage partners police officers with social workers to assist city’s homeless
City leaders say the Homeless Outreach Prevention and Engagement team will help reach homeless residents while ensuring they and program navigators are safe.
Anchorage Assembly member Karen Bronga not running for reelection
Bronga endorsed fellow East Anchorage resident Yarrow Silvers to take over when her term ends next year.
Man dies in multi-vehicle crash on Tudor Road involving school bus
On Monday afternoon, a school bus rear ended a green Chevy pickup on East Tudor Road, near Lake Otis Boulevard. The green pickup then hit a red Chevy pickup, which hit a Nissan SUV.
Why candidates are withdrawing from Alaska’s general election
Eleven candidates dropped out after the primary. Many said they wanted to help build support around stronger candidates.
UAF scientists hope new forecast method can predict major earthquakes months in advance
Társilo Girona says he and other researchers trained an algorithm to analyze 30 years of earthquake data in Alaska and California.
Delegates from Anchorage’s Japanese sister city celebrate park renamed in their honor
Anchorage’s Sand Lake Park has been renamed to honor the 55-year sister city relationship with Chitose, Japan.
Anchorage leaders hope proposed parental leave and telework policies will bolster city workforce
“The level of vacancies that we find ourselves with now is historically very out of the norm and high,” said chief administrative officer Bill Falsey.
Nancy Dahlstrom drops out of Alaska’s U.S. House race
Dahlstrom announced the end of her candidacy after placing third in the primary, behind Democrat Mary Peltola and fellow Republican Nick Begich III.
Anchorage leaders wrestle with how to respond to spree of police shootings
Not everyone is in agreement over what should be done, and how quickly to do it.